On most Whirlpool ovens, a no-heat complaint traces back to one of two parts depending on fuel type: the igniter on gas models, and the bake element on electric models. Both are common failures, with a defective control board well behind them rather than at the top of the list.
Our Oven Not Heating guide covers every possible cause in the order you should check them, start there if you haven’t. What’s below zooms in on where those parts actually sit on a Whirlpool unit. You’ll also find it linked from our broader oven troubleshooting hub.
Testing the Igniter (Gas Models)
Turn the oven on and watch the igniter glow. If it glows for 90 seconds or longer without the burner lighting, it’s too weak to open the gas safety valve and needs replacing. With the oven off, unplugged, and the gas supply shut off, you can also pull the igniter and test it with a multimeter for continuity.
Testing the Bake Element (Electric Models)
With the oven on, check whether the bake element glows a uniform red-orange within a couple of minutes. No glow, or a glow that stops partway along the coil, means it’s failed even without visible cracks or blisters. Confirm with a continuity test once the oven is unplugged and cooled.
Whirlpool’s Most Common Culprit
Whirlpool’s control board routes power to both the bake and broil elements and to the igniter, so a board fault can produce the exact same symptom as a failed element or igniter. If both the element and igniter test fine with a multimeter, the board is the next thing to check rather than a coincidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the igniter located on a Whirlpool gas oven?
Behind the oven floor or at the back of the burner assembly at the bottom of the oven cavity; exact position varies by model, so check your use and care guide.
Can I replace a Whirlpool bake element myself?
Yes, on most models it unplugs from terminals inside the oven cavity after removing a couple of mounting screws, with the oven unplugged. It's one of the more accessible DIY repairs on this appliance.
The element and igniter both test fine, what's next?
At that point the electronic control board is the most likely remaining cause, since it's what sends power to both components. That's usually worth a technician's confirmation before ordering the part.
This is meant to help you narrow down the problem, not to replace a qualified technician’s diagnosis.
