Failure at bake element terminal (WFE540H0AS0 oven)

[Lost Dog]

Hi all,

Our Whirlpool WFE540H0AS0 oven has been having temperature issues (occasionally WAY too hot and then today not heating).  I started with checking the thermal probe and it was fine.  The heating element in the oven looked OK (we've replaced several over the life of the oven... I think pizza nights at 500 degrees is a bit rough on the element).

An inspection of the element connection however was a different issue...  The wire terminal was melted and ~1.5" of the wire itself was scorched.  The element connector seems OK and it looks like I can clean away the oxidation.  From what I can tell from reading online, this most often can occur if the wire terminal is loose and it's possible this happened the last time I replaced the element and it finally failed.  I checked the resistance of the bake element and it was 16 ohm (right where it should be).

My questions...

• Should I be concerned of this being from another cause?
• Can I clean off the element connection and use it as-is or should I replace the element?
• If there is enough slack, can I cut back to clean wire and use the existing run or should I replace the whole thing?

If I need to replace the whole wire and terminal, are these available at Home Depot / Lowes or do I need a specialty shop (or online)?

Thank you all much!

[16345Ed]

I’d replace element to get good clean terminal to connect to. I’d cut back supply wire to where it’s clean and install new female spade connector rated for high heat. 
 

Loose connections generate heat. Always double check connections for tightness. Typical thing DIYer’s overlook. I see it on ranges and dryers. 

[Lost Dog]

On 3/18/2022 at 2:31 AM, 16345Ed said:

I’d replace element to get good clean terminal to connect to. I’d cut back supply wire to where it’s clean and install new female spade connector rated for high heat. 
 

Loose connections generate heat. Always double check connections for tightness. Typical thing DIYer’s overlook. I see it on ranges and dryers. 

Forgot to say thanks for this!  I have parts showing up today so I should be back up and running tonight.