How to Fix an Oven Grill Not Working

Overview

An oven grill that does not work can limit your cooking options. This guide covers diagnosing and fixing the issue.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. For your safety, immediately turn off the main power to your oven at the consumer unit (fuse box) before attempting any repairs. Locate the specific circuit breaker or fuse for your kitchen appliances or oven and switch it to the 'off' position to ensure there is no electrical current. Double-check that the oven is completely dead before proceeding.
2. Once the power is off, carefully open the oven door and locate the small access panel that typically covers the grill element connections, usually at the back or top inside the oven cavity. Unscrew or unclip this panel to expose the wiring and the ends of the grill element itself. Take note of how the wires are connected before disconnecting anything.
3. With the grill element exposed and power definitely off, set your multimeter to the continuity or ohms (resistance) setting. Touch one probe to each terminal of the grill element to test for continuity. A working element should show a low resistance reading or emit a beep, indicating a complete circuit; if your multimeter reads 'OL' (open loop) or '1', the element is faulty.
4. If your multimeter showed no continuity, indicating the grill element is faulty, you will need to replace it. Carefully disconnect the wires from the old element, noting their positions, and then unfasten the screws or clips holding the element in place to remove it. Install the new grill element, ensuring all connections are secure and correctly wired back into place.
5. If the grill element tested as fine, you'll need to investigate the control components. With the power still off, you can visually inspect the grill thermostat and the control switch on the oven's fascia for any signs of burning, melted wires, or loose connections. If you suspect an issue, you may need to use your multimeter to test for continuity through these components when they are in the 'on' position, referring to your oven's wiring diagram if available.
6. Once all checks and potential replacements are complete, carefully reassemble any panels or covers you removed inside the oven. Restore the main power to your oven at the consumer unit. Set the oven to grill mode and observe if the element heats up, indicating a successful repair.

Common Symptoms & Diagnostic Resolutions

Review the common error codes and operating symptoms below to quickly identify the root cause of the fault before ordering replacement parts.

Frequently Asked Questions