Kenmore Oven: intermittent broiler function

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing intermittent broiler function in your Kenmore oven? Sometimes it heats and browns food well, while at other times it fails to activate or shuts off unexpectedly. This issue may arise without error codes and isn't linked to user settings, making it frustrating for home cooks.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore ovens commonly list broil element and control board among top causes for broiler not working; exact model parts vary so use model number when ordering parts

Possible Causes

Faulty broil heating element

How to Identify: Broil element does not glow consistently when broil function is selected; visible blisters or cracks may be present or continuity test fails intermittently

Part: Broil element

Loose or damaged wiring/connection to broil element

How to Identify: Visual signs of burnt, frayed, or loose wires leading to the broil element; intermittent contact when oven vibrates or heats up

Part: Wiring harness/terminal connections

Faulty temperature sensor/oven probe

How to Identify: Temperature readings fluctuate wildly or sensor contacts other metal parts, causing control to misjudge broil cycles

Part: Temperature sensor probe

Control board relay or electronic control issue

How to Identify: Other functions occasionally act erratically along with intermittent broiling; no consistent power delivery to broil circuit

Part: Electronic oven control board

DIY Solutions

Inspect and test broil element continuity

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver, flashlight
  1. Disconnect power to the oven at breaker or unplug.
  2. Locate broil element at top of oven cavity and visually inspect for breaks, blisters, or corrosion.
  3. Remove access panel if needed and disconnect wiring to the broil element.
  4. Set multimeter to continuity and test element terminals; no continuity indicates a faulty element.
  5. Replace broil element if faulty and reassemble, then test broil function.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off to avoid electric shock.

Check and secure wiring connections

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, needle-nose pliers
  1. Disconnect power to the oven.
  2. Access the broil element wiring harness and inspect connections for looseness or burn marks.
  3. Tighten any loose connectors and replace damaged wire terminals.
  4. Reassemble and restore power to test broiler function.
⚠️ Safety First: Power must be off before touching wiring.

Next step

Choose the next step for intermittent broiler function

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Check during diagnosis

Most relevant component to inspect

Heating Element

Heats the water or air inside the appliance to the required temperature.

Typical part-only price
$40 - $95
DIY difficulty
Medium
Estimated time
30-45 mins
Where can I find the model number?

Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.

Find a part that fits my model

Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.

Other parts options

Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.

Possible related component

Wiring Harness

Connects controls, sensors, motors, and other electrical components inside the appliance.

$20 - $120 · Medium · 30-90 mins

Check fit & price
Possible related component

Temperature Sensor

Monitors the internal temperature to ensure correct operation and prevent overheating.

$15 - $35 · Easy · 15-30 mins

Check fit & price
Possible related component

Main Control Board

The central brain of the appliance that controls all components, cycles, and timings.

$120 - $280 · Medium · 20-40 mins

Check fit & price
Model number required

Model-compatible Oven parts

Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.

Find a part that fits my model

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.

Optional routine care

Maintenance supplies

These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.

Maintenance supply

Non-Scratch Cooktop Cleaner

A routine surface-care product. Confirm that it is approved for the specific glass, ceramic, enamel, or stainless finish.

View maintenance supply
Diagnostic tool

Oven Thermometer

A diagnostic aid for comparing cavity temperature during a controlled check. It does not prove which internal component has failed.

View maintenance supply

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.

Professional Repairs

Replace control board or relay assembly

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500

Replace temperature sensor probe

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

When to Call a Professional

Intermittent operation persists after DIY tests
Visible electrical damage or burning smell
Multiple oven functions besides broiler are erratic

Preventive Maintenance

  • Inspect broil element and wiring annually: Loose connections and early element failure
    Frequency: annually
  • Keep oven interior clean to reduce heat stress on elements: Premature broil element degradation
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Oven intermittent broiler function?
Common causes include a faulty broil heating element, loose wiring, or issues with the control board.
How do I fix Kenmore Oven intermittent broiler function myself?
Inspect the broil element for continuity and check wiring connections for any looseness or damage.
How much does it cost to fix intermittent broiler function?
Professional repair costs range from $200 to $500 for control board replacement and $50 to $150 for a temperature sensor.
When should I call a technician for intermittent broiler function?
Consider calling a technician if DIY solutions don’t resolve the issue or if you're unsure about the repairs.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty broil element
  • Defective temperature sensor
  • Malfunctioning broiler switch or control board

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check the broil element for any signs of damage or wear. If damaged, replace the broil element. To do this, turn off the power, remove the oven's back panel, disconnect the old element, and connect the new one.

  2. Test the temperature sensor with a multimeter to ensure it is functioning correctly. If it shows an incorrect reading, replace it. This involves turning off the power, removing the sensor from the oven wall, and installing a new one.

  3. Inspect the broiler switch and control board for any visible damage or burnt connections. If found, replace the defective part. This may require disassembling the control panel.

Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Kenmore Elite Double Wall Oven Intermittent Broiler Function

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