Maytag MER5775QAW stove top won't go on at all. I removed the bake element to replace. Could this be the cause? Broiler still works

Understand that I am not a professional, so this answer is subject to revision by someone who is more knowledgeable.

Where I live now I'm on Natural Gas, but in the past I've had electric stove/ovens. Based on my best recall the situation you describe is NOT abnormal.

When in the Broil mode, the Bake element is NOT on, but the Broil element is on FULL-bore to provide that strong radiant heat required for the Broiling process, AND for the good browning /crusting of the product being Broiled!!!!!

On the other hand, when Baking, not broiling, IF the Broiling element were on high it would provide too much radiant heat to the top of the product being Baked, and would burn the top.

While Baking, by energizing the Broil element in a lower power setting, the Baking process is enhanced with more heat by the assistance of the Broiler element, BUT without the hazard of burning on the top!!!!!

Hope this is right and helps your understanding.

https://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/How-To-Fix-A-Range-Stove-Oven/18---/Oven-won-t-turn-on-
Oven Won Turn on

the broil element
is the heating element that is found at the top of the oven and produces a very high heat for broiling. If the broil element isn't working, you should first do a visual inspection for signs that the element has blistered or separated. If the element appears normal then you can check for continuity with a multi-meter. Remove power from the appliance before performing this test. Remove the back panel and locate the terminals for the broil element and inspect the terminals and wires for signs of overheating or damage.

If there is no continuity then the element will need to be replaced. If the wires are damaged then they will need to be repaired. If the element is ok then you will need to check the broil circuit to determine the cause. This involves live voltage checks and should only be performed by qualified persons. Components to check include fuses, if the range is equipped, and oven control thermostat or electronic control. Depending on the manufacturer of the element, you will normally read between 19 ohms and 115 ohms

either its the oven sensor rod located at the top of the ovens cavity,or your bake element could be getting a hot spot which is when it gets a discolored spot in the element and can no longer pass sufficient current to heat the oven past 250 degrees

There are parts and diagrams for that unit here: http://www.appliancepartspros.com/03-control-panel-parts-for-maytag-mer5875ras.html

The switches on the panel are pricey though.

When the broil function is off, check for continuity between the broiler relay output terminals. If there is no continuity, check for an external short. If there is continuity when the broiler is supposed to be off, you need to replace or repair the board.You can get your old board repaired at appliancetimers.com.

sounds like your bake element is gone
but the model number would help a great deal

pul out the stove unplug it, take off the back, and inspect the connections on the bottom element

if its gas its probably your ignitor
take out the racks
take out the bottom
set to bake
you should see a very bright light within a minute
if you dont thats the ignitor

anyway both parts are available
and both are a pretty starigt forward repair

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You probably need to replace the baking igniter, (Igniter,bake burner
Part Number: AP4102011 made by MAYTAG).

I tested the igniter function by (CAREFULLY) jerryrigging a bridge to wire the BAKE igniter to the BROILER controls.(Push/click plugs accessible by opening up the stove back) Testing thebroiler controls this way the bake element remained cold. I then did the same test but connected the BROILER igniter to the BAKE controls and got a good glow. This indicates that the controls work but the Bake igniter's faulty!

You can access the bake igniter by removal of 2 screws at the front at the platform just inside the top oven. The broil and bake igniters appear to be identical but the push/click plugs are reversed at the back of the stove. (hence the CAREFUL jerry rigged wiring bridge.)The parts and wiring are pretty simple and visual once you get thecovers off. Opening up the stove back is just a matter of removingseveral screws. UNPLUG the stove before you work. If you test as Idescribed, make all connections while UNPLUGGED and then plug it inonly for the brief test. Unplug again while disconnecting/reconnecting.Hope this helps.

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You probably need to replace the baking igniter, (Igniter,bake burner
Part Number: AP4102011 made by MAYTAG).

I tested the igniter function by (CAREFULLY) jerry rigging a bridge to wire the BAKE igniter to the BROILER controls. (Push/click plugs accessible by opening up the stove back) Testing the broiler controls this way the bake element remained cold. I then did the same test but connected the BROILER igniter to the BAKE controls and got a good glow. This indicates that the controls work but the Bake igniter's faulty!

You can access the bake igniter by removal of 2 screws at the front at the platform just inside the top oven. The broil and bake igniters appear to be identical but the push/click plugs are reversed at the back of the stove. (hence the CAREFUL jerry rigged wiring bridge.) The parts and wiring are pretty simple and visual once you get the covers off. Opening up the stove back is just a matter of removing several screws. UNPLUG the stove before you work. If you test as I described, make all connections while UNPLUGGED and then plug it in only for the brief test. Unplug again while disconnecting/reconnecting. Hope this helps.

the broiler came on automatically??? not a sensor issue. sounds as if you have a broken wire perhaps, or a faulty control panel energizing the broil element w/o being prompted to. does it say its broiling when element comes on??