[ehode]

We have a fairly new Jenn-Air Downdraft Slide-In Electric Range (JES9900B) which was working fine last night until, well, basically it just stopped working.

The console display still receives power but turning burners on does nothing (no light above the knob) and turning the heat on in the oven also does nothing.

I was wondering if this is a known problem? Is there a relay to replace or did it over heat and something needs to be reset?

Any help would be great. The kids are getting restless for their mac n cheese.

[denman]

It sounds like you have a power problem.
The fan, oven light and control board all work on 120 volts, while all the heating elements require 240 volts.
Could be something else but that is where I would start.

Try flipping the breaker off/on slowly a couple times, sometimes you can loose half the line without actually tripping the breaker.
If this does nothing, check the voltage at the plug
L1 to L2 should be 240 volts
L1 to Neutral and L2 to Neutral, both should be 120 volts.
If OK
Unplug the unit and check the wires at the terminal strip in the machine to make sure none are loose or burned out
If OK
Check the power at the terminal strip.
Be careful as 240 volts is lethal !!!

[ehode]

Hey thanks for the reply. I just pulled the stove out and noticed that the red wire looks like it melted/caught fire.

I've included a picture here.

I'm perplexed how this happened and what I can do to prevent it in the future.

[denman]

Could be that there was a poor connection at this point on the terminal strip from day one. As current passes through a bad connection it produces heat, this degrades the connection so more heat and so on and so on till the connection fails.

Remove the wires from the connection and check them and the terminal strip.
You may need a new terminal strip.
All connectors must be cleaned up with fine emery cloth or a file.

I would not try putting a new connector on the line cord unless you have some experience. It can be difficult to get it crimped on correctly.
Also the wire has to be cut back till you get to nice clean copper.

You could replace the line cord or strip it and attach the wire directly to the terminal strip. Be sure to put a washer under the nut and over the wire so that when you tighten it up the wire does not twist.

Another possibility is to use a set screw type wire connector and connect the 3 wires directly together. Be sure it is the high temperature type (hard plastic/bakelite shell (see below). They are available at any hardware or electrical supply store.
IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. - Set Screw Wire Connectors

I also use antioxidant grease on the connections. In my neck of the woods it is used on all high current connections even though it was originally designed for aluminum wire. Just do not go crazy with it as it does conduct electricity.