Frigidaire Range: Broiler Not Working
Quick answer: The bake function heats normally but selecting broil produces no top heat, or the broil element glows only at one end. On electric ovens the broil element itself is the most frequent failure, followed by a burned wire terminal and the broil relay on the control board.
- Switch off the breaker or unplug the range before touching the broil element or its wiring; it runs on 240 volts.
- On a gas range, shut off the gas supply before removing the broil burner or igniter, and leak-test any fitting you disturb.
- Broil elements sit at the top of the cavity and are very hot for a long time after use; let the oven cool fully before testing with a meter.
Why is my oven broiler not working?
The bake function heats normally but selecting broil produces no top heat, or the broil element glows only at one end. On electric ovens the broil element itself is the most frequent failure, followed by a burned wire terminal and the broil relay on the control board. On gas ovens the broil igniter is the usual cause, and on older ranges the selector switch or thermostat can be at fault.
Our fitment data covers 11,242 Frigidaire range models and 3,203 Frigidaire range parts, so the part links below are filtered to this brand; always confirm your model number before ordering.
Most Likely Causes, in Order
1. Broil element burned out
The broil element runs at full power whenever broil is selected, so it cycles through extreme temperatures and its internal coil eventually opens or shorts to the sheath.
How to check: Select broil and watch the top element for two or three minutes; it should glow bright red along its whole length. Look for a break, blister, or a section that stays dark. With power off, disconnect the element leads and measure resistance across the terminals; most broil elements read roughly 10 to 30 ohms, and an open circuit confirms failure.
Fix: Replace the broil element. Remove its mounting screws at the top rear of the cavity, lower it, swap the wires onto the new element one at a time, and reinstall. (Difficulty: Easy)
Matching Frigidaire parts:
- Oven Broiler Element 5303310513 — $125.85 · 673 models
2. Broil igniter failed (gas)
Gas ovens with a separate top broil burner use a second hot-surface igniter. Like the bake igniter, it weakens with age until it can no longer pull enough current to open the broil valve.
How to check: Select broil and watch the igniter at the top of the cavity. If it does not glow at all, check for voltage at its connector; if it glows but the burner does not light within 90 seconds, the igniter is weak. A clamp meter reading well below 3 amps on a flat igniter confirms it.
Fix: Replace the broil igniter with the gas and power off, taking care not to touch or crack the ceramic element during installation. (Difficulty: Moderate)
No Frigidaire part for this cause is in our catalog yet; search by your model number.
3. Burned terminal or wire at the broil element
The broil circuit carries high current, so a slightly loose spade connector overheats, oxidizes, and finally loses contact.
How to check: With power off, pull the element forward and inspect the connectors for melting, discoloration, or a loose fit. Wiggle each wire; a connector that comes off easily or shows green or black residue is the problem.
Fix: Trim the wire back to clean copper and crimp on a new high-temperature terminal, then reconnect firmly to the element. (Difficulty: Moderate)
No Frigidaire part for this cause is in our catalog yet; search by your model number.
4. Broil relay on the control board failed
The control uses a dedicated relay for the broil output. If its contacts burn or the driver transistor fails, bake still works normally but broil never receives power.
How to check: Only after the element and wiring test good, measure voltage at the element leads with broil selected; no voltage means the board is not closing the broil relay. Listen for the relay click when broil is selected and inspect the board for burn marks.
Fix: Replace the oven control board, transferring the connectors one by one and reusing the overlay if required. (Difficulty: Advanced)
Matching Frigidaire parts:
- Universal/Multiflex (Frigidaire) Range Oven Control Board Bracket 316441600 — $13.60 – $20.94 · 860 models
- Frigidaire Range Oven Control Board 5304518661 — $95.67 – $115.74 · 680 models
- Oven Control Board 316557108 — $106.79 · 463 models
5. Oven selector switch or thermostat worn (older ranges)
Ranges without electronic controls route power to the broil element through a mechanical selector switch and thermostat. The broil contacts inside the switch pit and burn over years of use.
How to check: With power off, pull the control panel and find the selector switch behind the oven knob. Use the wiring diagram on the back panel to identify the broil contacts, then test continuity across them with the knob in the broil position.
Fix: Replace the selector switch or thermostat, labeling each wire before removal so it returns to the same terminal. (Difficulty: Moderate)
No Frigidaire part for this cause is in our catalog yet; search by your model number.
Other Frigidaire parts the catalog tags for this symptom
- Wire Harness 5304494425 — $52.14 – $73.45 (error code; intermittent operation; no power)
- Ignitor Wire Harness 5304535516 — $41.41 – $50.57 (error code; intermittent operation; no power)
- Range Oven Control Board 316207522 — $234.38 – $396.51 (error code; no power; not responding; won't start)
- Frigidaire Range Oven Control Board and Clock 316557205 — $192.42 – $246.55 (error code; no power; not responding; won't start)
- Range Broil Igniter 139013701 — $106.91 – $123.94 (gas won't light; oven won't heat; won't ignite)
- Frigidaire Range Oven Control Board and Clock 5304510064 — $226.19 – $252.49 (error code; no power; not responding; won't start)
Popular Frigidaire range models
Confirm the model number on the rating plate before ordering. Each model page lists every compatible part.
Frequently Asked Questions
The broil element glows only at one end. Is it still usable?
No. A partially glowing element has an internal break and will soon fail completely or arc against the sheath, which can trip the breaker. Replace it.
Why does my broiler turn on and off during broiling?
Most ovens cycle the broil element to hold a set temperature, especially at the low broil setting or when the door is closed. That is normal. Continuous cycling with the door ajar and high broil selected may indicate a sensor issue.
Do I need to remove the range from the wall to replace the broil element?
Usually not. The broil element mounts from inside the cavity with screws at the rear, and its wires can be pulled forward a few inches. Only if a wire slips back into the wall will you need to access the rear panel.
When to Call a Professional
Call a technician if the broil element and its wiring test good but the element receives no voltage, if the control board shows burn damage, or if a gas broil burner or valve must be disconnected.