A broiler that won't work can leave you unable to sear, toast, or crisp food properly. Since the broiler relies on a dedicated heating component separate from the bake system, this issue often points to a specific part failure rather than a general oven problem.

Below are the most common causes of a non-working broiler and the steps you can take to diagnose and repair each one.

1. Broil Element Burned Out (Electric Ranges)

Most Common Solution

Why It Causes the Broiler Not to Work

The broil element is the exposed coil at the top of the oven cavity that produces high, direct heat for broiling. Like the bake element, it can weaken over time and eventually burn through, breaking the circuit so it no longer heats.

Common causes include:

• Element coil worn out from repeated high-heat use
• Grease or food splatter causing the coil to corrode
• Physical damage from contact with cookware or utensils

Symptoms include:

• Visible cracks, blisters, or a break in the element coil
• Sparking or arcing at the element during use
• Broiler does not heat despite the setting being selected

How to Replace the Broil Element

1. Turn off power to the range at the breaker before starting.
2. Remove the oven racks and locate the mounting screws holding the broil element in place.

Remove the mounting screws and gently pull the element forward to expose the wire terminals.

Disconnect the wire terminals from the back of the element.

Connect the wire terminals to the new broil element.

Push the element back into place and reinstall the mounting screws.

Reinstall the oven racks, restore power, and test the broiler.

Find Broil Element Parts
Enter your range model number to locate the correct replacement broil element for your unit.

2. Broil Igniter Failure (Gas Ranges)

Why It Causes the Broiler Not to Work

On gas ranges, the broil burner uses its own igniter to open the gas safety valve and light the flame. When this igniter weakens, it may glow but fail to generate enough current to open the valve, leaving the broiler unable to light.

Common causes include:

• Igniter worn out from normal use over time
• Igniter cracked or physically damaged
• Grease or debris buildup interfering with ignition

Symptoms include:

• Igniter glows but broil burner never lights
• Igniter glows weakly or takes longer than usual
• Clicking sound with no flame produced

How to Replace the Broil Igniter

1. Turn off power to the range at the breaker before starting.
2. Remove the oven racks to access the broil burner near the top of the cavity.

Disconnect the wire harness and mounting screws securing the igniter.

Remove the old igniter and install the new one in the same position.

Reconnect the wire harness and secure the mounting screws.

Reinstall the oven racks, restore power, and test the broiler for consistent ignition.

3. Blown Thermal Fuse

Why It Causes the Broiler Not to Work

Many ranges use a thermal fuse as a one-time safety device that cuts power to the heating circuit if the oven overheats. Once the fuse blows, it cannot be reset and must be replaced before the broiler, and sometimes the bake element, will work again.

Common causes include:

• Oven overheated due to a control board or sensor malfunction
• Blocked vents causing excess heat buildup
• Fuse aged and failed on its own over time

Symptoms include:

• Broiler and possibly the bake element both fail to heat
• Oven display and controls otherwise function normally
• No response at all when the broiler is activated

How to Check and Replace the Thermal Fuse

1. Turn off power to the range at the breaker before starting.
2. Locate the thermal fuse, typically found near the oven cavity or behind the rear panel.

Disconnect the wire harness and test the fuse for continuity with a multimeter.

Remove the mounting screws and take out the failed fuse.

Install the new thermal fuse and reconnect the wire harness.

Reinstall any panels, restore power, and test the broiler.

Find Thermal Fuse Parts
Enter your range model number to locate the correct replacement thermal fuse for your unit.

4. Oven Control Board Issue

Why It Causes the Broiler Not to Work

The control board sends voltage to the broil element or broil igniter when the broil setting is selected. If the relay responsible for the broil circuit fails, the board may never activate the broiler even though the display shows it is running.

Common causes include:

• Failed relay dedicated to the broil circuit
• Power surge or electrical damage to the board
• Corroded or loose wire connections at the board

Symptoms include:

• Bake function works normally, but broil never activates
• Oven display shows broil mode is on but no heat is produced
• Burning smell or visible damage on the control board

How to Check and Replace the Control Board

1. Turn off power to the range at the breaker before starting.
2. Access the control board, typically located behind the rear control panel or below the cooktop.

Inspect the board visually for burn marks, swollen capacitors, or corrosion.

Disconnect all wire harnesses from the board, noting their positions.

Remove the mounting screws and take out the old control board.

Install the new control board and reconnect all wire harnesses.

Restore power and test the broiler through a full cycle.

Find Oven Control Board Parts
Enter your range model number to locate the correct replacement control board for your unit.

Preventing Broiler Problems

Routine maintenance can help you catch broiler issues early and keep your range working reliably. Consider the following preventive steps:

• Clean grease and food splatter off the broil element regularly
• Avoid letting cookware touch the broil element
• Check the broil igniter's glow color and time periodically on gas ranges

Keep oven vents clear of blockages to prevent overheating

Avoid running the broiler with the door closed longer than the manufacturer recommends

Schedule a professional inspection if the control board shows signs of wear

Find the Correct Range Replacement Part

A broiler that won't work can result from a burned-out broil element, a failed broil igniter, a blown thermal fuse, or a malfunctioning control board. Identifying the source will help you get the right replacement part and restore full broiling function.

Always verify your range model number before ordering any replacement part to ensure a proper fit and reliable performance.

At Authentic Appliance Parts, we provide quality range replacement parts and repair resources to help you diagnose range problems and complete repairs with confidence.