the lower broiler element in my oven cracked and sparked. can i just replace it?

Diagnosis

The sparking and visible cracking in your Whirlpool WFE515S0JS broiler element indicate a catastrophic failure of the resistive heating coil. Over time, the metal sheath surrounding the internal heating filament develops microscopic stress fractures due to repeated thermal expansion and contraction (heating and cooling cycles). Once the outer sheath breaches, oxygen enters and rapidly oxidizes the internal filament, leading to a "hot spot" that eventually burns through. When the filament breaks, the electrical current attempts to jump the gap to the nearest grounded surface, creating an electrical arc. This is the spark you witnessed. This failure is typically localized to the element itself, but the high-heat arc can occasionally pit or scorch the wiring terminals at the rear of the oven cavity. You can confirm the failure by visually inspecting the element for a "blister" or a clean break in the coil; if the element is no longer a continuous loop, it is electrically open and must be replaced.

How to Fix It

Replacing the broiler element is a straightforward process that requires only a nut driver or a screwdriver. The correct replacement part for this model is typically the WPW10307441 heating element.

1. Power Down: Disconnect the range from the 240V wall outlet. Do not rely on the circuit breaker alone; physically unplug the unit to ensure no residual current is present in the chassis.
2. Clear the Cavity: Remove the oven racks and any broiler pans to provide full access to the bottom of the oven interior.
3. Remove Mounting Hardware: Locate the two mounting screws at the rear of the oven cavity that secure the element flange to the oven wall. Use a 1/4" nut driver or a Phillips head screwdriver to remove these screws.
4. Extract the Element: Gently pull the element forward toward the front of the oven. Do not force it; if it feels stuck, check for any food debris or melted plastic that may be adhering the element to the floor of the oven.
5. Disconnect Wiring: At the rear terminal block, carefully pull the two wire connectors (spade terminals) off the element prongs. If the connectors are stuck due to heat, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to gently wiggle them loose.
6. Install New Element: Slide the new element into position. Attach the wire connectors to the new terminals. Ensure the connectors "click" firmly into place; a loose connection here will cause overheating and melt the wire insulation.
7. Secure and Test: Reinstall the two mounting screws, tightening them firmly but not over-torquing them into the thin oven wall. Plug the range back in and set the oven to "Broil" for 2 minutes to verify the element glows evenly across its entire length.

If That Didn't Work

• Inspect the Terminal Block: If the new element does not heat or you see sparks at the connection point, inspect the female spade connectors. If they are charred or blackened, the connection is poor. You will need to cut the damaged ends of the wires and crimp on new high-temperature female spade terminals to ensure a tight electrical fit.
• Test the Infinite Switch/Control Board: If the element remains cold, use a multimeter to check for 240V at the wiring harness when the broiler is turned on. If no voltage is reaching the element, the failure is likely in the electronic oven control (ERC) board or a failed relay on the main power board.
• Check the Thermal Fuse: Some iterations of this chassis include a thermal cutoff. If the previous element failure caused a massive heat spike, it may have tripped a thermal fuse. Check for continuity across the thermal fuse located in the rear wiring harness; if it reads "Open," the fuse must be replaced.

Heads Up

• Avoid Cleaning Chemicals: Never use abrasive oven cleaners directly on the new element coils. The chemicals can eat through the protective sheath, accelerating the exact same cracking process that caused the original failure.
• Burn-Off Period: When installing a new element, it is normal to smell a slight "burning" odor or see a small amount of smoke for the first 10-15 minutes. This is simply the factory protective oil burning off the new metal.
• Verify Fitment: Ensure the element is centered perfectly before tightening the screws. If the element is skewed, it can touch the oven wall, causing a localized hot spot that may warp the oven liner.