Maytag Oven Broiler Not Working — Element, Igniter & Control Fix

Common Symptoms

• Broiler produces no heat
• Broil element doesn't glow red (electric)
• Gas broiler igniter glows but burner doesn't light
• Bake works but broil doesn't
• Broiler shuts off immediately after starting

Most Likely Causes

1. 1

   Burned-Out Broil Element (WP74009359 — Electric Models)

   The broil element WP74009359 is a high-resistance coiled rod that generates radiant heat at the top of the oven cavity. Elements fail when the resistance wire inside develops a break — usually visible as a blister, crack, or scorch mark on the element surface. A failed element tests OL (open circuit) on a multimeter. Replacement requires removing 2 mounting screws from the back of the oven cavity and disconnecting the push-on terminals — a straightforward 20-minute repair.

2. 2

   Weak or Failed Broiler Igniter (Gas Models)

   Gas Maytag oven broilers use a flat silicon carbide hot surface igniter to light the broiler burner. The igniter must glow bright orange and draw 3.2–3.6 amps to open the gas valve. A weak igniter glows but draws less current — the valve never opens and the burner never lights. Test current draw with a clamp meter in series with the igniter circuit; below 3.2A indicates a failing igniter. Visual inspection: an igniter that glows orange-yellow instead of bright white-orange is near failure.

3. 3

   Open High-Limit Thermostat / Temp Sensor (WP74009778)

   The high-limit thermostat (integrated with the temperature sensor WP74009778 on many Maytag models) opens permanently if the oven reaches an unsafe temperature. When the thermostat trips, it cuts power to the broil and bake circuits as a safety measure. Unlike a cycling thermostat, a high-limit that has tripped cannot be reset — it must be replaced. Test by measuring resistance across the thermostat terminals: a healthy thermostat reads near 0 ohms (closed circuit); OL means it has tripped open.

4. 4

   Control Board Broil Relay Failure (WP74009141)

   The electronic control board WP74009141 contains a relay that routes 240V power to the broil element. If the broil relay burns out or develops an open contact, the broil circuit receives no power even when the broil function is selected. This is typically confirmed by eliminating all other components first — if element, sensor, and wiring all test good but broil still doesn't work, the control board relay has failed. Inspect the board for burn marks around the relay contacts.

Quick DIY Checks

1. 1Confirm bake vs. broil isolation — set oven to Bake 350°F and verify bottom element heats normally; if bake also fails, the issue is upstream (power, control board, or temperature sensor), not broiler-specific
2. 2Inspect broil element WP74009359 visually — open oven, look at the upper element for visible breaks, blisters, burn marks, or holes in the element coil; any visible damage confirms the element is failed and must be replaced ($30–$60)
3. 3Test broil element WP74009359 with multimeter — unplug oven, remove element mounting screws (2) from back wall, pull element forward, disconnect push-on terminals, measure resistance across element terminals; 15–40 ohms = good, OL = failed element

1. 4For gas models — select Broil and watch the igniter; it should glow bright orange within 30–60 seconds and then the burner should light; if igniter glows weakly or burner never lights, replace the broiler igniter ($35–$65)
2. 5Test high-limit thermostat / temp sensor WP74009778 — unplug oven, locate sensor on back wall of oven cavity, disconnect connector, measure resistance; at room temperature should read 1050–1100 ohms; OL indicates sensor/thermostat has opened and needs replacement ($25–$45)
3. 6Check bake/broil selector and wiring — unplug oven, inspect the wiring harness to the broil element for melted insulation or burned connectors; check that the broil selector switch toggles the circuit (test continuity across switch terminals with switch engaged vs. disengaged)
4. 7Inspect control board WP74009141 — with oven unplugged, access control board and look for burn marks or melted plastic around the broil relay on the board; if other components test good and the board shows heat damage near the relay, replace the board ($120–$200)

Repair vs Replace

Recommended Tools & Parts

• Maytag Oven Broil Element (WP74009359)

  Replacement upper broil element for Maytag electric ovens. Mounts to back wall of oven cavity with 2 screws. Replace when element is visibly burned, blistered, or tests open circuit on a multimeter.

  $30–$60

  Buy on Amazon →

• Maytag Oven Temperature Sensor / Thermostat (WP74009778)

  Replacement temperature sensor and high-limit thermostat for Maytag ovens. Replace when F3 error code appears or when thermostat tests open circuit, cutting power to bake/broil circuits.

  $25–$45

  Buy on Amazon →

• Maytag Oven Control Board (WP74009141)

  Electronic control board for Maytag ovens. Controls bake and broil relays, temperature regulation, and display. Replace when broil relay shows burn marks or broil circuit fails with all other components testing good.

  $120–$200

  Buy on Amazon →

Links are Amazon affiliate links (tag: fixitfastai-20). Prices are estimates.

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