Bake Element, Oven Heating Element, Lower Oven Element

WB44K10009, WB44K5013, WB44K10005, AP3190019, 191D3127P001, 911587, EAP451031, PS451031, WG02F05436VP

GE, General Electric, Westinghouse, Monogram, Café, Hotpoint

GEJB645RKSS, JB735RKSS, JB750RKSS, JB760RKSS, JB645SKSS, JB735SKSS, JB750SKSS, JB760SKSS, JB645DNSS, JB735DNSS, JB750DNSS, JB760DNSS, JGB645RKSS, JGB735RKSS, JGB750RKSS, JGB760RKSS, JGB645SKSS, JGB735SKSS, JGB750SKSS, JGB760SKSS, JGB645DNSS, JGB735DNSS, JGB750DNSS, JGB760DNSS, PGB645RKSS, PGB735RKSS, PGB750RKSS, PGB760RKSS, PGB645SKSS, PGB735SKSS, PGB750SKSS, PGB760SKSS, PGB645DNSS, PGB735DNSS, PGB750DNSS, PGB760DNSS

General ElectricJES1540SNSS, JES1541SNSS, JES1542SNSS, JES1543SNSS, JES1545SNSS, JES1546SNSS, JES1548SNSS, JES1550SNSS, JES1551SNSS, JES1552SNSS, JES1553SNSS, JES1555SNSS, JES1556SNSS, JES1558SNSS, JES1560SNSS, JES1561SNSS, JES1562SNSS, JES1563SNSS, JES1565SNSS, JES1566SNSS, JES1568SNSS

WestinghouseWES1540SNSS, WES1541SNSS, WES1542SNSS, WES1543SNSS, WES1545SNSS, WES1546SNSS, WES1548SNSS, WES1550SNSS, WES1551SNSS, WES1552SNSS, WES1553SNSS, WES1555SNSS, WES1556SNSS, WES1558SNSS

MonogramMES1540SNSS, MES1541SNSS, MES1542SNSS, MES1543SNSS, MES1545SNSS, MES1546SNSS, MES1548SNSS, MES1550SNSS, MES1551SNSS, MES1552SNSS, MES1553SNSS, MES1555SNSS, MES1556SNSS, MES1558SNSS

CaféCES1540SNSS, CES1541SNSS, CES1542SNSS, CES1543SNSS, CES1545SNSS, CES1546SNSS, CES1548SNSS, CES1550SNSS, CES1551SNSS, CES1552SNSS, CES1553SNSS, CES1555SNSS, CES1556SNSS, CES1558SNSS

HotpointHES1540SNSS, HES1541SNSS, HES1542SNSS, HES1543SNSS, HES1545SNSS, HES1546SNSS, HES1548SNSS, HES1550SNSS, HES1551SNSS, HES1552SNSS, HES1553SNSS, HES1555SNSS, HES1556SNSS, HES1558SNSS

Professional Repair Time: 30-45 minutes
DIY Repair Time: 45-75 minutes
Difficulty Rating: Moderate (3/5) — Requires element removal and installation, and electrical wire connections; moderate mechanical skill and electrical knowledge required

1. Unplug the range from the electrical outlet to ensure complete power disconnection.
2. Close the gas supply valve (if applicable for gas ranges, though this is an electric element).
3. Empty the oven of any food, racks, or items inside.
4. Allow the oven to cool completely if it has been used recently. The bake element can be extremely hot and cause severe burns.
5. Remove the oven racks from the oven cavity and set them aside.
6. Take multiple photos of the bake element location, wire connections, and mounting position before disassembly. Document the element orientation, terminal connections, and any visible components from multiple angles. This is critical for proper reassembly.
7. Locate the bake element at the bottom of the oven cavity. It's typically a horizontal coil-shaped heating element.
8. Take a photo of all wire connections to the bake element terminals before disconnecting.
9. Disconnect the wire connectors from the bake element terminals. The connectors typically slide off the terminals. Label each wire with masking tape to identify its connection point (e.g., "left terminal," "right terminal").
10. Locate the element mounting brackets at each end of the element. They typically secure the element to the oven cavity walls.
11. Remove the mounting screws or clips that secure the element brackets to the oven cavity (typically 2-4 fasteners total).
12. Carefully pull the element forward and out of the oven cavity. Be careful not to damage the element or oven cavity walls.
13. Place the old element on a clean work surface with adequate space for inspection.
14. Inspect the old element for visible damage such as breaks, gaps, or cracks in the wire. This confirms the diagnosis.
15. Inspect the element mounting brackets for damage or corrosion. Replace brackets if damaged (brackets are typically included with the new element).
16. Inspect the terminal connections on the oven cavity for corrosion, melted insulation, or damage. Clean corroded connections with a wire brush.
17. Unpack the new WG02F05436 oven bake element from its packaging. Handle carefully to avoid damaging the element or terminals.
18. Verify the element specifications match the old element: 2,500 watts at 240 volts, 1/4-inch female terminals, approximately 18" x 19" x 1" dimensions.
19. Compare the new element to the old one to verify the length, coil diameter, terminal configuration, and mounting bracket positions match. Ensure you have the correct replacement part.
20. Inspect the new element for any damage or defects before installation. The element should be tightly coiled with no visible breaks or gaps.
21. The new element is shipped pre-coiled and ready for installation. Do not attempt to reshape or straighten the element—it's ready for installation as-is.
22. Install the mounting brackets on the new element if they're not already attached. Align the brackets with the element ends and secure with the provided fasteners.
23. Position the new element in the oven cavity, aligning the mounting bracket holes with the cavity mounting holes.
24. Verify the element is properly oriented by comparing it to your photos. The element must be positioned exactly as the old one was positioned.
25. Secure the element mounting brackets with the mounting screws or clips. Tighten firmly but not over-tightening (which can crack the element or strip threads).
26. Verify the element is properly seated and does not wobble or shift when gently pushed.
27. Verify the element terminals are accessible for wire connections.
28. Reconnect the wire connectors to the bake element terminals, matching the labels you applied earlier. Ensure each connector is fully seated on the terminal and clicks into place.
29. Verify all connections are secure by gently tugging on each wire. None should pull loose.
30. Reinstall the oven racks into the oven cavity, positioning them at the desired height.
31. Plug the range back in and restore power.
32. Run a test cycle on a low bake setting (around 200°F / 93°C) without any food in the oven to verify proper element operation.
33. Verify the bake element glows red within 2-3 minutes of starting the bake cycle. The element should gradually increase in brightness as the oven heats.
34. Monitor the oven temperature using an oven thermometer. The oven should reach the set temperature within 10-15 minutes.
35. Listen for unusual noises during the test cycle. The oven should operate quietly with only normal mechanical sounds. No buzzing, arcing, or electrical sounds should be present.
36. Monitor for burning smells during the first few minutes of operation. A slight burning smell from manufacturing oils burning off the new element is normal and should dissipate within 5-10 minutes. A strong or persistent burning smell indicates a problem—stop immediately.
37. If the element does not glow, verify all wire connections are secure and the oven control board or timer is functioning properly.
38. If the element glows but the oven doesn't heat, the oven insulation or circulation system may be faulty. Consult a professional technician.
39. If the element glows red-hot excessively, the thermostat may be faulty or the oven may be set to a very high temperature. This is normal for high-temperature baking (450°F+).
40. Run a full baking test at a normal baking temperature (350°F / 175°C) with the oven empty to confirm proper operation.
41. Verify the oven reaches and maintains the set temperature throughout the cycle.
42. Test baking with actual food (a simple item like cookies or bread) to confirm proper baking performance.
43. Monitor the oven for 24-48 hours of normal use to ensure it operates properly without unusual noises, smells, or performance issues.

Safety Notes: Always unplug the range before working on it. The bake element operates at 240 volts and can cause severe electrical shock or death if power is not disconnected. Never operate the oven with the bake element exposed or the element removed. Allow the oven to cool completely before removing or installing the element—the element can reach temperatures exceeding 500°F and cause severe burns. Ensure all wire connections are secure and correct before operating the oven. This repair requires significant electrical knowledge and mechanical skill—if you're uncomfortable with the process, consult a professional technician.

Always verify the oven thermostat is functioning before replacing the bake element. A faulty thermostat can prevent the oven from heating properly even if the element is good. Before replacing the element, test the thermostat with an oven thermometer to verify the oven reaches and maintains the set temperature. If the oven overshoots or undershoots the set temperature, the thermostat may be faulty.

Verify proper oven ventilation before installing the new element. Restricted airflow or blocked vents can cause the oven to overheat or heat unevenly. Before installing the new element, verify the oven vent is not blocked and air can circulate properly inside the oven.

This bake element is model-specific. The WG02F05436 is designed for specific GE and affiliated brand ranges and ovens. Always verify your range model number matches one of the compatible models before ordering. Using an incorrect element can result in non-fit or improper operation.

This is a complete replacement bake element. The WG02F05436 includes the heating element coil and mounting brackets. All components are pre-assembled and ready for installation. You cannot replace individual components—the entire assembly must be replaced if any part fails.

Bake element replacement requires electrical knowledge. This repair involves 240-volt electrical connections and can cause severe electrical shock or death if power is not properly disconnected. If you're uncomfortable working with high-voltage electrical systems, consult a professional technician.

Monitor the first few baking cycles after installation. After installing the new bake element, run several baking cycles and monitor for proper heating, normal oven temperature, and proper baking performance. A slight burning smell from manufacturing oils burning off the new element is normal and should dissipate within 5-10 minutes. Address any issues immediately before they affect baking performance.

Bake element failure can have multiple causes. If the new element doesn't solve the problem, the issue may be with the oven thermostat, control board, timer, or another component. Further diagnosis may be required to identify the root cause.

Verify the oven insulation is intact. Poor oven insulation can cause heat loss and slow preheating. If the oven preheats slowly even with a new element, the oven insulation may be damaged or deteriorated.

This repair restores proper baking performance. A properly functioning bake element is essential for consistent, even baking. Replacing a faulty element restores normal baking performance and prevents burnt or undercooked food.

Check the broil element for wear. If the bake element failed, the broil element (upper element) may also be wearing out. Inspect the broil element and replace if it shows signs of wear or damage.

Verify all wire connections are correct before operating the oven. Incorrect wire connections can cause short circuits, electrical fires, or element failure. Double-check all connections against your photos before operating the oven.

The new element is pre-coiled and ready for installation. Do not attempt to reshape or straighten the element—it's already at the correct configuration. Reshaping the element can damage it or cause improper operation.

Monitor for circuit breaker trips after installation. If the range trips the circuit breaker when baking, the element may be shorted or a wire connection may be incorrect. Stop immediately and verify all wire connections are correct.

This repair prevents oven shutdown and improves baking results. A properly functioning bake element ensures consistent baking temperature and prevents the oven from shutting down mid-cycle due to thermal overload.

Keep the oven clean. Food spills and grease buildup on the bake element can cause premature failure, smoking, and unpleasant odors. Clean the oven regularly and wipe up spills promptly to extend element life.

Verify the element does not touch the oven cavity walls. The element must be properly positioned with clearance from the oven walls. Contact with the walls can cause short circuits and immediate element failure. Verify proper mounting bracket installation and element positioning.

Test the oven control board if the element fails repeatedly. If the new element fails shortly after replacement, the oven control board may be sending incorrect voltage or signals to the element. Have the control board tested by a professional technician.

This element is rated at 2,500 watts at 240 volts. Ensure your range's electrical system is rated for this wattage. Using the oven on an undersized circuit can cause the circuit breaker to trip repeatedly.

Never operate the oven with the bake element removed. The oven requires the bake element for proper operation and safety. Operating the oven without the element can cause improper heating, damage to other components, or electrical hazards.

Verify the oven door seal is intact. A damaged or worn oven door seal allows heat to escape and causes the oven to heat slowly or unevenly. If the oven preheats slowly even with a new element, inspect the door seal and replace if damaged.

Monitor oven temperature with an oven thermometer. Even with a new bake element, oven temperature can vary by ±25°F from the set temperature. Use an oven thermometer to verify actual oven temperature and adjust your baking accordingly.

This repair is cost-effective compared to range replacement. The cost of bake element replacement ($100-200) is far less than the cost of a new range ($800-2,000+). Replace the element promptly when failure is detected to prevent the need for expensive range replacement.

• Oven does not heat during bake cycles (oven stays cold)
• Oven heats intermittently (cycles between hot and cold)
• Visible breaks or gaps in element wire
• Element glows red-hot but doesn't produce enough heat
• Oven takes much longer to reach set temperature
• Oven temperature fluctuates during baking
• Baked goods cook unevenly or burn
• Element does not glow when oven is turned on
• Oven shuts off mid-cycle
• Range trips circuit breaker when baking
• Oven preheats slowly or incompletely
• Baking results are inconsistent