Kitchen Gas Appliances - Spark Ignition Problem
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HABU
07-28-02, 07:14 AM
Have a less than ywo yr old Frigidaire elite dual fuel range. Problem is that the ignition for all four burners, remains on (constant clicking) with all 4 burner knobs turned to "Off". I have disconnected and reconnnected power, and rotated burner knobs several times to confirm they off. Do you suggest I purchase and replace the spark module? Problem manifested itself over past few months with ignition system being somewhat slow to stop on occasional lights (usually would stop w/i 10 secs or so). Thanx in advance
Sharp Advice
07-28-02, 08:21 AM
Hello HABU and Welcome to our Do It Yourself Web Site and my Gas Appliances forum.
There could be several possibilites for the problem you described.
Below is the most common of possible problem areas.
Starting with the simple possibilities, test the electirc switches located on the gas valves for continuity. There should not be any when the valves are off. Be sure to unplug the stove prior to testing. it's possible one of the switches is closed completing the circuit.
Sparkers do go bad, so it could also be a defective one. Each sparker has a wire that pulls off the sparker element body. You can disconnect one at a time and test to see if the sparking stops.
If the sparking continues, then reconnect that one and disconnect another. Continue until you locate the one that may be causing the problem. The one that stops the sparking is the culprit.
The sparking modual may be defective. In this case, you can remove it and have it tested. If it tests bad, replace it.
If ALL the sparkers are sparking, the most likely cause is a defective capacitor in the spark modual. Spark moduals are not repairable. The entire part must be replaced. Replacements are available at the local appliance retail parts store listed in the phone book.
Another possibility is moisture during the cleaning process found it's way onto one or more of the switches. Excessively wet sponges or cleaning cloths allow water to get onto the switches, which will cause this problem, if applicable.
If this happens to be the case, then remove everything on the stove top and lift the lid, if applicable, since not all stoves have liftable top lids. Remove any clear plastic covers on the valve stems, if applicable and pass warm air over the switches using a common hair blow dryer.
The idea here is to dry out the moisture, if there is any. Don't laugh...this hair dryer trick often works!...:D
Another cause could be reversed electrical polarity. The plug end will have 3 prongs. It must be directly connected into a properly wired and grounded wall recepticle. Reversed electrical polarity over a long duration of time will destroy the spark module.
DO NOT use 2 prong extension cords to lenghten the existing appliances electrical wire. DO NOT bypass the grounding pin on the end of the appliances electrical cord. Doing either of these will also damage the spark module.
If you attempt to do any repairs, be sure the electrical power is turned off or the stove is unplugged. If you choose not to do the repairs yourself, contact the dealer's local service agency. Until then...unplug the appliance and light the burners with a match.
TIP:
The only positive proof any part like a spark modual is functioning correctly, is to carefully remove the part or parts you suspect to be the potential culprit, and have the local appliance parts store person run the required tests and or help make the final determination which part or parts are defective.
Appliance parts dealers carry replacement parts for all appliances and are listed in the phone book under appliances.
Suggestions:
Read the manufacturers online web site for product information, problem possibilities, causes and solving methods, part locations, disassembly, reassembly methods, repair proceedures and instructions, fuel type conversions, pictorials and schematics, which may be available online.
An excellent source for orginal replacement parts is your local retail appliance parts store. Appliance parts dealers test and carry replacement parts for all appliances. Parts dealers are listed in the phone book under appliances.
Retail parts dealers can also help determine what the possible problem may be. Bring the make, model and serial numbers if you stop in at the store. The info will help to determine the ignition system and possible problem causes.
Read the RECENT postings & ARCHIVES, within this forum, for other postings on this topic and the replies offered.
Regards & Good Luck
Gas Appliances Forum Moderator
Tom_Bart........"Fast, Fair, Friendly & Highly Proficient"......:D
TCB4U2B2B.....Company Enterprises.
Energy Conservation Consulting Services & Gas Appliance Problem Diagnostics Technician Services.
There could be several possibilites for the problem you described.
Below is the most common of possible problem areas.
Starting with the simple possibilities, test the electirc switches located on the gas valves for continuity. There should not be any when the valves are off. Be sure to unplug the stove prior to testing. it's possible one of the switches is closed completing the circuit.
Sparkers do go bad, so it could also be a defective one. Each sparker has a wire that pulls off the sparker element body. You can disconnect one at a time and test to see if the sparking stops.
If the sparking continues, then reconnect that one and disconnect another. Continue until you locate the one that may be causing the problem. The one that stops the sparking is the culprit.
The sparking modual may be defective. In this case, you can remove it and have it tested. If it tests bad, replace it.
If ALL the sparkers are sparking, the most likely cause is a defective capacitor in the spark modual. Spark moduals are not repairable. The entire part must be replaced. Replacements are available at the local appliance retail parts store listed in the phone book.
Another possibility is moisture during the cleaning process found it's way onto one or more of the switches. Excessively wet sponges or cleaning cloths allow water to get onto the switches, which will cause this problem, if applicable.
If this happens to be the case, then remove everything on the stove top and lift the lid, if applicable, since not all stoves have liftable top lids. Remove any clear plastic covers on the valve stems, if applicable and pass warm air over the switches using a common hair blow dryer.
The idea here is to dry out the moisture, if there is any. Don't laugh...this hair dryer trick often works!...:D
Another cause could be reversed electrical polarity. The plug end will have 3 prongs. It must be directly connected into a properly wired and grounded wall recepticle. Reversed electrical polarity over a long duration of time will destroy the spark module.
DO NOT use 2 prong extension cords to lenghten the existing appliances electrical wire. DO NOT bypass the grounding pin on the end of the appliances electrical cord. Doing either of these will also damage the spark module.
If you attempt to do any repairs, be sure the electrical power is turned off or the stove is unplugged. If you choose not to do the repairs yourself, contact the dealer's local service agency. Until then...unplug the appliance and light the burners with a match.
TIP:
The only positive proof any part like a spark modual is functioning correctly, is to carefully remove the part or parts you suspect to be the potential culprit, and have the local appliance parts store person run the required tests and or help make the final determination which part or parts are defective.
Appliance parts dealers carry replacement parts for all appliances and are listed in the phone book under appliances.
Suggestions:
Read the manufacturers online web site for product information, problem possibilities, causes and solving methods, part locations, disassembly, reassembly methods, repair proceedures and instructions, fuel type conversions, pictorials and schematics, which may be available online.
An excellent source for orginal replacement parts is your local retail appliance parts store. Appliance parts dealers test and carry replacement parts for all appliances. Parts dealers are listed in the phone book under appliances.
Retail parts dealers can also help determine what the possible problem may be. Bring the make, model and serial numbers if you stop in at the store. The info will help to determine the ignition system and possible problem causes.
Read the RECENT postings & ARCHIVES, within this forum, for other postings on this topic and the replies offered.
Regards & Good Luck
Gas Appliances Forum Moderator
Tom_Bart........"Fast, Fair, Friendly & Highly Proficient"......:D
TCB4U2B2B.....Company Enterprises.
Energy Conservation Consulting Services & Gas Appliance Problem Diagnostics Technician Services.