Bake Element, Lower Oven Element, Baking Heating Element, Bottom Heating Coil, Resistive Heating Element

WG02F06017, WB44T10104, WB44T10103, WB44X200, WB44X5043, AP5669708, PS6893894

GE, GE Profile, Hotpoint

GE Electric Ranges and Wall Ovens JB250DF1BB, JB250DF1WW, JB250RF1SS, JB258DM1BB, JB258DM1WW, JB258RM1SS, JB450DF1BB, JB450DF1WW, JB450RF1SS, JB458DM1BB, JB458DM1WW, JB458RM1SS, JB500DF1BB, JB500DF1WW, JB500RF1SS, JB508DM1BB, JB508DM1WW, JB508RM1SS, JB625DF1BB, JB625DF1WW, JB625RF1SS, JB628DM1BB, JB628DM1WW, JB628RM1SS, JB645DF1BB, JB645DF1WW, JB645RF1SS, JB648DM1BB, JB648DM1WW, JB648RM1SS, JB705DF1BB, JB705DF1WW, JB705RF1SS, JB708DM1BB, JB708DM1WW, JB708RM1SS

GE Profile Electric Ranges and Wall Ovens PB911DJ1BB, PB911DJ1WW, PB911SJ1SS, PB960DJ1BB, PB960DJ1WW, PB960SJ1SS, PHP900DM1BB, PHP900DM1WW, PHP900SJ1SS, PHP960DM1BB, PHP960DM1WW, PHP960SJ1SS

Hotpoint Electric Ranges RB525DH1BB, RB525DH1WW, RB526DH1BB, RB526DH1WW, RB536DP1BB, RB536DP1WW, RB740DP1BB, RB740DP1WW, RB757DP1BB, RB757DP1WW, RB760DP1BB, RB760DP1WW, RB787DP1BB, RB787DP1WW

(Various additional models compatible with GE range platforms - verify compatibility by matching bake element part number WG02F06017 or superseded part numbers)

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: This repair involves working with 240V electrical components. Always disconnect power to the range at the circuit breaker before beginning work to prevent electrical shock. Never touch electrical components while the range is powered. Allow the oven to cool completely if it was recently used (at least 60 minutes). If uncomfortable with this repair or unfamiliar with 240V electrical systems, hire a qualified appliance technician. IMPORTANT: Always test the new element with a multimeter before installation to verify it's not defective—a defective element shows infinite resistance (open circuit) or very low resistance (short circuit).TOOLS REQUIRED: Phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, nut driver or socket set (typically 1/4-inch or 5/16-inch), needle-nose pliers, flashlight, work gloves, multimeter (for testing), masking tape and marker (for labeling wires).IMPORTANT: This repair requires accessing the oven cavity and removing the old bake element from the bottom of the oven.

1. Disconnect power to the range at the circuit breaker to ensure complete power disconnection. CRITICAL: Never work on the range while it's powered—240V electrical shock can be fatal.
2. Verify power is disconnected by attempting to turn on the oven—it should not respond. CRITICAL: This confirms the circuit breaker is off.
3. Allow the oven to cool completely if it was recently used (at least 60 minutes). CRITICAL: Never work on hot oven components—severe burns can result.
4. Take multiple photos of the range configuration, bake element position, and wire routing before disassembly. CRITICAL: Proper reassembly requires exact component positioning.
5. Open the oven door and remove all oven racks to provide clear access to the bake element.
6. Locate the bake element at the bottom of the oven cavity (typically a large metal coil covering most of the oven floor).
7. Locate the mounting screws securing the bake element to the oven cavity (typically 2 screws at the front of the element, one on each mounting bracket).
8. Take detailed close-up photos of: the element mounting screw locations, the wire connections at the rear of the oven (visible through the element mounting holes), the element orientation, and any other components nearby.
9. Remove the mounting screws securing the bake element to the oven cavity using a Phillips screwdriver or nut driver (typically 2 screws). Caution: Support the element while removing the screws to prevent it from falling.
10. Carefully lift the bake element upward and forward to access the electrical terminals at the rear. Important: The element is still connected by wires—do not pull too far or the wires may be damaged.
11. Locate the electrical terminals at the rear of the element (typically two screw terminals or spade terminals).
12. Label each wire before disconnecting by applying masking tape to each wire and marking it with the terminal position (Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Left, Right, or similar). CRITICAL: Incorrect wiring causes element malfunction or safety hazard.
13. Disconnect the wires from the bake element terminals by pulling the spade connectors straight off or loosening the screw terminals (depending on terminal type). Caution: Do not pull on the wires—grasp the connector and pull straight.
14. Carefully remove the old bake element from the oven cavity.
15. Inspect the old bake element for damage indicators: element doesn't glow when powered (resistance wire burnout, most common), visible breaks or cracks in the element coil (wire fracture), blistering or bubbling on the element surface (insulation failure), burned or melted terminals (loose connection causing arcing), visible corrosion on terminals or mounting brackets (moisture or food spill damage), or element coil separated from mounting bracket (physical damage). This confirms the diagnosis.
16. If desired, test the old element with a multimeter set to ohms (resistance). The element should show approximately 22.2 ohms resistance (calculated from 2600W at 240V). If it shows infinite resistance (open circuit), the resistance wire is burned out. If it shows very low resistance (less than 15 ohms), the element may be partially shorted. Important: This test is optional but confirms the diagnosis.
17. Inspect the oven cavity for damage or debris. Clean if needed using a damp cloth. Important: Remove any food debris or grease that may have accumulated.
18. Inspect the wire connections at the rear of the oven. The wires should be intact with no visible damage, burns, or corrosion. If the wires are damaged, they must be repaired or replaced before installing the new element.
19. Unpack the new WG02F06017 bake element from its packaging. CAUTION: The element is fragile—handle carefully to avoid bending or damaging the coil.
20. Verify the new element specifications match the old element: 2600 watts, 240 volts, dimensions approximately 16" × 17" × 2", two terminals.
21. Compare the new element to the old one to verify overall dimensions, mounting bracket positions, terminal configuration, and coil shape match.
22. Test the new element with a multimeter set to ohms (resistance) before installation. The element should show approximately 22.2 ohms resistance. If it shows infinite resistance (open circuit) or very low resistance (short circuit), the element is defective and should not be installed. CRITICAL: Installing a defective element can damage the oven control board or cause a fire.
23. Inspect the new element for any shipping damage before installation. The coil should be intact with no visible cracks or breaks, the terminals should be clean and undamaged, and the mounting brackets should be secure.
24. Position the new bake element in the oven cavity by inserting the rear portion (with terminals) through the mounting holes in the rear wall of the oven. Important: Align the element carefully to avoid damaging the terminals or wires.
25. Connect the wires to the bake element terminals by pushing the spade connectors onto the terminals or tightening the screw terminals (depending on terminal type). CRITICAL: Connect each wire to the correct terminal using your labels and photos—incorrect wiring causes element malfunction or safety hazard. For 240V elements, polarity typically doesn't matter, but wires should be connected to the same terminals as the old element.
26. Verify all wire connections are secure by gently tugging on each wire—they should not come off.
27. Verify the wires are routed correctly and not pinched, stressed, or touching the element coil.
28. Lower the bake element into position on the oven cavity floor, aligning the mounting holes in the element brackets with the mounting holes in the oven cavity.
29. Install the mounting screws to secure the element. Important: Tighten firmly but do not over-tighten—over-tightening can crack the mounting brackets.
30. Verify the element is securely mounted with no excessive play or movement. The element should be level and positioned correctly on the oven floor.
31. Verify the element coil is not touching any oven surfaces or racks. There should be adequate clearance around the element.
32. Reinstall the oven racks in their original positions.
33. Close the oven door.
34. Restore electrical power by turning on the circuit breaker.
35. Run a test cycle to verify proper bake element operation:Turn the oven to the bake setting at 350°FObserve the bake element through the oven door windowThe element should begin to glow red within 60-90 secondsAllow the element to heat for 5-10 minutesVerify the element glows evenly across the entire coil (dull red or orange)Verify no sparking or arcing occurs at the terminals or connectionsVerify no burning smell or smoke (slight odor from new element coating is normal for first use)Allow the oven to reach the set temperatureTurn off the bake functionAllow the element to cool
36. Monitor the element temperature during the test cycle. The element should glow dull red or orange, indicating proper heating. Important: If the element doesn't glow or glows unevenly, stop immediately and verify the installation and wire connections.
37. Listen for unusual sounds during the test cycle. The element should operate silently with no buzzing, clicking, or arcing sounds. Important: Unusual sounds indicate a problem with the installation or element.
38. If the element operates normally and heats evenly, the repair is complete.

Safety Notes: Always disconnect power at the circuit breaker before working on electrical components. Verify power is disconnected by attempting to turn on the oven. Allow the oven to cool completely before beginning work (at least 60 minutes). Handle the element carefully—the coil is fragile and can be damaged by bending or impact. Test the new element with a multimeter before installation to verify it's not defective. Label all wires before disconnecting to ensure correct reconnection. Verify all wire connections are secure with no exposed terminals. Do not force wire connectors—they should push on or screw on smoothly. Position wires so they're not pinched or touching the element coil. Verify the element is mounted securely and level on the oven floor. Monitor the first test cycle for proper heating and even glow. If the element doesn't glow or glows unevenly, stop immediately and verify the installation. This repair typically takes 30-45 minutes depending on range model and access. If uncomfortable working with 240V electrical components or unfamiliar with bake element replacement procedures, hire a professional appliance technician.

1. The bake element must be tested with a multimeter before installation to verify it's not defective—a defective element shows infinite resistance (open circuit) or very low resistance (short circuit). Set the multimeter to ohms (resistance) and touch the probes to the two terminals. The element should show approximately 22.2 ohms resistance (calculated from 2600W ÷ 240V² = 22.2Ω). If the element shows infinite resistance, the resistance wire is burned out and the element is defective. If the element shows very low resistance (less than 15 ohms), the element may be partially shorted and is defective. Never install a defective element—it can damage the oven control board or cause a fire. Always test before installation.
2. Wire connections must be made to the correct terminals—incorrect wiring causes the element to not heat or creates a safety hazard. The bake element has two terminals that connect to the 240V oven wiring. For 240V elements, polarity typically doesn't matter (both terminals carry 120V relative to neutral), but the wires should be connected to the same terminals as the old element to ensure proper circuit continuity. Always label each wire before disconnecting and verify the correct connections using your photos. If you're unsure about the correct wiring, consult the service manual or contact a qualified technician before reconnecting the wires.
3. The element coil must be intact and not bent or damaged—bent coils can cause uneven heating or element failure. The resistance wire inside the element is extremely fragile. If the coil is bent, kinked, or damaged during installation, the wire may fracture internally, causing the element to fail prematurely or not heat at all. When handling the element, support it carefully and avoid bending the coil. When positioning the element in the oven cavity, ensure the coil is not touching oven surfaces or racks. A bent or damaged coil cannot be repaired—the entire element must be replaced.
4. The element should glow dull red or orange when operating—if it glows dimly or unevenly, the element may be defective or improperly installed. When the bake function is activated, the element should begin glowing within 60-90 seconds and reach full brightness (dull red or orange) within 5-10 minutes. The glow should be even across the entire coil. If the element glows dimly, only partially, or unevenly, the element may be defective, the wires may be loose, or the element may be partially burned out. If the element doesn't glow at all, the element is likely burned out (open circuit) or the wires are disconnected.
5. No sparking or arcing should occur at the element terminals—if sparking is visible, the connections are loose or the element is shorted. When the bake function is activated, the element should heat silently with no sparking or arcing at the terminals. Sparking indicates a loose connection causing arcing, a terminal short circuit, or a defective element. If sparking is observed, stop immediately, disconnect power, and verify the wire connections are secure and properly seated on the terminals. If sparking persists after reconnecting, the element may be defective and should be replaced.
6. The element should not produce a strong burning smell during normal operation—a strong burning smell indicates insulation failure or a defective element. When the bake element is first used, a slight odor from the element coating burning off is normal. However, a strong burning smell indicates the element insulation is failing, the element is defective, or something is touching the hot element. If a strong burning smell occurs, stop immediately, disconnect power, and verify nothing is touching the element and the element is properly installed. If the smell persists, the element may be defective and should be replaced.
7. The mounting brackets must be secure and the element must be level on the oven floor—improper mounting causes uneven heating or element damage. The bake element must be mounted securely with the mounting screws tightened firmly. The element should be level and positioned correctly on the oven floor. If the element is loose or tilted, it may not heat evenly, the wires may be stressed, or the element may shift. Verify the mounting screws are tight and the element is level after installation. If the element is loose, tighten the mounting screws.
8. The element coil must have adequate clearance from oven surfaces and racks—contact with the coil can cause fires or element damage. The bake element operates at high temperature (800-1000°F). If the coil touches oven surfaces, racks, or other components, it can cause fires or damage to those components. When positioning the element, ensure there is adequate clearance around the entire coil. Verify the element is not touching any oven surfaces, racks, or wires. If the element is too close to any surface, reposition it or adjust the mounting brackets.
9. The oven wires connecting to the element must be intact and not damaged—damaged wires can cause electrical hazards or element failure. Before installing the new element, inspect the oven wires that connect to the element terminals. The wires should be intact with no visible damage, burns, corrosion, or insulation failure. If the wires are damaged, they must be repaired or replaced before installing the new element. Damaged wires can cause electrical hazards, short circuits, or element malfunction.
10. The bake element has a typical lifespan of 10-15 years with average use, but can be shortened by excessive baking, thermal stress, or electrical stress. Factors that shorten element lifespan include: frequent baking use (thermal stress), baking at high temperatures for extended periods (thermal stress), liquid spills on the hot element (thermal shock), electrical surges or voltage fluctuations (electrical stress), or manufacturing defects. To extend element lifespan, bake at moderate temperatures when possible, avoid spilling liquids on the element, keep the oven clean, and verify the oven temperature control operates properly. Regular maintenance and prompt replacement of faulty elements ensure reliable oven operation.
11. If the circuit breaker trips when the bake function is activated, the element may be shorted or the wires may be damaged—stop using the oven immediately. A tripped circuit breaker indicates a short circuit in the bake element circuit. This can be caused by a defective element (internal short circuit), damaged wires (insulation failure causing a short), or loose connections causing arcing. Stop using the oven immediately and verify the element and wires are properly installed. If the circuit breaker continues to trip, the element or wires may be defective and should be replaced by a qualified technician.
12. Never attempt to repair a failed bake element by cleaning, adjusting, or disassembling the element—these repairs are unsafe and will fail immediately. A failed bake element cannot be safely repaired. Attempting to clean the element or adjust the coil can damage the element and create safety hazards. Disassembling the element will destroy it. Never attempt any repair of a failed element. Always replace the entire element with a new one. Using a repaired element is a serious safety risk and will result in oven malfunction or fire hazard.