Kitchen Gas Appliances - Furnace problem
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Kent-1
12-11-02, 02:31 PM
Hello,
I have a Trane XL80 Gas furance built 1990,uses natural gas.Was working fine yesterday,nothing has been touched on it for as long as we have lived here 5 years though I do change the filter every year. Today it would not come on, took panel off could see ignighter on, Now as I stand looking inside with one of the covers off I here a clicking noise and the burners come on,about 5sec later they go off and on and off etc. I turned it off and would like some help if you can. Thanks Kent
I have a Trane XL80 Gas furance built 1990,uses natural gas.Was working fine yesterday,nothing has been touched on it for as long as we have lived here 5 years though I do change the filter every year. Today it would not come on, took panel off could see ignighter on, Now as I stand looking inside with one of the covers off I here a clicking noise and the burners come on,about 5sec later they go off and on and off etc. I turned it off and would like some help if you can. Thanks Kent
Sharp Advice
12-11-02, 06:02 PM
Hello: Kent-1
Chances are the flame sensor is dirty. The sensor is the element the pilot flame is heating directly, indirectly or is being heated by the burner flames.
Electronic ignition furnaces are complex units which may not be serviceable by the do-it-yourself person. Professional help may be required.
There are simply too many possible and potental causes for the problem to cover here in one reply. Space to cover all possibilities within the forum and for this topic is limited.
It would much more effective if you would read as many of the current, recent and archived questions and posted replies offered. Also check those within the heating and cooling forum topic.
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 posted questions, within this forum, on heater topics and the replies offered. Doing so will provide you with plenty of additional information and possible correctional methods.
If you need further assistance, use the REPLY button to add any
additional information or questions, etc. Using this method also moves the topic back up to the top of the list automatically.
Regards & Good Luck, Forum Host & Moderator.
TCB4U2B2B Company Enterprises. Energy Conservation Consultants & Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technicians.
Chances are the flame sensor is dirty. The sensor is the element the pilot flame is heating directly, indirectly or is being heated by the burner flames.
Electronic ignition furnaces are complex units which may not be serviceable by the do-it-yourself person. Professional help may be required.
There are simply too many possible and potental causes for the problem to cover here in one reply. Space to cover all possibilities within the forum and for this topic is limited.
It would much more effective if you would read as many of the current, recent and archived questions and posted replies offered. Also check those within the heating and cooling forum topic.
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 posted questions, within this forum, on heater topics and the replies offered. Doing so will provide you with plenty of additional information and possible correctional methods.
If you need further assistance, use the REPLY button to add any
additional information or questions, etc. Using this method also moves the topic back up to the top of the list automatically.
Regards & Good Luck, Forum Host & Moderator.
TCB4U2B2B Company Enterprises. Energy Conservation Consultants & Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technicians.
Kent-1
12-12-02, 11:15 AM
It is an electronic iginigter,that is working ok.could you give me the most common reasons the burner would come on and off for only around 5sec.Could the thermostat be involved?
Sharp Advice
12-12-02, 05:46 PM
Hello: Kent
No. Not likely to be a thermostat related problem. You need to attempt to determine the cause of the problem by attempting to make some checks of the heating unit.
Electronically operated and controlled furnaces with electronic ignitions often require several tests on several componets to determine the exact cause of a problem. The procedures and methods vary and at times can become rather complexing.
As I stated in my first reply, the flame sensor is the most likely part causing the problem. Cleaning it should or may solve the problem. This part is located on the burner or near the pilot assembly. If it's dirty or defective, it will cause the problem your describing.
The flames sensor element, is the part which a flame heats once a flame is established. Cleaning the flame sensor element may solve the problem. Cleaning can be best accomplished using fine grit sanding paper or steel wool. Also check for a good electrical connection of the part.
Not all furnaces have a seperate flame sensor element. If your heating unit is equipped with one, insure the flame sensors element is securely and correctly positioned in the assembly.
Be sure the sensor is being heated by the flames and is properly
connected to the computers module. Be sure that all parts are grounded well and correctly.
A flame sensor is a sensor that sends a signal the main electronic module that a pilot or burner flame is established. On some models of furnaces, the pilots flame will be heating this
element directly. Cleaning this sensor with fine steel wool or lite weight sanding paper often corrects the problem.
Below is a list of some of the possible problems and solutions for
heating appliances using a Glow Bar or Hot Surface Ignitor or sparking ignition system.
The main computer circuit board also controls and regulates functions of the heater. It too may have a defective componet.
The Gas Valves Solenoid could be defective. The solenoid inside the body of the gas valve body.
The Gas Valve could be defective. Remove entire unit as an assembly. Take the entire assembly to your local appliance parts store for testing. Gas valves are not repairable. Replacement is the only option if defective.
CAUTION:
Do Not attempt to repair the gas valve!
This is a NON repairable item!
Any one of several safety devices could be the cause of the problem too.
The power venting fan,<if equipped with one> or one of it's componets or safety devices could be effecting the furnace based on the condition you described
A flame rollout safety switch may be sensing a problem or unsafe
condition causing the furnace to shut down. This condition needs the immediate attention of a trained professional.
The ideal method for determining if either the solenoid, gas valve or other componets are defective, is to them and take the entire gas valve assembly and or componets to the local retail appliance parts store or heating appliance dealers retail store and have the entire assembly and or parts tested.
TIP:
The only positive proof any part 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 test it or check it. Appliance parts dealers carry replacement parts for all appliances and are listed in the phone book under appliances.
CAUTION:
Be absolutely positive the electrical power is turned OFF before
attemping ANY repairs!
Read the RECENT furnace questions asked and all the replies offered, within this forum and those in the heating & cooling topic for additional information.
I hope you can determine the exact cause of the problem based upon all of the information contained within this reply and those in already posted questions both here in this topic and that of the heating & cooling topic.
It's about all the info I can offer you. Time to start some testing and repair attempts. If you determine all of this may seem overwhelming, you would be correct. Hiring a pro may be the only option.
Good Luck, Forum Host & Multiple Topic Moderator.
TCB4U2B2B Company Enterprises. Energy Conservation Consultants & Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technicians.
No. Not likely to be a thermostat related problem. You need to attempt to determine the cause of the problem by attempting to make some checks of the heating unit.
Electronically operated and controlled furnaces with electronic ignitions often require several tests on several componets to determine the exact cause of a problem. The procedures and methods vary and at times can become rather complexing.
As I stated in my first reply, the flame sensor is the most likely part causing the problem. Cleaning it should or may solve the problem. This part is located on the burner or near the pilot assembly. If it's dirty or defective, it will cause the problem your describing.
The flames sensor element, is the part which a flame heats once a flame is established. Cleaning the flame sensor element may solve the problem. Cleaning can be best accomplished using fine grit sanding paper or steel wool. Also check for a good electrical connection of the part.
Not all furnaces have a seperate flame sensor element. If your heating unit is equipped with one, insure the flame sensors element is securely and correctly positioned in the assembly.
Be sure the sensor is being heated by the flames and is properly
connected to the computers module. Be sure that all parts are grounded well and correctly.
A flame sensor is a sensor that sends a signal the main electronic module that a pilot or burner flame is established. On some models of furnaces, the pilots flame will be heating this
element directly. Cleaning this sensor with fine steel wool or lite weight sanding paper often corrects the problem.
Below is a list of some of the possible problems and solutions for
heating appliances using a Glow Bar or Hot Surface Ignitor or sparking ignition system.
The main computer circuit board also controls and regulates functions of the heater. It too may have a defective componet.
The Gas Valves Solenoid could be defective. The solenoid inside the body of the gas valve body.
The Gas Valve could be defective. Remove entire unit as an assembly. Take the entire assembly to your local appliance parts store for testing. Gas valves are not repairable. Replacement is the only option if defective.
CAUTION:
Do Not attempt to repair the gas valve!
This is a NON repairable item!
Any one of several safety devices could be the cause of the problem too.
The power venting fan,<if equipped with one> or one of it's componets or safety devices could be effecting the furnace based on the condition you described
A flame rollout safety switch may be sensing a problem or unsafe
condition causing the furnace to shut down. This condition needs the immediate attention of a trained professional.
The ideal method for determining if either the solenoid, gas valve or other componets are defective, is to them and take the entire gas valve assembly and or componets to the local retail appliance parts store or heating appliance dealers retail store and have the entire assembly and or parts tested.
TIP:
The only positive proof any part 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 test it or check it. Appliance parts dealers carry replacement parts for all appliances and are listed in the phone book under appliances.
CAUTION:
Be absolutely positive the electrical power is turned OFF before
attemping ANY repairs!
Read the RECENT furnace questions asked and all the replies offered, within this forum and those in the heating & cooling topic for additional information.
I hope you can determine the exact cause of the problem based upon all of the information contained within this reply and those in already posted questions both here in this topic and that of the heating & cooling topic.
It's about all the info I can offer you. Time to start some testing and repair attempts. If you determine all of this may seem overwhelming, you would be correct. Hiring a pro may be the only option.
Good Luck, Forum Host & Multiple Topic Moderator.
TCB4U2B2B Company Enterprises. Energy Conservation Consultants & Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technicians.
george7197
12-13-02, 12:33 PM
your most likely problem is the flame sensor, it is located oposite side of the igniter on the burners. clean it with fine sandpaper, (I use plumbers abrasive cloth used the clean pipe ends before soldering. & make sure the wire is solid on both ends of it.<10% chance your problem has anything to w/ the draft motor since the pressure switch for it must make before burner ignition sequence begins.