Princess Oven Element Not Working on 3 Burner Electric Stove

[mrsparkj]

Question with regards to a Princess Oven. I have a 1987 32' Carver Aft Cabin, with original Princess 3 burner / electric stove oven. I live aboard her during the winter and when cooking noticed the oven element stopped working. My broiler element works fine and hear a click when I turn the oven setting from 450 to 500. I ordered a replacement oven heater element, connected and still the oven does not heat in the 200 - 450 settings. Any ideas. Is there a switch that engages when you close the oven door?? Looking for any trouble shooting ideas. Thanks!

[Viper]

No door switch that I know of. Have you confirmed that you're getting 120 volts at the element? If you are, then the element is bad or is the wrong one and it's designed for a 220 volt unit for example.

If there is no voltage at the element, start tracing the circuit back from there. If I recall, you'll have an oven selector switch as well as the thermostat. Check for voltage on both sides of the switch and the t-stat. With the t-stat turned on, you should have voltage though it. If you don't but have voltage up to it, the problem is the t-stat. Check all connections to make sure they are clean, corrosion free and tight.

If the broiler works, that indicates the broiler side of the t-stat is working. You can try swaping the broiler wire at the t-stat with the lower element wire. This should light up the lower element. If it does, the bake side of the t-stat has failed.

Careful here, you're dealing with 120 volts. You can use a meter or a voltage detector pen (everyone should have one on board). If you're handy with a meter, you can do a continuity check of the switch and t-stat in the "on" position.

[mrsparkj]

Viper, appreciate the troubleshooting explanation! The diagram I have is VERY old and hard to follow. Going down next weekend to do some maintenance and will follow your instructions! Will let you know how I make out. Scott

[Viper]

Even if it's a 220 volt element installed in a 110V stove, the element should still heat up a little if the circuit is working properly.

[mrsparkj]

Viper...it was the t-stat. Got it working, really appreciate your troubleshooting solutions!

[Viper]

Sweet. Good job