Kitchen Gas Appliances - Gas Fireplace Problem

Our gas fireplace used to be awesome! But it needs some help. The unit is operated by a standard remote control (Pulsar). The pilot stays lit, thanks to a new thermopile. We believe the pilot is hitting the thermopile enough - it lights/heats from the end to about 1/2 way down the rod. However, we cannot get the burners to ignite. We hear the remote operating on/off. However, we aren't sure why it is not lighting. We aren't certain that the necessary mv are coming through. Its difficult for us to replace the mv part...and scary. We've had a service man out, but he won't work on it unless we remove the remote, which we want.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Hello sekkei and Welcome to our Do It Yourself Web Site and my Gas Appliances forum.

If you're referring to a remote as in a hand held battery operated electronic device to turn on the fireplace, I know little if anything about them, as do many other service reps. Sorry.

However, if there is a means to override the remote and operate the fireplace manually, do so. In doing so it will help to determine if the problem lies within the remote, the device which the remote signals or within the fireplace controls.

Once that fact is determined, it can narrow down the possibilties drastically. If the fireplace fires up manually, we can assume the thermocouple <thermopile in your words> is suppling enough current.

If there is no means to manually operate the gas valve, on it's top should be four wire terminal securing screws. The two which DO NOT secure the thermocouple wire leads are the two that can be jumped.

Jumped meaning connected via another hand held wire touching both terminals at the same time. They jumper wire must be held there touching both terminal screws for a few minutes to allow time for the burner to fireup and the fireplace burner to operate.

If this is done and works, the remote and the circuit it signals may be defective. One or the other is defective. The remote or the device it signals.

If jumping does not resolve the problem, either the generator is weak, gas valve is defective or a safety device is keeping the appliance shut down. professional service may be required.

Post back the final result and solution so others reading your question may learn from it.

An excellent source for orginal replacement parts is your local retail appliance parts store and most gas fireplace appliance retail sales dealers. Appliance parts dealers have replacement parts for all gas log appliances. Parts dealers are listed in the phone book.

Retail parts dealers can also help determine what the possible problem may be. Bring the make, model and serial numbers. The info you provide will help to determine the problem causes.

If you need further assistance, use the REPLY button to add any additional information or questions, etc. Using the reply button also moves the topic back up to the top of the list automatically.

Regards & Good Luck. Web Site Host & Gas Appliances Forum Moderator. TCB4U2B2B Company Enterprises.
Energy Conservation Consulting Services & Gas Appliance Diagnostics and Technician Services.

THANKS! I'll try out your suggestions and repost findings for all. Thanks again!