Kitchen Gas Appliances - Cooktop Ignitors
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wbirch
06-01-03, 06:04 PM
I have a Magic Chef 36" gas cooktop with 4 elements. The cooktop uses a pilot-less ignitor. The cooktop is treated very well and is 4 yrs old. Starting today, the ignitor just keep igniting (arcing) even when cooktop is not in used.
Do you have any suggestion?
Right now, I've shut off the gas and unplugged the electricity to the cooktop.
Thank you.
Do you have any suggestion?
Right now, I've shut off the gas and unplugged the electricity to the cooktop.
Thank you.
Sharp Advice
06-01-03, 08:35 PM
Hello W. Birch. Welcome to my Gas Appliances topic and our Do-It-Yourself Web Site.
There could be several reasons for the sparking to continue. Many of the possiblities are below. For the time being, you can turn the gas back on.
No gas will escape from the burners. You can light the burners with an ordinary match when needed. The problem is not gas related, it's an electrical componet problem.
The most likely cause is a defective capacitor in the spark modual. Chances are the spark modual is defective. However, there are several other possibilities. Spark moduels are not repairable. The entire part must be replaced.
Spark ignitors that continue to spark, the problem may be isolated to the switch on top of the gas valve. It may not be releasing when the knob is turned out of the lighting position.
One some models the flame must impinge on the electrode of the sparker to turn off the sparking action. If this is the case, the electrode could just be dirty but may also be defective.
Defective switches and sparkers can be easily 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. 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.
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. Use 3 prone extentsion cords only.
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.
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.
If you need further assistance, use the REPLY button to add any additional information or ask additional questions after attempting the correctional method or methods offered.
Regards & Good Luck, Forum Host & Multiple Topic Moderator.
TCB4U2B2B Company Enterprises. Energy Conservation Consultant & Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
There could be several reasons for the sparking to continue. Many of the possiblities are below. For the time being, you can turn the gas back on.
No gas will escape from the burners. You can light the burners with an ordinary match when needed. The problem is not gas related, it's an electrical componet problem.
The most likely cause is a defective capacitor in the spark modual. Chances are the spark modual is defective. However, there are several other possibilities. Spark moduels are not repairable. The entire part must be replaced.
Spark ignitors that continue to spark, the problem may be isolated to the switch on top of the gas valve. It may not be releasing when the knob is turned out of the lighting position.
One some models the flame must impinge on the electrode of the sparker to turn off the sparking action. If this is the case, the electrode could just be dirty but may also be defective.
Defective switches and sparkers can be easily 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. 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.
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. Use 3 prone extentsion cords only.
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.
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.
If you need further assistance, use the REPLY button to add any additional information or ask additional questions after attempting the correctional method or methods offered.
Regards & Good Luck, Forum Host & Multiple Topic Moderator.
TCB4U2B2B Company Enterprises. Energy Conservation Consultant & Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.