How to Replace a Fan Oven Heating Element

Does your cooker seem to be working but not heating up? You could be looking at a faulty oven heating element. However, there’s no need to panic – this is a simple, straightforward repair that you can complete yourself, with no need for a professional. In this article, we will explain how to change the oven heating element and how to tell if it’s broken in the first place.

Before we tell you how to replace an oven heating element, make sure that you are on the right path. If this is a repair that needs to be performed, you will likely see that:

• The oven isn’t heating up.
• The oven element has blown.
• There are bright spots or uneven patches on the element when the cooker is in use.
• The oven trips the electricity when the element is turned on but may work using another setting (such as the grill).

If you notice one or multiple of these symptoms, you will likely need to change the oven heating element. Keep reading this article to find out how to do it!

• Torx screwdriver
• Pliers
• Replacement heating element for oven

To find how to replace the heating element in an oven, you can either read our guide or watch the video below.

❗ Note: This video shows an example of how to install an oven heating element on a typical machine. Some models may be different, but the overall procedure should be similar. 

Most fan oven elements can be accessed from the front of the machine. That means that if you have a standalone or built-in oven, you don’t have to move it out.

To make it easier for you to access the heating element in an oven, you can remove the door. That will give you more space to work and ensure the glass of the door doesn’t get damaged. On most oven doors, there will be a latch on either hinge – flip it up.

With the latch opened, close the oven door without fully shutting it. Then, lift it up and out of the appliance. 

The fan element can be found behind the backplate on the inside of the oven cavity. There are four Torx screws holding it in place, so use your screwdriver to remove them.  

The element itself is held in place with another three screws. Once again, use your screwdriver to remove them. 

Once you have removed the screws, you can gently ease the element out. However, don’t simply pull it out, as it will still be connected via electrical wires.

There are three connections – live, neutral, and earth. Before you disconnect them, you can make a note or take a picture of the position to ensure you refit them correctly. Then, using a pair of pliers, disconnect the three wires from the element. Make sure you are pulling the connectors rather than the wires themselves.

Grab your new element. The first thing you need to do is reattach the three electrical connections from earlier – you can refer back to your photo or notes. Once the connections are reattached, insert the oven element back into the cutout in the cavity.  

With your new oven element in place, refit the three screws you removed earlier. Then, grab the cavity backplate and secure it in place with four screws.  

For the last step in this fan oven element replacement process, simply reattach the oven door.  Align the door hinges with their spots in the cabinet. Then, pull the door all the way down as though you were opening it normally. Close the latches you have opened earlier.  

When your oven heating element’s not working, it can put your entire routine to a halt. So, we hope that this tutorial has been helpful in walking you through the repair steps. However, if it seems that the problem you are facing isn’t due to a faulty oven heating element or you are experiencing some other issues, we can still help! Be sure to watch our YouTube playlist dedicated to troubleshooting common cooker problems.

Finally, for any spare parts, accessories, or cleaning products for your oven, be sure to visit the eSpares website!