How to Replace a Maytag Electric Range Burner

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DanMarc
September 9, 2019
Oven Repair

Few things throw off your routine more than a broken burner. Suddenly all your multi-pan recipes don’t work right because you’re one burner down. And, chances are, it’s your favorite burner. When a burner goes out or starts to heat unevenly, it’s important to be ready to handle your own burner replacement. You need that burner back in service almost immediately and you may not have time to wait for a repair service to order the part and schedule a visit.

Fortunately, replacing your electric range burner is one of the easiest home appliance repairs in the book. You don’t even have to mess with any wires. It’s all encapsulated in a few very simple parts. Let’s walk through the steps of replacing a Maytag electric range burner. If you don’t have a Maytag, this process works for almost all standard-design electric range cooktops. 

Step 1: Disconnect the Power to the Electric Range

When performing appliance repairs, it’s always important to disconnect the power first. In this case, it will ensure that you can’t accidentally catch a spark from the burner terminal and that the burner cannot become hot while you work with it.

The simplest way to cut the power to your electric range is to pull the plug.  Unless, of course, your range is nestled between counters as many cooktops are. In this case, head to your breaker box and flip the switch to cut the power to your stove’s circuits.

If this also cuts the lights in the kitchen, grab a portable light to work by. 

Step 2: Remove the Original Burner

Your next task is to remove the original burner so that it can be discarded in favor of the new burner.

  • Confirm the Burner is Cool

First, make sure the burner is cool to the touch. Hold your hand palm-down over the burner but do not touch it. If you can feel the heat, wait for 10 to 30 minutes until the burner is cool enough to grasp.

Grasp the Burner with Both HandsYou will need some leverage to pull the burner out, as you may already know from cleaning your burners previously. Use both hands to grasp the edges of the burner.

  • Pull Firmly Away from the Connector

The next step is to pull the burner out of the connector terminal. Be very careful to pull directly away from the terminal and not to wrench the burner out at an angle. You may have to change where you’re standing to do this.

Pull firmly until the burner releases and comes free. You should now be holding a detached burner in both hands.

  • Discard the Old Burner

Once you’ve got the old burner loose, feel free to discard it or keep it for reclaimed arts and crafts projects. 

Step 3: Examine the Burner Terminal

Before you install the new burner, you’ll want to make sure that the old burner’s troubles weren’t caused by the range itself. Take a close look at the terminal to see if you can detect signs that might cause problems with your new burner.

  • Wipe Away Grime and Old Grease

Start by wiping away any grime and grease with a sponge or a cleaner-soaked paper towel. Tons of food drippings can wind up on the burner terminal which can block your view of its true condition.

  • Look for Signs of Rust and Corrosion

Look for signs of rust or other metal corrosion in and around the terminal. Rust will appear to be flaky dark red layers while copper and other corrosion may appear in the green to the white range, also flaky.

  • Replace the Terminal if Necessary

If the terminal appears rusted, corroded, or otherwise damaged then you will need to make plans to replace it as well as the burner. As this is a deeper component with electrical parts, this may require the help of a service technician. 

Step 4: Clean the Aperture

You should also take this time with your burner disassembled to clean the burner housing and area around where the burner will rest.

  • Wash the Burner Trim Ring

Remove the burner trim ring, which is the metal dish that sits beneath your burner, and wash it thoroughly. Soaking and scrubbing can return the trim ring back to a bright and shiny part. If your Trim ring is badly rusted, consider replacing this as well.

  • Wipe the Stove Around the Burner

Where you removed the trim ring, you are likely to see a ring of grime around the burner aperture in the stove top. Wipe and scrub this clean with a soapy sponge, then dry it before continuing.

  • Replace the Trim Ring

Place the trim ring back into place and you are ready to install the new burner. 

Step 5: Install the New Burner

Once the stove is confirmed to be clean and visually free of problems, the new burner can be slotted into place.

  • Fully Unpackage the New Burner

Start by fully removing all packaging from the new burner, including the terminal post. Make sure there are no supportive pieces of paper or styrofoam wedged into the burner for shipping.

  • Straighten the Burner Terminal

If the burner terminal is crooked or was knocked out of place during cleaning, straighten it until it looks properly aligned.

  • Align the Burner Post with the  Burner Terminal

Line up the burner terminal post with the burner terminal. Just as with removal, getting the right angle to slot-in is important.

  • Push Firmly Into Place

Push firmly until the terminal post sets into the terminal with a solid clunk. Your hands will tell you when the burner is fully and successfully in place.

  • Lower the Burner Terminal Onto the Trim Ring

Gently let go of the burner so that it rests on the trim ring. If there are grooves in the trim ring, make sure they line up with your burner supports. 

Step 6: Finishing Up

Finally, you’re ready to wrap up and get back to cooking.

  • Return Power to the Electric Range

If you unplugged your Maytag electric range, then plug it back in now that the new burner is fully reinstalled. If you flipped a breaker, go flip it back on.

  • Test the New Burner

Turn on your burner to medium and see how long it takes for the coils to turn red for the first time. If they do, you’re now all set to cook anything you like to test the heating and even heat distribution of your new burner.

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