Broiler Not Working: Element and Igniter Checks

When baking works fine but the broiler stays cold, the fault is isolated to the top of the oven — the upper element or broil igniter.

By Jordan FeldNovember 4, 20253 min read read

Written by Sawyer Kincaid, Lead Technician — True Fix Houston. Factory-trained, EPA-certified, 6 years servicing Greater Houston.

A broiler that's died while baking still works properly narrows the problem down to the top of the oven cavity.

Inspect the Broil Element (Electric)

The top element can burn out completely independently of the lower bake element.

Fix: Look for visible breaks or blistering and replace it if it's damaged.

Gas ranges use a separate igniter just for the broiler, and it can weaken with age just like the bake igniter.

Fix: An igniter that glows but won't light needs to be replaced.

Some ranges expect the door in a specific position, or a separate broil mode selected, before the broiler will fire.

Fix: Check your owner's manual for the correct broil setup before assuming a part has failed.

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