Oven takes forever to preheat. Only the bottom oven element comes on during preheat.

Check the broiler element, and see if get the same reading.

Does the oven heat on normal "bake" settings? If so, the bottom element is fine, and it's the "brain" not telling the bake element to get hot.

Ovens often use broiler element to preheat, then shut off when set temp is reached. Check fuses for and bake element itself.

This is what I would do: I would unplug the range and connect my test cord to your range cord. I use an ammeter along with my test cord to read the amp draw of the bake ignitor. If it cannot get above 3.5 amps I know the ignitor is bad or weak. Since the oven is working that means there is a good circuit. In order for the safety bi-metal to open the amp draw must reach 3.5 amps or better. So to me I am thinking bad ignitor. To get to it I remove the door oven racks and bottom, I then remove the flame spreader and unplug the quick connect to the ignitor. I remove the burner and ignitor and replace the ignitor on a work bench. I am too old to be bending over and trying to do any parts replacement inside an oven. LOL. I have a training film which shows how the silicone carbide ignitor works HERE. Post a model number and I may have a service manual, do not forget to rate the answer.

If you need further help, reach me via phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/dan_73bbd84fe1d95b61

your oven uses fboth the broiler element and the oven element during baking. Since you know the broiler element works, you most likely will have to replace the oven element.

The broiler element on the top of the oven comes on during the preheat cycle to speed things up and then only the lower element keeps the temperature steady. One of those elements is bad, probably the broiler. Try using the broiler and see if it works. If not, you need to disconnect the elements from the oven and check them with an ohm meter. If gthe elements check out ok, then it must be the temperature sensor/thermostat.

When the food you're baking is done on top but not on the bottom--or when baking just takes far too long to finish--the bake element may be burned out.

You may get fooled into thinking it's working, because the oven is hot inside. But many electric ovens use the broil element, too, during the preheat and bake cycles. So the food may be getting heated only by the broil element, which causes poor baking results.

If the bake element is burned out, replacing it should solve the problem. Otherwise, you need to further troubleshoot the oven's electrical system to locate the defective wire or component.

Trying to better define the problem....

Do you have any cuts, holes or "shorting" or tin-foil/aluminum around your bottom bake heat-element? If so, you may need to replace the baking Heat Element. (Ensure you do not use aluminum foil around your heat element to prevent your oven from getting dirty)

To replace your baking heat element, with power off; remove 2 screws securing the bake element. Slightly tug and pull towards you for about 3 inches or so and disconnect the connecting wires at each end. Then completely remove the heat element and install new in reverse manner. Whats' you're model number?

since you said the broiler does work , take the wires off the broiler element and put on the bake . then when you put on the broiler the bake should work . the light bulb principle, just remember to wrap all loose wire with electrical tape and disconnect from wall while working.

Hello oliver909
Welcome,

You said,Smoke is coming out of the back of my gas Kenmore oven. Oven is clean - no spills/debris. Ran clean cycle and broiler did not smoke. Warmer drawer at bottom, so nothing spilled there. Soon as you turn it on, downstairs is full of smoke. Sometimes after preheat goes off, smoke clears and its fine. But I'm afraid to use it because last time I saw a flame inside.

If your afraid to use it, do not hesitate to call service. Nobody wants a fire!
Huuum