[janw]

The large front burner on our smooth top range doesn't heat entirely - it has an option to only heat a smaller portion, and that's all that heats, even when you want the entire burner to heat

[PS Staff - Sheila]

Can you please supply your model number?

It may be a faulty burner or a faulty switch.

[dmmercer]

I have a similar problem with my Frigidaire professional series smooth top range (CPES389DC2). On the left side of my stove the top burner and bridge point will heat up but not the bottom burner. It did work several weeks ago. Also, it worked very briefly once since after I removed to top to check the connections. All seemed fine, but the burner turned on and then off very quickly.

How would I check to see if it's a burner problem or switch problem? Switch problem seems unlikely to me since the bridge point and lower burner are on the same dial and the bridge works.

Thanks for your help.

[denman]

Here is a link to the PartSelect Parts
CPES389DC Parts List

Here is a link to Frigidaire which includes a wiring diagram
Frigidaire Manual Search Results
Shows a DC4 and a DC5 yours should be close

Since the element went on for a while after you checked connections, I would check for a connection problem first. Check them for dirt, signs of overheating or arcing.

To check components, unplug stove and use a volt/ohm meter
You can buy a digital one for less than $20.00. You do not need a fancy one. It is nice if the leads are a couple feet long.

Could also swap components