Why Is My Oven Broil Burner Not Working? Diagnostic Guide

• Verify oven control is set explicitly to 'BROIL' (HI or LO) and door is closed (or at broil stop detent).
• Visually inspect electric broil element for bright blistering, cracks, or severed sheath breaks.
• On gas ovens, look for orange glow from top ceiling igniter within 60 seconds.

• Electric broil heating element open circuit on multimeter resistance test.
• Gas broil silicon carbide glow igniter drawing under 3.2 amps.
• Electronic oven control board (EOC) broil relay coil burned out.

On electric ranges, the ceiling broil element operates at 240V and 3,000 to 4,000 watts. Over thermal cycles, the internal nichrome resistance wire burns through, leaving an open electrical circuit.

Gas ranges utilize completely separate igniters and gas valve orifices for bake vs broil. Because the broil igniter is suspended directly from the ceiling, gravity and high radiant heat cause internal resistance degradation over time.

The main clock control board (EOC) uses separate electromechanical relays to switch 240V power to the broil circuit. Arcing during high-temp broil cycles burns the relay copper contacts open.

Modern electronically controlled ovens require the door latch switch to confirm door closure before energizing the high-wattage broil element. A bent door strike or broken switch halts the broil sequence.

High thermal plumes escaping the rear oven flue exhaust can melt or oxidize spade terminal connectors feeding the upper broil element terminals behind the rear sheet metal panel.