Kenmore Oven Broiler Not Working — What’s Happening
When you select broil, the oven control should send line voltage to the broil element so it heats and glows red. If the element stays dark, the fault is somewhere in the power path to the broil circuit. On electronic-control models, a failed relay or control board can prevent voltage from reaching the element even when the element itself is good.
The issue is not usually a displayed error code. It means the broil circuit is not energizing the element, most often because the element, wiring, control board relay, thermostat, or temperature sensor has failed.
Most Likely Causes
- Burned-out broil element The element shows visible breaks, blistering, or tests open with no continuity.
- Loose or burnt wiring and terminals Heat damage near the element connections can interrupt power to the broil circuit.
- Defective control board or relay The board may fail to send voltage to broil even when the element is good.
- Faulty temperature control thermostat An incorrect switching action in the thermostat can interrupt broil operation.
- Faulty temperature sensor On models that use a sensor, out-of-range or missing readings prevent the control from completing the broil circuit.
- Power supply issue Less commonly, improper line voltage upstream can prevent broil voltage from reaching the oven.
How to Diagnose and Fix
- Disconnect power at the breaker and verify the range has proper line voltage at the receptacle (about 120 V on each hot leg and 240 V across the supply).
- Inspect the broil element for visible damage such as breaks, blistering, or burned spots.
- Test the broil element for continuity with power disconnected. Replace the element if the test shows open continuity.
- Inspect wiring and terminals at the broil element for heat damage, loose spade connections, or burnt insulation.
- Test the temperature sensor or thermostat if the model uses one in the broil control path. Replace if readings are out of range or missing.
- Check the control board relay output when the element and wiring test good. On electronic models, a defective relay prevents broil voltage from being sent.
- Replace the failed component and restore power to retest broil operation.
Parts You Might Need
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Kenmore broil element | Amazon | Match your model number for correct wattage and fitment. |
| Kenmore oven temperature sensor | Amazon | Used on models with electronic temperature regulation. |
| Kenmore oven control board | Amazon | Contains relays that switch broil voltage. Verify compatibility before ordering. |
Related Error Codes
If your appliance also shows a code on the display, these match this problem:
- Kenmore Oven F0 error code
- Kenmore Oven F1 error code
- Kenmore Oven F10 error code
- Kenmore Oven F2 error code
- Kenmore Oven F3 error code
- Kenmore Oven F30 error code
- Kenmore Oven F31 error code
- Kenmore Oven F33 error code
- Kenmore Oven F4 error code
- Kenmore Oven F5 error code
- Kenmore Oven F50 error code
- Kenmore Oven F7 error code
When to Call a Pro
Call a tech if you are not comfortable working with 240 V supply wiring or if the element and wiring test good but broil still does not work. Diagnosing control board relay output and temperature sensor readings requires a multimeter and knowledge of the specific model’s wiring. If you find a defective relay on the control board, note that some replacement relays (such as OZ-SS-112LF cited in one Kenmore Elite repair) may be obsolete, so a technician can verify current part availability and correct substitution. For gas line, burner, or igniter work, or if you ever smell gas, stop and call a licensed technician.