Model #PLES389ECD, this slide in, glass topped range, had been working fine, but recently, part of the left rear dual surface element stopped heating. The failure was tolerable considering three of the other elements are also duals, and it's summer so there isn't much cooking being done. But then part of the right rear element failed, and a short time later, the remaining portion of the left rear element gave up as well. Figuring this was no coincidence, a call was placed to get to the bottom of this problem.



The glass topped cooktops and ranges, generally use a ribbon style element for heating which consists of a metal housing and has the metal ribbon embedded in a cork type substance. These elements can be single, dual, or even triple elements in one housing allowing for maximum flexibility. They are very reliable in their operation and offer good heat transfer to the glass top and quick heating. Because they are mounted under a flat surface, these ranges are usually much easier to keep clean and maintain.

When diagnosing a surface element that has stopped working, the two components that come into play are the element itself, and the infinite switch the provides the power. Determining which one is causing the problem is simply a matter of getting out your multimeter and taking some measurements.

Because the rest of the range was working, I knew this was an isolated problem, but it was still odd to find two element fail after several years of use. The infinite switches are usually the easiest part to get to as they are usually mounted behind the control panel. This range doesn't use typical mechanical switches, but instead has an actual control board behind each selector knob. This board controls the voltage output to the elements, but also provides for a numerical display indicating the expected output from the element. A nice touch, but when they fail, lets just say, it's a bit more to expensive repair.


After removing the control panel and positioning the switch mount to allow for voltage checks, I turned on the elements and verified voltage from each of the switches. With this confirmed, I next unplugged the range and remove the entire panel assembly giving me access to the wire connector to the elements. I must say, this is a nice feature that Frigidaire has put in most of their ranges and makes it easier to isolate failure.

With my meter set to do resistance checks, I began measuring wire pairs to each of the elements looking for any open circuits. Both of the left rear elements measured open as did one of the right rear. Sure enough, this was indeed an element problem, but because it was so strange, I decided to did a little deeper into the failure.

The glass tops are easy to remove as they are held in place by several screws along the perimeter. Once freed from the housing, each element can be removed by taking loose the spring clips that hold it to brackets glued to the glass top itself. And once I had the two rear elements loose, the failures became obvious, but the reason was so strange, I had to take a photo.

It seems, sometime recently, the customers range become the home to many, many meal worm type creatures that had some desire to climb into these two elements. While the elements were being used, their little worm bodies became electrical conductors and created short circuits and likely plenty of heat as well. This heat resulted in the ribbon portion of the element melting and opened the circuit. The damage was done and the solution was going to be new elements.

The customer was not to pleased with the reason for the failure, but after we both looked long and hard for any other worms and not finding any, she decided to get the range repaired. I installed two new elements in place of the old ones and simply put it all back together paying attention to the wire colors. After everything was back in place, power was again put to the unit and each element heated like they should. The customer had her range back and I had a good story to share.


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