318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a 6-inch electric surface heating element used on Frigidaire ranges and cooktops. It is indeed a line-voltage resistive heating component designed to convert electrical energy into heat at the cooktop surface, typically manufactured as a coil or sealed surface element with standardized terminals and mounting geometry for direct replacement on compatible models.
Within the appliance the element functions as the primary heat source for a single surface burner and interfaces directly with the range’s power distribution and control systems – chiefly the infinite or selector switch, the terminal block or wiring harness, and the cooktop support assembly. Proper operation depends on correct electrical supply and secure terminal connections; the element also transfers heat to cookware and interacts indirectly with safety systems (fuses,breakers) and control electronics that regulate temperature and user settings.
In the article readers will find a technical overview of how the element works, guidance on identifying compatible replacements (diameter, wattage, terminal style and spacing), common failure symptoms to recognize (open circuit, intermittent heating, visible damage, arcing, or tripped protection), step‑by‑step troubleshooting methods (visual inspection, continuity and resistance checks, terminal voltage verification, and swap tests), and practical replacement considerations including safety procedures, verification of control and harness integrity, and matching electrical and mechanical specifications for a reliable installation.
Table of Contents
- Function and Role of the Surface Element within the Cooktop Heating System
- How the 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ Integrates with wiring, Controls, and Thermal Feedback
- Common Failure Symptoms and Measurable Diagnostic Indicators for Surface Elements
- Compatibility, Replacement Considerations, and Installation Diagnostics for Supported appliance Models
- Q&A
- in summary
Function and Role of the Surface Element within the Cooktop Heating System
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a resistive heating element designed to convert electrical energy into heat for a cooktop burner. Functionally, it interfaces with the range’s control switch and wiring harness so that applied line voltage flows through the resistive coil or element conductor, producing predictable thermal output. Heat distribution and response time are resolute by the element’s geometry, resistance value and the supply voltage; the element must match the range’s specified wattage and terminal configuration to maintain intended control behaviour and temperature regulation. Common electrical failure modes include open circuit (no continuity),short-to-ground,or intermittent contact at the terminal connections,while mechanical damage or deformation can cause hot spots and uneven heating across cookware.
Compatibility is determined by three practical factors: physical dimensions (6″ nominal diameter), terminal type and spacing, and the element’s rated voltage/wattage. Before replacing or diagnosing an element, visually confirm terminal shape and mounting style, check the range model’s service documentation for voltage/wattage ratings, and use a multimeter to verify continuity or an unexpected short. Installing an element with incorrect wattage or terminal configuration can produce different heat output, stress the control switch, or prevent proper seating in a drop-in receptacle. For technicians and owners, match the part number or measure the existing element, observe symptoms such as uneven heating, clicking or visible arcing at the terminal, and replace only with a physically and electrically compatible unit to restore safe, reliable operation.
- Compatibility checks: diameter, terminal type/spacing, mounting style, and rated voltage/wattage.
- Common symptoms of failure: no heat (open circuit), uneven heating, buzzing/arcing at terminals, or tripped breakers.
- Diagnostic steps: visual inspection, continuity test with a multimeter, and verification of correct part number/model fitment.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Part number | 318178110 – 6″ surface element intended for select Frigidaire oven ranges |
| Checks | Confirm terminal type, 6″ diameter, and voltage/wattage rating match the original element before replacement |
How the 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ Integrates with Wiring, Controls, and Thermal Feedback
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a resistive heating assembly designed to replace or function as the small cooking zone on Frigidaire electric ranges.Electrically, the element terminates in insulated quick‑connect spade terminals that hook to the range wiring harness or an infinite (mechanical) switch or an electronic/triac control module. When energized, the element converts electrical energy to heat in direct proportion to applied voltage and the duty cycle imposed by the control; it does not contain an integral temperature sensor, so the control relies on switch position, current flow characteristics, or separate thermostatic/thermal cutoff devices elsewhere in the cooktop for temperature regulation and safety.
For practical service and compatibility,match the replacement element’s diameter,mounting tabs,terminal spacing,and rated wattage to the original part; mismatches can cause incorrect heat output,nuisance tripping,or premature failure of switching devices. Technicians should verify element continuity and calculate expected cold resistance using R = V^2 / W to confirm specification compliance (such as, a 1200 W element on 240 V yields R = 48 Ω).also inspect associated safety items: surface limit thermostats, thermal cutouts, and the condition of the infinite switch or electronic relay, because an open thermal cutoff or a failed switch will prevent the element from energizing even if the element itself is good.
- Terminal type and spacing: quick‑connect spades; confirm fit to harness.
- Rated wattage: must match switch rating to avoid overcurrent.
- Continuity and insulation check: measure resistance and check for leakage to ground.
- Associated safety devices: verify thermal cutouts and limit thermostats in series.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Resistance check | Use R = V^2 / W to estimate cold resistance (example: 240 V, 1200 W → ~48 Ω). |
| Terminal type | Typically two insulated spade terminals; confirm orientation and tab width before installation. |
| Safety interface | Element relies on external thermostats/controls for thermal feedback; check series thermal cutouts and switch ratings. |
Common Failure Symptoms and Measurable Diagnostic Indicators for Surface Elements
The 318178110 Frigidaire oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a 6-inch resistive heating element designed for specific Frigidaire ranges; its primary function is to convert electrical energy into heat via a continuous coil encased in a metal sheath. common failure modes include an open coil (no continuity),a short to chassis (insulation breakdown),intermittent contact at terminals,and changes in resistance caused by material degradation. Compatibility considerations such as terminal orientation, mounting bracket style, and wattage rating affect both fit and thermal performance-installing an element with a higher or lower wattage than the original will change heat-up time and may overload or underperform the control circuits. For an accurate diagnosis, compare measured electrical values against the element’s expected parameters rather than relying on visual inspection alone.
- Continuity/Resistance: Measure with an ohmmeter after disconnecting power; an open circuit indicates a broken coil, while a resistance significantly higher than calculated from the element’s wattage suggests partial failure.
- Insulation to chassis: Test for continuity between element terminals and the metal housing; any measurable continuity indicates leakage or short-to-ground.
- Terminal voltage and current: With correct safety precautions and power applied, verify expected line voltages and current draw; absent voltage points to supply or switch failure, low current with correct voltage points to element degradation.
- Heat-up behavior: Time-to-temperature and steady-state surface temperature reveal performance loss even when basic electrical tests show continuity.
- Visual indicators: arcing marks, blistered insulation, or sagging elements often accompany electrical faults and can guide the priority of repairs.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Resistance check | Compare measured R to calculated R = V² / P (use element wattage and supply voltage); large deviation or open circuit indicates failure |
| Insulation test | Low insulation resistance or continuity to chassis indicates a short-to-ground; replace element and inspect surrounding hardware |
Diagnostic workflow: always isolate the element and disconnect power before removal or resistance testing; measure resistance on the element itself rather than through wiring to avoid false readings caused by harness faults. Use the formula R = V² / P to predict expected resistance from nameplate wattage and supply voltage-this gives a quantitative baseline (such as, a 1,150 W element at 240 V yields R ≈ 50 Ω) and helps determine whether a measured value is within tolerance. when resistance and insulation tests are within acceptable ranges but performance remains poor, inspect terminal connections and the range’s control switches or relays; intermittent failures frequently enough trace back to loose spade terminals or a failing infinite switch rather than the element body. Replace the 318178110 Frigidaire oven Range Surface Element 6″ only with a part that matches the original’s terminal type and wattage to maintain expected heating characteristics and electrical compatibility.
Compatibility,Replacement Considerations,and Installation Diagnostics for Supported Appliance Models
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a direct-fit coil-style heating element intended for ranges that use exposed surface elements rather than glass-ceramic cooktops. Compatibility is determined primarily by three mechanical and electrical characteristics: the element diameter (6″),the terminal style (typically 2 quick-disconnect spade lugs on many Frigidaire models),and the rated operating voltage and wattage that must match the appliance’s infinite switch and wiring capacity. Technicians should compare the replacement part’s physical dimensions, terminal spacing, and mounting clip arrangement against the original element and the appliance parts diagram; electrical compatibility without matching terminals or rating can cause overheating, poor heat control, or connector failures even if the element physically fits into the cooktop opening.
Replacement and installation diagnostics focus on safe verification of the element and the circuits that control it. Before any work, disconnect power at the breaker and verify no voltage is present. Use a multimeter to check continuity across the element terminals; a healthy 6″ coil commonly measures in the single- to low-double-digit ohms on a 120 V circuit (use the element’s stamped rating to calculate expected resistance via R = V^2/P).inspect terminals for corrosion,confirm the mounting clip secures the element at the correct height,and verify the infinite switch supplies the correct line voltage when actuated. Common failure modes include open windings (no continuity), short to ground (insulation failure), loose spade connectors, and incompatible mounting that distorts the element and alters heat transfer.
- Verify part number and physical match (diameter, terminal spacing, mounting clip) before ordering.
- Test element continuity and compare measured resistance to calculated expected value from the rating plate.
- Inspect and test the infinite switch and power feed if element measures within tolerance but does not heat.
- Replace only with elements rated for the appliance voltage and terminal type to avoid connector overheating.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Element Diameter | 6″ coil; must match cutout and pot clearance |
| Terminal Type | Typically 2 quick-disconnect (spade) lugs; verify spacing and orientation |
| Expected Resistance | Single- to low-double-digit ohms on 120 V circuits depending on wattage; calculate with R = V²/P |
Q&A
What exactly is the Frigidaire part 318178110 and what does “6-inch” mean?
Part 318178110 is a replacement surface heating element (a coil/boil element) for Frigidaire electric ranges. “6-inch” refers to the diameter of the circular cooking surface-this element is intended to replace the smaller front or rear surface burner that measures about 6 inches across.
How do I confirm this element is compatible with my Frigidaire range?
Confirm compatibility by checking your range’s model number and cross-referencing it with the part number 318178110 in the appliance parts list or on Frigidaire’s website. You should also match the element’s physical style (coil type, terminal configuration and spacing, and diameter) to the old element. If in doubt, provide your stove’s full model number to the parts supplier.
what electrical rating should I expect and how can I verify it?
Surface elements for residential ranges typically run on the stove’s line voltage (usually 240 V) and have wattages commonly in the hundreds to low thousands for 6″ elements. Exact wattage and voltage can vary by design. Verify the rating by checking the marking on the old element (stamped on the terminal area or rim), the appliance’s documentation, or the parts listing. If you need to calculate resistance, use R = V² / P (such as, a 1200 W element at 240 V would be about 48 Ω).
How do I safely replace a 6″ surface element like the 318178110?
Turn off power to the range first-unplug it or switch off the breaker if hardwired. Allow the element to cool. For coil elements: lift the coil slightly, pull it out of the receptacle, and then disconnect the plug terminals from the element. Insert the new element’s terminals into the receptacle and place the coil back into the drip pan. For sealed or different terminal types follow the appliance manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re not comfortable working with household voltage, hire a qualified technician.
How can I test the element to see if it is faulty before replacing it?
Disconnect power and remove the element. Use a multimeter set to the ohms range. Check for continuity between the two element terminals-there should be a low resistance (typically tens of ohms for a functioning element). An open circuit (infinite resistance) indicates a broken element that needs replacement. Also inspect for visible damage, burn-through, or shorting to the element frame (test between each terminal and the element body-no continuity should be present).
The element glows but doesn’t heat properly-could the 318178110 be bad?
If the element glows but doesn’t reach normal cooking temperatures, it can still be partially failed (reduced wattage), but other causes include a bad infinite switch, poor terminal connection, wiring issues, or a failing control board. Measure the element’s resistance to confirm it’s within expected range; check for secure, corrosion-free connections at the receptacle/terminal block. Replace the element if its resistance is significantly higher than expected or if you see physical damage.
What are common fit issues and what should I check if the new element doesn’t sit or plug in correctly?
Common fit problems are caused by incorrect diameter, wrong terminal orientation (straight vs. offset),different terminal spacing,or a different plug/socket design. Check the diameter (6″ vs 8″), the terminal type (two-prong straight, angled, or plug-in), and the location of mounting tabs. If the new element’s terminals do not align with the stove’s receptacle or the coil does not sit properly in the drip pan, get the correct OEM style for your range model.
Is the 318178110 an OEM part or are there aftermarket equivalents? Where can I buy it?
Part 318178110 is an OEM Frigidaire replacement part (or listed as such in many parts catalogs). Aftermarket equivalents exist, but for best fit and performance use the OEM part or a verified compatible replacement. You can buy it from Frigidaire’s parts store, authorized appliance parts retailers, or reputable online parts suppliers-always confirm the part number against your appliance model before purchasing.
In Conclusion
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ serves as a core heating component for compatible Frigidaire ranges, delivering localized heat for cookware and contributing to overall temperature control and cooking consistency. As a primary interface between the appliance’s electrical system and the cooking surface, its condition directly affects performance, energy use, and user safety.
Accurate diagnosis is significant before replacing a surface element: confirming symptoms, performing appropriate visual and electrical checks, and verifying compatibility help avoid unnecessary parts replacement and ensure the root cause is addressed. when replacement is required, selecting the correct 318178110 element and following proper installation practices preserves the appliance’s intended function and reduces the risk of future failures.
Timely and correct replacement of a failing surface element helps restore reliable cooking performance and can prevent additional damage to the range. For best results and to maintain safety and warranty considerations, follow the manufacturer’s specifications and consider professional service if there is any uncertainty about diagnosis or installation.
Professional Appliance Service
If your appliance requires professional diagnosis or repair, visit
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Replacement parts for many appliance models can also be found at
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