How to Troubleshoot a Maytag Gemini Oven Lower Heating Element
Maytag Gemini ranges are a line of appliances that combine two ovens and a stove. The double-oven feature allows for simultaneous baking at two different temperatures. Gemini ranges are available as both gas and electric models, with the electric models relying on heating elements rather than a gas-fed flame to heat the oven cavities. Each cavity has two elements -- a bake element on the bottom and a broil element on the top. If the broil element is properly functioning, the bake element may be faulty and require replacement. To determine if the bake element is faulty, remove it and test it for continuity using a multimeter.
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Turn off the oven and allow it to cool.
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Pull the oven away from the wall and unplug the power cord.
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Open the oven door and remove the oven shelves. To remove the shelves, pull them out until they stop and then lift up to remove.
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Remove the screw at the base of each side of the element and pull the element away from the rear wall of the oven.
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Examine the wire connections connected to each side of the element. If both of the wires are securely connected, remove the wires from the terminals by pulling them off. If either of the wires is not connected, this could be the cause of the malfunction.
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Reconnect the wires and then reinstall the element using the screws that were removed. If the wires are not accessible, remove the rear panel of the oven by removing the screws surrounding the panel and then feed the wires through the oven. Reassemble the oven and then turn on the oven to test the element.
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Remove the wires if they are still connected to the ends of the heating element. To remove the wires, pull them straight off of the terminals.
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Remove the element from the oven and place it on a solid surface.
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Inspect the element for breaks or blistering. If the element is broken or blistered, it must be replaced.
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Test the heating element for continuity using a multimeter. To test, set the multimeter to the lowest setting for ohms of resistance. Calibrate the meter by touching the two probes together and adjusting the meter to read "0." Refer to the multimeter manual for specific instructions for your multimeter.
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Touch one element terminal with one of the probes and hold it on the terminal. Touch the other terminal with the other probe and hold it on the terminal. If the needle or display does not move or change significantly while holding the probes on the terminals, the element does not have continuity and must be replaced.
Writer Bio
Andrew Todd has been writing since 2006. He has written for the Consumer Search website and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. Todd has a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida.
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