How to Replace 316075104 Oven Bake Element on Frigidaire Electric Range — Step-by-Step

Your Frigidaire oven's taking forever to preheat, or maybe it's not heating at all when you set it to bake. You check the element through the oven door and notice it's not glowing red like it should. This is the classic sign your bake element has burned out — and it's one of the most common oven failures you'll encounter.

The good news? Replacing the 316075104 bake element is genuinely straightforward. Most homeowners complete this repair in under 30 minutes with basic tools. One customer told us: "The oven bake element was easy to install. Fit perfectly. My oven works like new again!" Let's walk through exactly how to do it.

What You Need Before Starting

Here's everything you'll need for this repair:

• Phillips or flathead screwdriver (depending on your model)
• Nutdriver or socket set (typically 1/4")
• Needle-nose pliers (optional, for stubborn connectors)
• Your replacement 316075104 element

Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy

This part fits over 40 Frigidaire, Kenmore, Electrolux, and Tappan models including the FEF366ECD, FEF352FWB, FEF326FSE, and FEF316ASA ranges. It replaces part numbers 316075103, AP2125026, PS438018, F83-455, and 316282600.

Safety First

Warning: Before touching anything inside your oven, turn off the circuit breaker that controls your range. Simply unplugging isn't enough for hardwired ranges. Electric elements carry 240 volts, which can cause serious injury or death. Wait at least 10 minutes after cutting power to let components cool down. Never work on a hot oven.

Step 1: Remove the Oven Racks and Locate the Mounting Screws

Pull out all your oven racks and set them aside. This gives you clear access to the bake element at the bottom of the oven cavity. Look at the back wall where the element attaches — you'll see two screws (usually Phillips head) holding the mounting brackets in place. These are typically located about 4-6 inches apart on either side of where the element enters the back panel.

Step 2: Disconnect the Element from the Rear Panel

Use your screwdriver to remove both mounting screws completely. Don't just loosen them — take them all the way out and set them somewhere safe (a magnetic parts tray works great). Once the screws are out, gently pull the element forward. The two metal prongs will slide through the holes in the back panel, bringing the wire connectors into view.

Step 3: Disconnect the Wire Connectors

You'll see two push-on wire connectors attached to the element terminals. Grip each connector (not the wire itself) and pull straight off. They might be snug after years of heat cycling. If they're stubborn, use needle-nose pliers to wiggle them gently while pulling. The connectors don't have polarity, so you don't need to mark which goes where.

Pro Tip: Take a quick photo with your phone before disconnecting anything. It's a simple reference if you get interrupted mid-repair.

Step 4: Install the New 316075104 Element

Grab your new element and push the wire connectors onto the terminals until they're fully seated. You should feel them click into place. Now comes the slightly tricky part: you need to feed both element terminals back through their respective holes in the rear panel while keeping the mounting brackets aligned. Push the element back until the brackets sit flush against the oven's rear wall.

Step 5: Secure and Test

Thread both mounting screws back through the brackets and into the rear panel. Tighten them firmly, but don't overtighten — you're screwing into sheet metal, and you can strip the holes. The element should sit flat and stable across the oven bottom.

Replace your oven racks, then turn the circuit breaker back on. Set your oven to 350°F and watch through the window. Within 2-3 minutes, the element should start glowing red evenly across its entire length. If one section doesn't glow, you might have a loose wire connector — turn everything off and check your connections.

Testing After Installation

Run a full bake cycle to make sure everything's working properly. Set your oven to 350°F for 15 minutes. The element should glow bright red, and you should feel consistent heat throughout the oven cavity. If your oven previously wasn't heating evenly, this should resolve that issue too.

Check that the element isn't touching the oven floor or sides. It should have clearance all around. Also verify there are no unusual smells — a slight "new element" odor for the first few minutes is normal, but any burning plastic smell means you should shut down immediately and recheck your installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my bake element is bad?

The most obvious sign is when your oven won't heat at all during bake mode (broil might still work). You might also see visible damage: blistering, bubbling, or a break in the element coil. Sometimes only part of the element glows red while another section stays dark. Any of these symptoms mean it's time for replacement.

Can I use my oven if the bake element is partially working?

Technically yes, but you shouldn't. A failing element often draws inconsistent current, which can trip breakers or damage your oven's control board. It'll also heat unevenly, ruining your baking results. Replace it as soon as you notice problems — this part only costs $20.99 and prevents more expensive damage down the line.

Will this element fit my Kenmore oven?

The 316075104 fits many Kenmore ranges that were manufactured by Frigidaire (which is most of them). Check your model number against the compatibility list. If your old element has part number 316075103, AP2125026, PS438018, or 316282600 printed on it, this is your exact replacement. When in doubt, measure your old element — this one is standard size for most Frigidaire-built 30" ranges.