GE Electric Range Burner is too hot

[Mihenke]

Hi there,

I am at wits end with my GE Electric range. The dual burner turns on 100% and it just stays there. I have replaced the switch component and the burner itself. It hasn't fixed the problem and I don't know what else to even try. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[Mihenke]

Sorry, I didn't include the model number, but I can't see how to edit my topic before it gets approved. The model number is WFE510S0AS0. Its also a Whirlpool, not a GE.

[Vance R]

The switch controls burner level so the 3 likely possibilities are stuck contact on the switch, missing wired or wrong switch. Parts select show the dual switch as WPW10434452.

[Mihenke]

Thank you for your response. The switch I replaced it with was this one:

Kitchen Basics 101 W10434452 Range Infinite Control Switch Compatible with Whirlpool PS11754687, MDPA-W171-WPM https://a.co/d/cu2mfxw

It says it is a replacement for that part and installed just fine. Unfortunately the problem still persisted after installation and I assumed it must be an issue elsewhere. I guess it is possible the new switch has the same problem the old one did. 

Do you have a suggestion on how I could tell if the new switch is bad? 

 

[Vance R]

10 minutes ago, Mihenke said:

Do you have a suggestion on how I could tell if the new switch is bad? 

It is indirect way, the switch has a small heater inside to warm a bi-metal thermostat, the shaft has a cam that varies the pressure on the bi-metal to change the temp of the element. Usually if a burner goes full on it is the points in the thermostat are stuck closed. There is a secondary switch to turn off power.

Double check the hook up first the old switch and new switch may have the tabs in different locations. Each tab is labelled with small letters and compare to the wire diagram by wire color. 

[Mihenke]

Sorry for the delay. I was very busy with the holidays but now I'm back to working on this issue.

Thank you for your reply. I unfortunately threw away the old switch, so I can't compare the two, and I'm also sadly having a hard time with the diagram. I've attached a photo though, and maybe you can tell me if the switch seems to be at least wired correctly?

[Vance R]

From the wire diagram:

L1 - BK (black)

L2 - R (red)

H1a - OR/bk (orange with  black trace)

H1b - OR/w (orange with white trace)

H2 - OR (orange)

P - V(violet)

All the wire colors match except the purple wire. So making a swag subbing the purple for the orange wire. The OR/w and Purple wire  are in the wrong place. Need to verify colors of wires at element.

Edited January 7, 2023 by Vance R
Added last sentence.

[Mihenke]

Thank you for your response, and understanding that I'm really a novice and also color-blind in addition (asked someone for help to make sure I had the colors right). I'm very confused about one thing. According to what you wrote, there should be three oranges and 1 purple, but there seem to be only 2 oranges and two purples, so I'm not sure what to do. I tried switching the current P and the H2 (OR/w) wires but that didn't work. Can you tell me which wires to switch according to their labels on the switch itself? Thank you for helping me as if I were a 3rd grader.

[Vance R]

On 1/6/2023 at 8:49 PM, Vance R said:

All the wire colors match except the purple wire.

I'll quote myself. Your picture only has 2 orange wires. The wire diagram has 3 oranges wires. 

 

4 hours ago, Mihenke said:

Thank you for helping me as if I were a 3rd grader.

Us 2nd graders do this all the time. Lets change tactics. 

I've circle the element terminals in the picture. H1a is upper left, H2 is lower left, H1b is kinda middle bottom left of center. Trace these wires to the element, read the tiny letters on the element. Believe on the switch you find the H2 and H1b wires are on the wrong terminals. I would recommend also checking the wire on the P terminal of the switch to the element.

[Mihenke]

Thank you so much for making that super clear. I switched the two wires, and that seems to have fixed the problem. I'll make sure to be more careful with the cable wiring in the future.