Toaster oven doesn't heat

[RB47]

I have a Black & Decker Toast-R-Oven Plus, model TRO6000CT, that is a couple years old. Recently, the oven function has stopped working (no heat). The oven temperature control consists of an insulated contact stack attached to a heat sink mounted to the oven wall. A snap action switch closes when actuated by a cam on the end of the temperature control knob shaft. Thermal distortion causes the snap action contact to open at the desired temperature. (I have a picture I can send if that would help.)

The problem appears to be a thin corrugated metal strip that connects the switched contact of the snap action switch to the heater element power plate. This corrugated strip is firmly attached to the switched contact plate and appears to press against the edge of the heater element power plate, held in place only by its spring force. It may have been soldered at one time, but I can't tell for sure and it's not attached now.

This corrugated strip is not designed for power switching, but seems to be some kind of overload device. Can you tell me what its purpose is? Everything is riveted or staked together and nothing seems replaceable. The 'owners manual' is a brief set of use instructions with no mention of replacement parts. Is this oven salvageable?

Thanks.

[RB47]

Update... After staring at the oven temperature control for a while, I decided "What the heck..." and soldered the corrugated strip to the heater element power plate. Works fine.

[nomind]

Hi RB47,
- the 'corrugated strip' is (was, now) your thermal overload. Be careful you don't burn it up ! :cool:

Do it Right - Do it once.