Frigidaire Cooktop Repair

This guide helps you repair common Frigidaire cooktop problems. Most cooktop issues can be fixed with basic tools and a little know-how. We've fixed hundreds of Frigidaire cooktops and can help you identify what's wrong and get your kitchen working again.

Why Cooktops Stop Working

Cooktops usually stop working because something wears out. Electric coils burn out after years of use. Switches fail from constant turning. Ignition systems get dirty from food spills. Most fixes are simpler than you might think.

The first step in any repair is finding your model number. Look under the cooktop or along the bottom edge. Write it down exactly as it appears. You'll need it if you end up ordering parts from Sears Parts Direct.

Some Frigidaire models like the FFEC3025PS have common issues with their switches after several years of regular use. Knowing your exact model helps pinpoint the most likely problems.

Safety First

Always turn off the power before working on a cooktop. Find the right breaker in your electrical panel and switch it off. For gas models, also turn off the gas supply valve, usually located near the cooktop or under the sink.

Wait until everything cools down. This is important. Smooth-top models can stay hot for an hour after being turned off. Coil models cool faster but can still cause burns if you rush.

Keep your work area clear of clutter. Have some towels ready to place parts on as you remove them. Most Frigidaire cooktop repairs need just a few basic tools - screwdrivers, maybe pliers, and possibly a multimeter if you want to test electrical parts.

Never work on gas components if you smell gas. Leave the house and call for professional help. Gas leaks are serious business.

Electric Cooktop Problems

When an electric burner won't heat up, check these things:

• The heating element might be bad. Look for bubbling or cracks in the metal. Elements just wear out over time from repeated heating and cooling. This is the most common issue with older cooktops.

• The receptacle could be damaged. This is where the element plugs in. Check if it looks burned or corroded. Receptacles often fail next after elements, especially in humid climates or near the coast where salt air speeds up corrosion.

• The switch behind the knob often fails. These wear out because you turn them all the time. If your burner won't adjust properly or stays on one temperature, the switch is usually the problem.

• Wiring connections sometimes come loose from years of heating and cooling. The metal expands and contracts until connections start to work loose. This causes intermittent heating problems that come and go.

Cold weather months bring more element failures. It makes sense when you think about it. People cook more when it's cold outside, putting more stress on all the components.

Heat Control Problems

If your burner stays on high no matter what the dial says, or never gets hot enough, the switch is probably bad. This happens when the internal contacts wear down and can't properly regulate the electricity flowing to the burner.

We see this a lot on Frigidaire models after a few years of use. The switch contacts gradually wear down until they can't make proper contact or get stuck in one position.

Another sign of switch problems is clicking or popping sounds when you turn the knob. This happens when the contacts inside are wearing out or have corrosion on them.

Sometimes cleaning the control panel area helps prevent switch problems. Spills that run down into the controls can cause corrosion over time.

Indicator Light Issues

When the light stays on but the burner is cold, don't worry about the light itself. The light works fine. The problem is usually in the switch or relay that controls the burner.

Indicator lights just show that power is reaching a part of the system. They don't directly control anything. When lights stay on with cold burners, it means power is stuck somewhere in the system.

The opposite can happen too - the burner works but the light stays off. Again, the problem isn't the light bulb but the control system.

Fixing indicator light issues almost always means replacing a switch or control board, not the light itself.

Smooth-Top Cooktop Issues

Smooth-top models use sensors under the glass to control heat. When these go bad, you'll notice burners cycling on and off too much, not getting hot enough, or shutting off during cooking.

The problem could be in the sensors or the control board they connect to. Sometimes it's the connection between them that fails. Temperature sensors wear out faster than most other parts because they constantly heat up and cool down.

Hot spots on smooth-tops often mean the element underneath is starting to fail. If part of the burner gets much hotter than the rest, the element is probably going bad.

If you see any cracks in the glass surface, stop using the cooktop right away. Cracks let water get to electrical parts underneath. This causes shorts and bigger problems. We've seen small cracks turn into expensive repairs when ignored.

Smooth-tops also have issues with their support brackets over time. If your cooktop seems uneven or rocks slightly, the mounting system might need adjustment.

Gas Cooktop Problems

When gas burners won't light, check these common issues:

• The igniter might be dirty or damaged. You'll hear clicking but see no spark or see a spark but no flame. Igniters are the most common problem with gas cooktops.

• Gas supply problems affect multiple burners at once. If nothing lights, check that the gas valve is fully open and your service hasn't been interrupted.

• Burner ports get clogged with food. This blocks gas flow and causes uneven flames. You can usually see if flames are coming out unevenly around the burner.

• Burner caps might be out of position. They need to sit correctly on the burner base or gas won't flow properly. Even slight misalignment can prevent proper lighting.

We fix more gas cooktops right after holidays than any other time. All that cooking means more food boils over and clogs things up.

Common Misdiagnosis Problems

Many people replace parts they don't need to. Here's how to avoid that:

• Don't automatically replace an element if a burner won't heat. Test the receptacle and switch first. They might be the real problem.

• When multiple burners stop working at once, look for shared components like fuses or main controls. Don't replace individual burner parts.

• Yellow flames on gas cooktops usually mean dirty burners, not gas supply problems. Clean before calling for service.

• Clicking sounds without sparks usually mean the igniter is fine but something is blocking the spark. Clean before replacing.

• If smooth-top burners cycle too quickly, it's often the sensor, not the element. Testing the right component saves money and time.

Testing and Fixing Electric Elements

To check an element, make sure power is off at the breaker. Pull the element out by lifting gently and pulling it away from the cooktop.

Look for damage. If you have a multimeter, check resistance across the prongs. Good elements show about 15-30 ohms. If the meter shows no reading, the element is dead.

Replacing an element is easy. With power off, pull out the old one and push in the new one. Make sure the prongs line up right. Push until it sits flat against the cooktop. Turn power back on and test.

If the new element doesn't work, the problem is deeper in the system - likely the receptacle or switch. Test the receptacle with your multimeter if you have one.

Sometimes elements work loose over time. If your element heats intermittently, try removing and reinserting it to ensure good contact before buying a replacement.

Replacing a Burner Switch

Replacing the switch takes more work but isn't too hard:

1. Turn off power at the breaker. Pull off the knobs. Find and remove screws holding the control panel. These are usually underneath but sometimes behind.
2. Take a picture of the wiring before disconnecting anything. This helps later. Many people skip this step and regret it when reassembling.
3. Remove wires from the old switch. Take out mounting screws. Put the new switch in the same position. Connect wires just like in your picture. Put everything back together and test.

Some switches have small alignment tabs or notches. Pay attention to how the old one sits before removing it completely. The new one needs to go in the same orientation.

Label wires with tape if you don't have a camera handy. Switches can have multiple similar wires that need to go to specific terminals.

Cleaning Gas Burner Parts

1. Make sure gas and power are off. Take off the grates and burner caps. Most lift straight up without tools.
2. Soak the parts in soapy water. Clean any clogged holes with a soft brush. For stubborn clogs, use a toothpick to clear out holes. Never use anything metal that might enlarge the holes.
3. Rinse everything and let it dry completely before putting it back. Everything must be dry or you'll have ignition problems.

Make sure burner caps sit perfectly centered on the burner base when replacing them. Even slight misalignment prevents proper lighting and causes uneven flames.

Some cooktops have special alignment notches on the burners. Look for these before disassembly so you know how to line everything up again.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

Different seasons call for different maintenance approaches.

During holiday cooking season, clean more frequently. Food spills happen more when you're cooking big meals.

Summer humidity can affect electronic components. Keep the area around your cooktop well ventilated.

Fall is a good time to check gas pressure and connections before winter cooking begins.

Spring cleaning should include pulling out the cooktop if possible and cleaning underneath where crumbs collect.

In areas with hard water, clean more often to prevent mineral buildup around burner openings.

When to Get Professional Help

Some repairs are better left to cooktop repair professionals:

• Gas repairs beyond basic cleaning can be dangerous. Gas leaks or improper connections cause serious hazards.

• Control board replacements often need special programming. Modern cooktops have sophisticated electronics.

• Sealed components need specialized tools to access and repair properly.

• Replacing glass surfaces requires precision to prevent more damage or injury.

• Complex electrical problems need expert diagnosis. Some issues involve multiple failing components.

If a repair involves removing the cooktop from its mounting, consider professional help to avoid damage to your countertops.

Keeping Your Cooktop Working

Regular appliance maintenance keeps your cooktop working longer.

For coil models, clean spills quickly before they burn on. Check connections once in a while. Don't use pots that are too big for the burner. Clean under removable elements monthly.

For smooth-top models, use only the right cleaners. Wipe up spills after cooking. Don't slide pots across the surface. Use flat-bottomed cookware. Apply cooktop protectant occasionally to prevent staining.

For gas models, clean the burners monthly. Wipe up spills before they reach the burner ports. Check that flames are blue, not yellow. Keep the igniter area clean and dry.

Check control knobs for looseness periodically. Tighten set screws if needed. Loose knobs can damage switches over time.

Inspect wiring when you have the chance. Look for heat damage or loose connections. Catching these early prevents bigger problems.

Finding Replacement Parts

When you need parts, Sears PartsDirect carries genuine Frigidaire replacement components. Always order using your model number to get the right parts.

Avoid generic parts that claim to fit everything. They usually don't work as well and sometimes cause new problems. The money saved rarely justifies the extra problems they cause.

Keep your old parts until the repair is working properly. Sometimes new parts are defective and you need to compare them.

Some parts look identical but have different electrical ratings. Always match specifications, not just appearance.

Wait to dispose of packaging until you're sure the repair is successful. You might need return information.

Getting Help If You Need It

If your cooktop problem seems too complicated or you don't feel comfortable making the repair, we can help. Our appliance repair service team knows Frigidaire cooktops inside and out. We can diagnose the problem correctly and fix it right the first time.

Gas cooktops especially benefit from professional cooktop repair service if problems go beyond simple cleaning. The safety aspects make professional work worth considering.

Complex electronic issues in newer models often need specialized diagnostic equipment that most homeowners don't have.