I have a 3 year old Whirlpool electric slide in range that has started to cause the circuit breaker to trip. Strangely, it occurs when both the range and oven are on, and we open/close the oven door. It is the only appliance attached to this circuit breaker. I did have to replace the computer board on the range approximately 6-9 months ago. When it was replaced (it had an error message that required its replacement) it has worked fine till now.

This has been going on for the last two weeks. Today the circuit breaker will no longer stay on with the range plugged in. It will remain on if its not.

Help! :)

Circuit breaker probably worn out from resetting too much. You will have to take the unit apart to find the short circuit. Sometime a wire will burn off a heat element especially a bake or broil element in the oven. The only way to find the problem is to look for it. I wish I had a easier solution.

I actually pulled the range out and unplugged it. It didn't take long to find the problem. I unscrewed the metal box where the power cord connects to the range. One of the lines (red) is discolored - black, and the screw that holds it to the "block terminal" is melted. The nut actually melted onto the metal box cover, but I was able to pull it apart. I was thinking of buying a new block terminal, and power cord. Could the short be in the cord? Thanks for your response - you were right on target.

Also, should my circuit breaker still be OK... or likely be OK? My house is only 3 years old.

Usually the cord is not shorted. The connection was left a bit loose when installed and that caused a HOT spot for the heat to concentrate on. You can test the cord if you wish with a OHM meter.

Post you model number in this site to see what the parts are for your unit.

Part Advantage - Your single source for all major appliance parts (http://www.partadvantage.com/store)

Model # GY398LXPS00

I've looked up the parts on Sears Parts Direct.

So... your thought is that the block terminal being replaced, and properly secured - looks like a god bet on fixing?

If you see the burn spot on the metal cover that is where the wire shorted to. The red terminal has meltdown for sure. If you can afford a new cord do so if not get a replacement end terminal and crimp on a new one. If you do not have a crimp tool it might be better just to replace the cord and block at the same time. Make sure all wiring is tight but do not brake the new terminal block. Use the correct tools not a pliers to tighten the nuts with.

Just a little follow up. Replaced the block terminal, and replaced the power cord. All is working again - no circuit breaker tripping!

Thanks - you were a huge help.

Good deal. Glad you got it going.

Hi Hvac1000 & Siep68,
Thanks so much for your posts. Our stove tripped the breaker today and would not reset. After finding your post we decided to check the connections. Upon inspection we had almost the same issue as you. The loose connection of the red wire was the Factory installation and not the electrician installation. This loose connection caused the same problem.
I will try to upload a picture of our problem.
Thanks again,
Connie & Tony