So I have a six year old GE oven (Canadian model but made in Mexico). Lately I've noticed something odd with the oven.

I have been making the same meatloaf for several years now in the same glass pan and cooking at the same temperature on the same rack, but it is not finished cooking at the usual time.

Previously I could be sure of the meatloaf hitting its internal temperature at the one hour mark. Now it is 30 to 40 degrees low.

My wife has noticed that her muffins are taking longer as well.

I pulled the bottom element cover off and observed the element while setting the oven to 400F.

I expected the element to come on and stay on until the oven hits 400F. But what happens (I've repeated this four times) is the element begins to heat evenly for a few seconds "CLICK" from the control panel, then the element goes dark, "CLICK" then a little more heating "CLICK" then the element goes dark, then "CLICK" the element heats up longer, then "CLICK" the element goes dark, etc.

So is the problem likely with the control panel relay, the thermostat or the element? The element does heat evenly.

So this longer cooking time is most likely a age thing. I know that I take longer to get out of bed in the morning as well.

As near as I can tell the relay on this oven is on the control board and can't be replaced. Its replace the control board or nothing.