318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element is a direct-replacement electric heating element designed for frigidaire ovens and âŁranges; it is indeed a resistive tubular heating component that converts electrical energy into radiant heat for the oven cavity. As a bake element it consists of aâ corrosion-resistant sheath enclosing a resistive alloy coil, attachment terminals for the range wiring harnessand mechanical mounts that â¤secure it to the oven back or bottom. The part is intended for use in household electric ranges where it provides the primary source of heat for baking cycles.
In âoperation the â˘bake element interfaces with the oven’s control system,â including the user control board or mechanical selector, â¤relays or infinite âswitches, temperature sensors or thermostatsand the terminal block âthat connects to the mains supply. When the control system applies voltage, current flowing through the resistive element produces heat that radiates âinto the oven cavity; the element’s thermal output, âplacementand geometry affect⢠temperature uniformity and recovery time. The element must also be compatible with the oven’s electrical rating and grounding arrangements â˘and function within the oven’sâ thermal insulation and safety⢠interlocks to avoid overheating or â¤arcing.
This article will cover the bake element’s functional characteristics and physical construction, guidance on âmodel compatibility and âhow to verify⤠the correct replacement part, common failure symptoms (for example,â loss of heating, uneven temperature, visible breakageor electrical arcing), basic troubleshooting checks a technician can perform (continuity and resistance checks, visual inspection of terminals and âŁinsulationand⣠verifying control âsignals)and practical replacement considerations such as âŁmatching terminal style, wattage/voltage rating, mounting âconfigurationand safety precautions when â˘servicing. The content is aimed at technicians,engineers,and â˘appliance owners seeking a technical understanding of the component â˘and factors to evaluate when diagnosing orâ replacing it.
Table of Contents
- Functional Role and Thermalâ Performance Specifications of the Oven Bake Element
- How the 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element Interfaces with Power Controls, Relaysand Temperature Sensors
- Electrical and Thermal⣠Failure Symptoms: Measurement-Based âDiagnostics for a Faulty Bake Element
- Replacement, Compatibility, â¤and Step-by-Step Installation Procedures for the 318255006 Bake Element on Frigidaire Models
- Q&A
- Closing Remarks
Functional Role and⤠Thermal Performance Specifications of the Oven Bake Element
The â˘318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range bake Element âŁis a tubular resistive heating element that provides the primary radiant heat for the oven cavity during bake cycles. It is designed to convert⣠line voltage âinto predictable heat output through a nickel-chromium alloy conductor encasedâ in a corrosion-resistant⤠sheath; the element mounts to the oven floor or rear with threaded⢠tabs and spade terminals for the incoming power leads. Functionally, âthe element responds to commanded power from the oven control â˘(relay or thermostat) âand exhibits a defined heat-up profile and thermal mass that âŁaffect temperature rise and recovery after door openings. Correct mechanicalâ fit, terminal orientationand rated wattage âŁare required for⢠compatibility with⢠the oven’s control strategy and âŁto avoid altered bake times or thermostat cycling behavior when replacing this part.
Thermal performance of the element is âcharacterized by rated wattage, DC resistance at ambient temperature, â¤and the element’s ability to withstand repeated thermal cyclingâ without localized overheating. In practise, a technician will measure resistance with a multimeter to â¤check âfor open circuits or gross deviations from expected âvalues; an open reading indicates aâ failed element, while substantially lower âŁresistance can indicate internal shorting. âOperational⣠symptoms that warrant replacement include⣠uneven cooking, visible blistering, glowing hot spotsor tripped breakers.When replacing theâ element, match rated voltage âand wattage and confirm terminal/mount âcompatibility to âŁmaintain oven âtemperature control and safety.
- Common symptoms: open circuit, uneven heating, visible discoloration/hotspots.
- Diagnostic âŁtip: measure resistance and inspect terminals for⣠corrosion â¤or loose connections.
- Replacement considerations: match wattage, voltage, terminal typeand mounting tab location.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Part number | 318255006 Frigidaire Oven âRange Bake Element |
| Typical rated power | Approximately 2000-3000 W (commonly ~2400 W for 240 VAC service) |
| Typical DC resistance | On the order of 15-30 Ί at room temperature (varies with length âand design) |
| Mounting & terminals | Threaded mounting tabs; spade terminals for⤠line connections – âconfirm orientation |
How the 318255006 â˘Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element Interfaces with âPower Controls, Relaysand Temperature Sensors
The 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element is a resistive heating elementâ that interfaces directly with the range’s line voltage and control circuitry. In typical Frigidaire electric ranges the bake element is⣠connected between the two hot âŁlegs (providing nominal⣠240 V) and presents a steady resistive load; correctâ replacement âŁrequires matching the element’s voltage rating, resistance range, mounting points,â and connector types so the oven control and relay hardware see the expected electrical load. As the element is âpurely resistive, it’s behavior under applied voltage is predictable: heat output follows P = V²/Rand âan out-of-spec⢠resistance or poor connector⢠contact will change heating performance and stress the switching components that drive it.
Power to the bake element is switched by the oven control through a mechanical ârelay or⣠a solid-state device; these âswitches mustâ be rated to handle the continuous current âdraw of the element (commonly in the â10-20 A rangeâ per element, depending on wattage) and tolerate repeated cycling without⢠contact degradation. The oven temperature sensor (thermistor or probe) provides closedâloop feedback to the control âboard so âŁthe board engages the relay to maintain setpoint; a⣠faulty sensor or poor sensor wiringâ can cause overâcycling or continuous on states that â˘accelerate relay wear or trigger protection. Technicians⤠should verify continuity âof the element, measure voltage at the element terminals during a heating â˘demandand read the sensor resistance at room temperature to confirm compatibility with⢠control expectations; observing relay operation (audible click, â˘contact voltage drop) often reveals interface faults between the element and the â˘control electronics.
- Common interface symptoms: no heat â(openâ element or broken relay), intermittent heating (worn relay contacts or loose connector), rapid cycling (sensorâ drift or incorrect controlâ algorithm input).
- Speedy checks: continuity across element,⣠line voltage presence during call for heat, sensor resistance compared to expected value.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Operating voltage | Nominal 240⢠V across âbake element in most ranges; verify model-specific ârating before replacement. |
| Typical power / resistance | Common bake elements are in âŁthe 2,500-3,500 W range; resistance typically fallsâ roughly in the 15-25 Ί ârange for 240 V designs (model dependent). |
| Connector â/ mounting | Match terminal style and flange/mounting holes to ensure properâ electrical and mechanical connection to the range chassis. |
| Relay rating | Control relays or contactors should be âŁrated for continuous current above expected element draw (consult service manual; âcommonly 30-40 A margins for safety in switching devices). |
| Sensor interface | Oven temperature sensors⢠are typically NTC thermistors or âŁprobes; ensure sensor type and resistance curve match the control⤠board’s input for stable regulation. |
Electrical and Thermal Failure Symptoms: Measurement-Basedâ Diagnostics for a Faulty Bake element
The 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element is a resistive heating component that converts electrical⣠energy into radiant heat for baking cycles. In normal operation the element presents a low DC resistance and is driven byâ the oven’s 240 V supply throughâ the control and thermostat; compatibility should be confirmed against the oven model’s parts list before replacement. Technically, diagnostic work focuses âon electrical⢠continuity and insulation integrity: isolate the oven from âmains, disconnect the element leadsand measure resistance across the two âŁterminal studs with a digital multimeter. A bounded low-ohm reading indicates an intact heating conductor, while an â¤open or infinite readingâ identifies a break in the element; a measurable continuity to chassis ground indicates an â˘insulation fault that can trip breakers or blow fuses under load.
Common electrical and thermal symptoms map to specific⢠measurement outcomes and help prioritize replacement versus further system troubleshooting.Useful on-appliance checks include visual inspection for deformities or pinholes and verifying correct operation of oven⣠control relays and thermostats when⣠theâ element tests within âexpected ranges.
- No heat or oven failsâ to reach set temperature – often open âŁcircuit or high resistance.
- Intermittent heating or âuneven cooking – partial breaks or internalâ hotspots in the element.
- Tripping breakers or blown fuses when oven is selected – possible short to ground/insulation failure.
- Visible burn-through, âblisteringor corrosionâ – recommend replacement even if continuity is present.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Expected DC resistance | Approximately 10-40 Ί for common 2000-3000 W bakeâ elements;â verify against model documentation. |
| Open-circuit | Infinite resistance between terminals – conductor is â˘broken and element must be replaced. |
| Short-to-ground | Continuity between any terminal and chassis ground – insulation failure; replace element and inspect wiring. |
Replacement, Compatibilityand Step-by-Step Installation Procedures for â˘the 318255006 Bake Element on Frigidaire Models
The â¤318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range âŁBake Element is a tubular resistive heating element that supplies the primary radiant heat for baking cycles. It mounts to the oven cavity and connects to the range terminal block via two quickâconnect spade terminals; compatibility is⤠determined by terminal spacing, mounting bracket geometry,â and the oven’s nominal supply (typically 240 âV in North American models).⢠Technically,the element behaves as a resistive âload-when intact it shows low,finite resistance and heats uniformly âŁalong its length; common failure modes are open circuit (no continuity),localized burnout or blistering,and inadvertent grounding to the chassis which will divert current and impair performance. When assessingâ compatibility for âreplacement,⢠compare physical dimensions, terminal type, âand mounting⣠points ârather than ârelying solely on model listsand inspect wiring harnesses and the terminal block for corrosion or melted insulation that may affect installationâ or operation.
Replacement and installation follow standard electrical and mechanical âsafety and verification steps.Use a âŁmultimeter âŁto confirm an open/closed⢠circuit âand to check for leakage to chassis (infinite resistance to chassis is expected). Typical resistance for this style⤠of bake element on 240 V ranges is⢠roughly in the 15-40 Ί band depending on wattage; an open reading indicates aâ failed element. practical replacement steps âŁinclude removing powerâ at the breaker, accessing the element by removing the oven back panel or floor, documenting wire orientation, disconnecting the two spade terminals, removingâ the mounting screws, fitting the new â¤element so âthe bracket and⢠terminal spacing align, reattaching wires and fasteners, âand performing a controlled heat test â(e.g., âset bakeâ to 350 °F) to verify uniform heating and absence of arcing. If heating⣠problems persist after âinstallation, verify relay/selector operation on the control board and confirm line voltage at â¤the terminal block before âŁfurther diagnosis.
- Disconnect power: switch off breaker(s) feeding the range.
- Remove⣠access panels/door to reach the bake element and document terminal positions.
- Measure continuity and chassis leakage before removing wires.
- loosen mounting screws, disconnect spade terminals, replaceâ elementand secure mount.
- Reconnect wires, restore powerand run a bake cycleâ to confirm correct operation.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Terminal type | Two quickâconnect spade⣠terminals; verify spacing and orientation |
| nominal voltage | typically 240 V on North American ranges |
| Typical resistance | Approximately 15-40 Ί (varies with wattage); open =⤠failed |
| Mount/fit | Rear bracket style-confirm overall length and bracket hole alignment |
| Common failure symptoms | Cold oven, uneven bake, visual breaks/blisters, tripped breakers or arcing |
Q&A
What is Frigidaire part 318255006 and âwhat does⤠the bake element do?
Part 318255006 is the OEM lower (bake) heating element used in many Frigidaire electric ovens/ranges. It is a resistive heating element that converts electrical energy into heat âto maintain the oven cavity temperature during baking and roasting. It is separate from the broil (upper) element and is mounted at the bottom of âŁthe oven.
What common symptoms indicate the⢠bake elementâ (318255006) is failing?
Typical signs of a failing bake element include: the oven not heating or⣠taking a very long time to reach temperature, uneven baking or cold spots, visible breaks/blisters or burnt areas on the element, arcing/sparking or⢠a burning smell when the oven isâ onor the oven trippingâ breakers. Note âŁthatâ surface discoloration is normal âand⢠does âŁnot by itself mean the element is bad.
How can I test â˘the bake element to see if it is indeed bad?
Always disconnect power to the range first. Access â˘and disconnect the element’s â¤spade terminals, then use âa multimeter set to ohms. Measure resistance across the two element terminals – a good element will âshow continuity (typical resistance for many 240 V elements is in the tens of ohms; for example ~20-40 âΊ for a ~2000 W element, but check âthe element spec). an open/infinite reading means the element is broken.Also check for a short to ground by measuring between âa terminal and the element’s metal sheath; there should be no continuity (infinite).
Can I replace the 318255006 bake element myselfand how tough is âit?
Yes-many ownersâ can replace it as a DIY task. Turn off and lock out power to the range, remove oven racks, unscrew the mounting screws holding⣠the element from the oven interior, â˘gently pull the element forward to access âthe spade connectors, âdisconnect the connectors (noteâ their⤠orientation), install the ânew element by reversing the steps, secure screws and restore power. Typical time is 15-30 minutes. If you are not comfortable working⣠around high voltage or⤠are â˘unsure about wiring, hire a qualified technician.
How do I make sure the replacement âelement is compatible â˘with my oven?
Match the part number (318255006) with your oven model number âto ensure compatibility.Check the element’s length, mounting bracket style, terminal type (spade size), voltage and wattage ratings. Buy from Frigidaire/OEM parts suppliers or reputable parts dealers and verify the seller lists your appliance model as compatible. If in â¤doubt, provide the oven⣠model number to a parts specialist.
My element looks discolored but still works – do I need to replace it?
Discoloration,â surface scaling or âminor blistering⢠from âŁnormal use is common and does not necessarily mean the element needs replacement. Replace theâ element⤠if it has visible breaks, holes, severe corrosion, arcingor fails electrical continuity testing. Cleaning baked-on food and grease can improve appearance but will not⣠fix an electrical failure.
The bake element gets hot but the oven temperature is wrong – is the âŁelement at fault?
Not necessarily. â˘If the element heats but the oven won’t reach or hold â˘the âset temperature, âŁthe issue can be with the oven temperature sensor â(thermistor), the electronic control board/relay, the thermostat calibrationor bad wiring/terminals. Testâ the sensor resistance and ovenâ calibration settings; inspect the control board and its relays. The element itself woudl usually be implicated if it showed⤠open circuit, arcingor uneven heating.
Any safety or disposal considerations when replacing the bake element?
Alwaysâ disconnect the appliance from electrical power before inspecting or replacing the⤠element. Avoid touching the âelement promptly after use – it retains heat. When disconnecting/installing, avoid shorting terminals.⣠Dispose of the old element according to local regulations for scrap metal; if it’s damaged and⢠caused smoke or fire, ensure the area is safe⢠before re-energizing. If you detect burning, arcingor molten insulation, stop and âcall a technician.
Closing Remarks
The 318255006 Frigidaire oven range bake element serves as a fundamental component in the cooking system, converting electrical energy into consistent heat for baking and roasting⢠cycles. Itsâ proper operation directly affects temperature uniformity, cookingâ times and the overall performance of the oven,â makingâ it a critical part for achieving reliable and predictable results in everyday use.
Timely and âaccurate âdiagnosis of bake element issues is important to distinguish element failure from other oven faults and to avoid unnecessary replacements.⢠When replacement is required,selecting the correct part and performing installation with appropriate precautions helps restore safe function and preserves oven efficiency. Professional â¤assessment or qualified service is recommended when electrical or mechanical concerns are âsuspected.
maintaining the 318255006 bake element in good working order contributesâ to ovenâ reliability, cooking quality and user safety.Proper diagnosis and, when necessary, careful replacementâ with the correct component⢠provide a practical path to sustain performance and extend the service life of the appliance.
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