The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Electric stove burner won't turn off are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.
If a range's surface element won't turn off, you should first inspect the control knob for damage. A broken knob may be unable to rotate the surface element switch stem to stop voltage being sent to the element.
The surface element switch sends voltage to the surface element coil. Sometimes, when the surface element switch fails, the electrical contacts inside the switch fuse together, causing the switch to send continuous voltage to the surface element. If the surface element switch is defective, replace it.
If the control knob is cracked or broken it may not be turning the stem on the switch. Inspect the control knob and confirm the switch is in the off position. If the control knob is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
On some range models, the control board provides voltage to all of the appliance's electrical components. If the board is defective, it might send continuous voltage to a surface element even after the element has been turned off. If you've confirmed the surface element itself has not shorted and the element is controlled by a touchpad, it's likely the control board is faulty. You can inspect the board for signs of damage or a shorted component. You can also use a multimeter to test for voltage reaching the bake or broil elements or igniters after reviewing the appliance's wiring diagram.
A range's control panel can allow the user to select the heating functions for both a stovetop and an oven. If the control panel is defective, one or more of the buttons may have shorted and you will not be able to turn off the element. If you've confirmed the surface element itself has not shorted and the element is controlled by a touchpad, it's likely that touchpad or control panel is faulty.
If a range's surface element is controlled by a touchpad, it's possible the surface element board has a shorted component that is sending continuous voltage to the element. You can inspect the board for signs of burning or a shorted component. If the surface element and wiring are not shorted it is likely the surface element board is damaged and will need to be replaced.
Sometimes, when the surface element is shorted out, it is visibly damaged. Inspect the surface element for damage. If the element is damaged, replace it. To determine if the element has shorted out, use a multimeter to test the element for continuity. If the coil surface element does not have continuity, replace it.
Sometimes, when the surface element is shorted out, it is visibly damaged. Inspect the surface element for damage. If the element is damaged, replace it. To determine if the element has shorted out, use a multimeter to test the element for continuity between the prongs and the case. If the radiant surface element shows continuity between the prongs and the case, this indicates that it is shorted out. If the radiant surface element is shorted out, replace it.
Sometimes, when the surface element is shorted out, it is visibly damaged. Inspect the surface element for damage. If the element is damaged, replace it. To determine if the element has shorted out, use a multimeter to test the element for continuity. If the solid surface element has continuity from the element connecters to the outside case, this indicates that the surface element is shorted out. If the surface element is shorted out, replace it.
If a range's surface element won't turn off, you should first inspect the control knob for damage. A broken knob may be unable to rotate the surface element switch stem to stop voltage being sent to the element.
If a range's surface element is controlled by a touchpad, it's possible the main control board has a shorted component that is sending continuous voltage to the element. You can inspect the control board for signs of burning or a shorted component, but since this is a less common problem, you should first confirm the other more likely defective parts are working properly.
If a range's surface element is controlled by a touchpad, it's possible the control board has a shorted component that is sending continuous voltage to the element. You can inspect the control board for signs of burning or a shorted component, but since this is a less common problem, you should first confirm the other more likely defective parts are working properly.
Touchpad