318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range bake element is an electric resistive heating element intended for use in Frigidaire ovens and ranges.It is a tubular bake element that converts electrical energy into radiant and convective heat and is installed in the oven cavity, typically mounted at the rear or bottom of the bake chamber. As a field-replaceable component, it is indeed manufactured to match the original geometry and electrical ratings required by the specific appliance models it serves.
Within the appliance, the bake element is the primary heat source for baking cycles and interacts directly with the oven’s power distribution, control electronics or mechanical thermostat, and temperature sensing components. When energized by the control board or infinite switch, the element generates heat that is regulated by the oven temperature sensor/thermostat and control relays; its thermal output affects air circulation and heat transfer to the cavity and racks. Fault modes of the element-open circuit, short to ground, hot spots, or physical deformation-can produce symptoms that overlap with control or sensor failures, so diagnosing requires consideration of the entire heating and control subsystem as well as wiring and terminal connections.
This article will describe the bake element’s functional principles, how to verify compatibility with specific Frigidaire models, common failure symptoms to watch for (such as no heat, uneven heating, arcing, or tripped breakers), and a practical troubleshooting approach including safe isolation, visual inspection, and electrical continuity and insulation tests. It will also cover replacement considerations-correct part selection, mounting hardware and insulation, confirmation of electrical ratings, and post-replacement checks-and outline safety precautions and sequencing to minimize risk to technicians and appliance owners during removal and installation.
Table of Contents
- Function and Role of the Bake Element in oven Heat Distribution and Temperature Regulation
- How the 318255006 frigidaire Oven Range Bake element works Within the Appliance’s Electrical and Thermal Circuits
- Common Failure Symptoms: Electrical, Thermal, and Physical Indicators of bake Element Fault
- Replacement Considerations, Model Compatibility, and Installation Best practices
- Q&A
- To Conclude
Function and Role of the Bake Element in Oven heat Distribution and Temperature Regulation
The 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element is a tubular resistive heater mounted in the lower oven cavity that converts electrical energy into radiant and convective heat for the bake cycle. Electrically, the element behaves as a resistive load connected to the appliance supply through the range control relay or triac; the control system modulates applied voltage by cycling the element on and off to maintain setpoint temperature as read by the oven sensor. Thermally, the element’s surface temperature produces infrared radiation that heats food surfaces and the surrounding air; in non-convection bake the element is the dominant heat source, while in convection models it effectively works in concert with the fan to produce a more even temperature distribution throughout the cavity.
- Common service symptoms: no heat (open circuit), intermittent heating (loose terminals or partial coil failure), and uneven browning or hot spots (localized coil degradation).
- Diagnostic actions: visual inspection for blistering or grounding, continuity test with a multimeter, and verification that the control relays and thermostat/sensor are functioning if element resistance is within expected range.
Compatibility and practical replacement require matching the element’s mounting geometry,terminal spacing,and voltage rating to the appliance; physical fit and terminal type are as critical as electrical rating as an improperly seated element will produce poor contact or position-related hot spots. Technicians commonly confirm failure by measuring open circuit continuity or a ground fault to chassis,then replace the element with a part that matches the original specifications and OEM mounting features; if an element checks good electrically but the oven still fails to reach temperature,the control board,sensor,or wiring should be inspected next. For routine field reference, check the element’s mounting, terminal condition, and control interface during diagnosis to determine whether the 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element should be replaced or if the fault lies elsewhere.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Lower oven cavity, fastened to rear/bottom support bracket |
| Electrical interface | Two insulated supply terminals; matched to appliance voltage and control relay |
| Diagnostic check | Visual inspection, continuity to confirm closed circuit, and insulation/ground checks |
How the 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element Works Within the Appliance’s Electrical and Thermal Circuits
The 318255006 frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element is a tubular resistive heater that forms the primary load in the oven’s bake circuit. It is indeed connected across the appliance’s high-voltage supply and converts electrical energy to heat by Joule heating; heat is delivered to the cavity primarily by radiation from the glowing sheath and convection of the surrounding air. Electrically, the element behaves as a low-resistance load whose power dissipation follows P = V²/R, so its measured resistance directly affects current draw and the thermal output seen by the oven control and protective devices.
Thermally and electrically the element is part of a closed-loop control system: the oven temperature sensor and control module cycle mains power to the element to maintain set temperature, adjusting duty cycle rather than varying instantaneous voltage. Practical diagnostics include verifying continuity between the two element terminals, checking for insulation resistance to the metal sheath (no continuity to chassis), and confirming that the element’s physical length, terminal style, and wattage rating match the oven’s specifications to avoid overloading the control or producing uneven heat. Examples of observable behavior are: an open element gives no heat, a high-resistance element produces weak or uneven heating, and a short to chassis can trip breakers or ground-fault protection.
- Electrical behavior: low DC resistance; expected AC power when supplied at line-to-line voltage.
- Common symptoms: no heat (open), reduced heat (high resistance), tripping breakers (leakage/short).
- Practical checks: continuity across terminals,insulation resistance to chassis,inspect connectors and mounting flange.
- Safety: disconnect mains before performing resistance or continuity tests; do not test live.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Voltage | Line-to-line supply (nominal 240 VAC in typical North American ranges) |
| Role in circuit | Primary resistive heating element in the bake circuit; controlled by oven control/thermostat via duty cycling |
| Common failure modes | Open circuit, increased resistance, or leakage to chassis (ground fault) |
Common Failure Symptoms: Electrical, Thermal, and Physical Indicators of Bake Element Fault
the 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake element is a resistive heating element that provides the oven’s primary bottom heat; mechanically it is indeed a tubular metal element containing a high-resistance alloy conductor that converts electrical energy into thermal energy. In normal operation the element presents a low, stable resistance and heats uniformly along its length; failure modes include an open circuit (no continuity), elevated resistance from internal breaks or corrosion, and insulation breakdown that causes arcing or shorting to the oven chassis. Verify compatibility by matching the part number to your range model and compare terminal layout and mounting brackets before installation.
- No heat: element shows no continuity or the oven will not reach temperature setpoint.
- Uneven browning or hot spots: partial internal breaks or hotspots from localized shorting.
- Visible damage: blistering, cracks, pinholes, or sagging metal indicating thermal fatigue.
- Electrical faults: tripped circuit breakers, arcing at terminals, or burnt connector insulation.
- intermittent operation: loose terminal connections or thermo-mechanical fatigue causing intermittent contact.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| No heat | Likely open element or blown fuse; perform a continuity check across the element and inspect terminal screws. |
| Arcing or tripped breaker | Insulation breach or short to chassis; isolate power and inspect for burn marks at terminals and element-to-frame contact. |
| Uneven heating | Internal partial failure or degraded conductor; compare resistance uniformity and replace if visual damage is present. |
Diagnosing requires both a visual inspection and electrical measurements: start with the power removed, check for secure terminals and obvious physical damage, then use a multimeter to measure continuity and relative resistance. To separate element faults from wiring or control issues,measure at the element terminals at the back of the oven and at the control output; an open element indicates replacement,whereas correct continuity with no heat suggests a control or wiring fault. For field repairs, replace the element with an identical-fit part and confirm ratings and terminal arrangement to restore safe, reliable operation.
Replacement Considerations, Model Compatibility, and Installation Best Practices
The 318255006 frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element is a resistive heating element installed at the base of the oven cavity that provides the primary radiant heat for bake cycles. It converts electrical energy into heat when the oven control closes the appropriate relay,and its performance depends on correct electrical connection,intact resistance continuity,and proper mechanical mounting. Technicians should verify terminal type (typically quick‑connect spades), tab spacing, and physical shape to ensure the element mates correctly with the oven’s mounting brackets and insulation; incorrect fit or mismatched voltage/wattage ratings can cause uneven temperatures, slower recovery after door openings, or premature failure of the control board due to overcurrent conditions.
- Confirm appliance model and element form factor before ordering replacement.
- Inspect for visible breaks, blistering, or insulation breaches that indicate replacement.
- Measure continuity with a multimeter; an open circuit indicates a failed element.
- Match voltage and wattage to the service manual to avoid mismatches with oven controls.
- Disconnect power and support the element while removing fasteners to prevent wire strain.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Resistance check | continuity indicates circuit integrity; compare against service manual values to assess degradation. |
During installation, first disconnect power at the breaker and verify absence of voltage at the oven terminals. Securely fasten the element to the mounting bracket so that the terminal leads do not contact sheet metal or insulation; loose terminals can arc under load. After mechanical installation, apply power briefly to confirm even heating across the element and monitor oven temperature with a calibrated thermometer to verify proper bake performance. If any discrepancy persists after replacement, inspect the oven thermostat, temperature sensor, and relay/board outputs-elements rarely fail in isolation from the control systems that drive them.
Q&A
What is the 318255006 Frigidaire oven range bake element and which ovens will it fit?
The 318255006 is an OEM-style replacement bake (lower) heating element used in many Frigidaire/Frigidaire Gallery/Gladiator and some Kenmore/Frigidaire-made ranges and wall ovens. Fitment depends on the exact oven model – always verify compatibility by checking your oven model number against the part listing or the manufacturer’s parts diagram before purchasing. The part replaces the lower heating element (not the broil element, which is a different part).
What are common symptoms that the bake element is failing?
Common signs include: the oven not heating or taking much longer to reach temperature, uneven baking or cold spots on the oven floor, visible breaks or blisters in the element’s sheath, the element not glowing when it should, or tripped circuit breakers when the oven is turned on.Visible damage or an open circuit when tested with a multimeter confirms failure.
How do I test the bake element with a multimeter?
first disconnect power at the breaker. Remove the oven racks and access the element terminals (usually at the rear of the oven). Disconnect the quick-disconnect wires from the element. Set a digital multimeter to the ohms (Ω) range and measure across the two terminals. A functioning 240 V bake element typically shows a low resistance value (frequently enough roughly 20-30 Ω for common 2-3 kW elements – see note below).An open (infinite) reading means the element is broken.Also test each terminal to the metal casing/ground; there should be no continuity (infinite) – continuity to ground indicates internal shorting and the element must be replaced.
What resistance should I expect when testing 318255006?
Exact resistance depends on the element’s wattage.For a 240 V element you can estimate R = V² / W. For typical oven bake elements (about 2,000-3,000 W) that gives ≈20-30 Ω. If your measured value is in that approximate range and not open,the element is likely OK. If in doubt, compare to the manufacturer’s specification for your oven model.
Can I replace the 318255006 myself? What are the basic replacement steps?
Yes - replacing a bake element is a common DIY repair. Basic steps: 1) Turn off electrical power at the breaker; 2) Remove oven racks and locate the element mounting screws inside the oven; 3) Unscrew the mounting screws and carefully pull the element forward to expose the electrical terminals; 4) Disconnect the quick-disconnect wire terminals (note their positions) and remove the old element; 5) Connect the wires to the new element’s terminals,seat the element in place and secure the mounting screws; 6) Replace racks,restore power and test the oven. Use insulated tools, do not force terminals, and don’t overtighten screws. If you’re not cozy with electrical work, hire a qualified technician.
What safety precautions should I take before replacing the element?
Always disconnect power at the main breaker (do not rely on the oven’s controls). Verify power is off with a non-contact voltage tester. allow the oven to cool completely. Wear safety gloves and eye protection to avoid cuts from sheet metal. When handling electrical connectors, avoid contact with exposed live parts. If the oven is hardwired or you’re unsure how to safely cut power, call a professional.
my element has continuity but the oven still won’t heat – what else could be wrong?
If the element shows proper resistance but the oven won’t heat or reach temperature,possible causes include: faulty oven control board/relay,failed bake/temperature sensor (thermistor),faulty selector/timer switch,blown thermal fuse/limit thermostat,or poor connections at the element terminals. check terminal connections for corrosion or loose wires, test the oven temperature sensor with a multimeter per manufacturer specifications, and inspect fuses/thermal cutouts. When in doubt, consult a service manual or a technician.
After installing a new element it glows red and emits a slight odor – is that normal?
Yes. A new element will typically glow red when heating and may emit a faint odor or light smoke the first time it’s used - this is usually manufacturing oils or coatings burning off. Vent the room and run the oven at a moderate temperature for a short period to burn off residues. If heavy smoke, burning smells, sparks or visible arcing occur, turn the power off promptly and recheck installation and wiring.
To Conclude
The 318255006 Frigidaire oven range bake element is a basic component responsible for producing the consistent, reliable heat required for baking and roasting. As the primary heat source for the oven’s bake function, it directly affects cooking performance, temperature uniformity, energy efficiency, and overall appliance reliability. Using the correct element specified for the range helps maintain the manufacturer’s intended heating characteristics and fitment.
Accurate diagnosis and timely replacement of a failing bake element are vital to restore proper oven operation and to avoid collateral damage to other components. Symptoms such as uneven baking, lack of heat, or visible damage warrant evaluation so the underlying cause can be confirmed and the appropriate corrective action selected. Replacing the element with the correct 318255006 part helps ensure compatibility and long-term performance.
For best outcomes, diagnosis and replacement should follow manufacturer guidance or be performed by a qualified service technician when needed.Proper identification of the issue and use of the specified replacement part contribute to safe, efficient appliance operation and minimize the risk of recurring problems.
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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