my kitchenaid electric range oven won't heat up at all, but the display and lights all work fine.

Diagnosis

This failure pattern—where the control panel, clock, and interior lights function perfectly but the oven cavity remains cold—is almost always indicative of a failure in the heating circuit rather than the control board. On the KitchenAid KFEG500ESS, the most frequent culprit is a burnt-out bake element. Because these elements are resistive coils, they eventually succumb to thermal fatigue or physical degradation, creating an open circuit that stops the flow of electricity. You can confirm this visually by inspecting the bake element (the loop at the bottom of the oven). Look for "hot spots," blisters in the metal sheath, or a visible break in the internal coil. If the element looks pristine, the issue may be a failed oven sensor or a tripped internal thermal fuse. To be certain, a technician would use a multimeter to check for continuity across the element terminals; a reading of "OL" (Open Line) confirms the element is dead and must be replaced.

How to Fix It

To replace the bake element on your KFEG500ESS, follow these precise steps:

1. Power Isolation: Shut off the 40-amp or 50-amp double-pole circuit breaker in your home's electrical panel. Do not rely on the "Off" button on the display; the high-voltage lines to the elements remain live.
2. Clear the Cavity: Open the oven door and remove all wire racks and the broiler pan to give yourself unobstructed access to the oven floor.
3. Remove Fasteners: Locate the mounting screws at the rear of the oven floor that secure the element's flange to the chassis. Using a nut driver or Phillips head screwdriver, remove these screws.
4. Disconnect Wiring: Gently pull the element forward a few inches to expose the wiring. Use needle-nose pliers to pull the two spade connectors (usually red or black) off the element terminals. Note that these connectors can become "heat-soaked" and brittle; pull them straight back to avoid snapping the wires.
5. Swap the Element: Remove the old element completely. Slide the new replacement element (ensure it is the exact OEM part for the KFEG500ESS) into the rear slot, aligning it with the mounting holes.
6. Reconnect and Secure: Push the spade connectors firmly onto the new terminals. You should feel a distinct "click" as they seat. Reinstall the mounting screws, tightening them firmly but avoiding over-torqueing, which can strip the thin sheet metal of the oven floor.
7. Test Run: Restore power at the breaker and set the oven to 350°F. The element should begin to glow red within 60 to 90 seconds.

If That Didn't Work

• Check the Oven Temperature Sensor: If the element is new but the oven won't heat, the sensor (the small probe sticking out of the back wall) may be faulty. If the sensor reads an impossibly high temperature (e.g., 500°F when the oven is cold), the control board will refuse to engage the heating elements to prevent a fire. Test the sensor for resistance; it should typically read around 1080 ohms at room temperature.
• Inspect the Thermal Fuse: Some versions of this range employ a high-limit thermal fuse. If the oven experienced a severe overheat event, this fuse will blow to cut power to the heating circuit. This is a one-time-use component and must be replaced if it shows no continuity.
• Verify the Control Board Relay: If the element and sensor are both functional, the relay on the main oven control board (the "brain" behind the display) may have failed. If you hear a "click" when you start the oven but no power reaches the element, the relay contact may be charred or pitted, requiring a replacement of the entire control board assembly.

Heads Up

• Avoid Generic Elements: Always use OEM KitchenAid or Whirlpool parts. Cheap "universal" elements often have slightly different wattage or dimensions, which can lead to uneven baking or premature burnout.
• Connector Maintenance: If the spade connectors look charred or blackened, do not simply plug them into the new element. Use a crimping tool to install new high-temperature female spade terminals to ensure a tight, low-resistance connection.
• Burn-Off Period: When installing a new element, expect a slight smell or a small amount of smoke during the first 20 minutes of use. This is simply the factory protective coating burning off the new metal.
• Avoid Impact: Never use the bottom of the oven as a stepping stool or place heavy cast-iron pots directly on the bake element, as this can cause microscopic cracks in the sheath that lead to immediate failure.