Whirlpool Oven Broiler Not Working — What’s Happening
When your Whirlpool oven broiler will not heat, you are dealing with a symptom rather than a single fault code. Whirlpool’s own product help starts with door position and broil mode selection before moving into component diagnosis. The broil element will not energize if the oven door is open, and it turns off immediately if you open the door during broiling and resumes when you close it.
If the oven is set correctly and the door is fully closed but the broiler still does not heat, the problem is in the broil heat circuit. On electric models this usually means a failed broil element. On gas models the igniter is the most common culprit. Other possibilities include the oven temperature sensor, thermal fuse, control board, and wiring connections.
Most Likely Causes
- Failed broil element (electric models) The element shows visible cracking, blistering, or does not glow evenly, and an ohms test will show no continuity.
- Weak or failed igniter (gas models) The igniter cannot reach the temperature needed to open the gas valve, so the broiler will not light.
- Door not fully closed or open-door interlock active Whirlpool design prevents the broil element from energizing when the door is open, so check that the door is latched completely.
- Defective oven temperature sensor An out-of-range sensor sends inaccurate readings that can prevent proper broil operation or cause premature shutoff.
- Blown thermal fuse A thermal fuse with no continuity interrupts power to the broil circuit and stops all broil function.
- Control board not sending voltage If the board does not supply 240 VAC to the broil circuit, the element or igniter will not operate.
- Damaged wiring or loose connectors Burned terminals or loose harness connections prevent voltage from reaching the broil element or igniter.
How to Diagnose and Fix
- Verify the oven is set to BROIL mode and the door is closed completely.
- Unplug the oven or turn off the circuit breaker, then inspect the broil element (electric) or igniter (gas) for visible damage, cracks, or blistering.
- Test the broil element or igniter for continuity with a multimeter (power off). A good element will show continuity, and a bad one will read open.
- Check the oven temperature sensor by disconnecting it and measuring resistance at room temperature. A good sensor typically reads 1,000 to 1,200 ohms.
- Test the thermal fuse for continuity. If it is open, the fuse has blown and must be replaced.
- Restore power and set the oven to BROIL, then carefully measure voltage at the broil element leads (or igniter circuit on gas models). You should see 240 VAC when broil is active.
- If 240 VAC is present at the element but the element does not heat, replace the element. If no voltage is present, trace back through the wiring harness and check the control board output.
- Inspect all wire connectors and terminals in the broil circuit for burn marks, corrosion, or loose fit, and repair or replace damaged wiring.
Parts You Might Need
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Whirlpool oven broil element | Amazon | Primary part on electric ranges when element shows no continuity or visible damage. |
| Whirlpool oven igniter (gas models) | Amazon | Primary part on gas ranges when broiler will not light. |
| Whirlpool oven temperature sensor | Amazon | Replace when resistance is out of the 1,000 to 1,200 ohm range at room temperature. |
| Whirlpool oven thermal fuse | Amazon | Single-use safety device. Replace if continuity test shows open circuit. |
Related Error Codes
If your appliance also shows a code on the display, these match this problem:
- Whirlpool Oven A6 error code
- Whirlpool Oven Ab error code
- Whirlpool Oven Cal error code
- Whirlpool Oven F1 E0 error code
- Whirlpool Oven F1 E1 error code
- Whirlpool Oven F2 E0 error code
- Whirlpool Oven F2 E1 error code
- Whirlpool Oven F3 E0 error code
- Whirlpool Oven F3 E1 error code
- Whirlpool Oven F5 E0 error code
- Whirlpool Oven F5 E1 error code
- Whirlpool Oven F7 error code
When to Call a Pro
Call a qualified appliance technician if you are uncomfortable working with 240-volt circuits or if you have a gas model and suspect igniter or valve issues. Gas broiler repair involves working with natural gas or propane lines and electrical ignition components, and that work is best handled by a trained professional. Also call a pro if you have confirmed voltage at the element, replaced the element, and the broiler still does not work, since the issue may be in the control board or deeper wiring that requires specialized diagnostics. For gas line, burner, or igniter work, or if you ever smell gas, stop and call a licensed technician.