Kenmore (Roper / GE) Rangetop Controls

Kenmore (Roper / GE) rangetop controls

Frank -- Monday, 17 February 2003, at 8:04 p.m.

I have a five year old Kenmore stove (made by Roper, but parts by GE) and two of the four rotary controls for the burners occasionally pop or sizzle when they're on. Originally, only one seemed to do this, so I removed the control and was able to see through a hole in the back of it that arcing had occured. As said above, the part was unfortunately made by GE, so I paid an exorbitant amount to replace that control. It didn't seem to make noise for a while, but now it's back and one other control is now showing the same signs. When I had everything apart to replace the original control, I saw no signs of loose or damaged wiring in the panel. Are there any tests I can run with my multimeter to check for bad circuitry? Any other ideas?

Thanks,

Frank

Re: Kenmore (Roper / GE) rangetop controls

Dan O. -- Monday, 17 February 2003, at 8:21 p.m.

: I have a five year old Kenmore stove (made by
: Roper, but parts by GE) and two of the four
: rotary controls for the burners occasionally
: pop or sizzle when they're on. Originally,
: only one seemed to do this, so I removed the
: control and was able to see through a hole
: in the back of it that arcing had occured.
: As said above, the part was unfortunately
: made by GE, so I paid an exorbitant amount
: to replace that control. It didn't seem to
: make noise for a while, but now it's back
: and one other control is now showing the
: same signs. When I had everything apart to
: replace the original control, I saw no signs
: of loose or damaged wiring in the panel. Are
: there any tests I can run with my multimeter
: to check for bad circuitry? Any other ideas?

Is this a gas or electric range?

What type or part number of control did you replace?

What is the model number of the appliance?

Dan O.

Re: Kenmore (Roper / GE) rangetop controls

Frank -- Tuesday, 18 February 2003, at 2:35 p.m.

: Is this a gas or electric range?

Electric

: What type or part number of control did you replace?

There are three regular-sized cooking elements and one large element, so I assume the control I replaced that ran the large element was WB23K5027 (2350W) and not WB23M0024 (1500W). It's been nearly a year since I replaced it, so I cannot remember. However, since there are now multiple controls popping and sizzling, both part numbers are usable.

: What is the model number of the appliance?

911.93201891

Re: Kenmore (Roper / GE) rangetop controls *LINK* *PIC*

Dan O. -- Tuesday, 18 February 2003, at 5:35 p.m.

: Kenmore Electric [range model] 911.93201891
: and two of the four rotary controls for the
: burners occasionally pop or sizzle when
: they're on.

: There are three regular-sized cooking elements
: and one large element, so I assume the
: control I replaced that ran the large
: element was WB23K5027 (2350W) and not
: WB23M0024 (1500W). It's been nearly a year
: since I replaced it, so I cannot remember.
: However, since there are now multiple
: controls popping and sizzling, both part
: numbers are usable.

The only thing I can think of which would account for a popping sound (besides normal operation) would be a defective switch. The sizzling sound could be a sign of the contacts arcing which is also a sign of a defective switch.

The only thing I can think of besides just an inferior part (they don't make things like they used to) that could cause a failure in the new replacement part in such a short time would be poor connections at the wiring terminals attached to them. If you have the proper tool to install new connectors onto the wires, maybe they should be replaced at the same time as the switch and certainly so if there are any sign on them of arcing or discoloration.

If you wanted to try a different style switch, there are a couple universal ones that should work as replacements. Which one to use would depend if the originals where 'push to turn' design or not. You can see an illustration of this switch design at the link below. BTW. With this type of switch the same one can be used for both large and small elements.

Dan O.
Appliance411

Universal GE 'Pust to Turn' Infinite Heat Switch Kit