Kitchen Gas Appliances - Kenmore/Whirlpool gas oven "PF" error when baking

I have a Kenmore 30” gas range/oven (model # 665.72002101, serial # RL37xxxxx) that was made by Whirlpool. While baking it intermittently turns off and displays “PF” for power failure on the display when it attempts to spark the ignition. After doing some research on this issue, I have found these two Whirlpool Service Pointers which appear to address the problem:

K8177911 (https://secured.whirlpool.com/Service/SrvTechAdm.nsf/d12cd4888abce86285256a42005ea985/b02cc6533f92367785256a5e0056b306/$FILE/8177911.pdf)

K8178446 (https://secured.whirlpool.com/Service/SrvTechAdm.nsf/d12cd4888abce86285256a42005ea985/bd7f4127af65f8d385256e5100710502/$FILE/8178446.pdf)

Both deal with reducing the “electrical noise” caused by the direct spark ignition, but I am not sure which one I need in order to fix my problem. The first one involves replacing the Electronic Control Board which is expensive, where the second one involves adding a relatively inexpensive ferrite bead. The stove looks like it was manufactured in 2002 (based on serial number), but the wires have not been rerouted as K8177911 calls for.

Does anybody have an idea on what I need to do to fix my problem?

Thank you very much!

Hello hansend6 and Welcome to the Do It Yourself Web Site and to the Gas Appliances topic.

Replace the entire spark igniter assembly first. The spark igniter may have developed a high resistance level. Which is described and/or referred to as electrical noise.

Retail parts dealers and appliances parts stores can also help determine what the possible problem may be based upon that specific brand and model. Bring the make, model and serial numbers. Dealers and appliances parts stores are listed in the phone book.

Cautionary Reminder Note:
Before attempting any repairs, be sure to unplug the appliance from the wall receptacle power source first.

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Thanks for your input!

Though I may be incorrect, I had ruled out the igniter based on the fact that it always seems to spark correctly and light the oven. The issue seems to be that occasionally just as the spark happens the oven computer freaks out and resets with the power failure error, and the Service Pointers that I found deal with that exact issue. Currently I seem to get about one failure for every 2 hours of cook time, and I would think that an igniter problem would be more consistent.

I would think that even a new igniter would give off a fairly large amount of electrical noise when it sparks, and that the issue is that the ovens wiring and control computer are not shielded correctly.

Granted, that is a lot of “I would think” from a person that doesn’t know about ovens. Before replacing the igniter as you suggested, I am thinking about adding a ferrite core (which I can buy locally for peanuts). The second Service Pointer calls for adding one, but doesn’t say what wires to add it to. Do you know what wires I would put it on?

Thanks again,

I have a Kenmore stove with the same problem - power failures (PF error) occur after long cooking times. I ordered the Ferrite Bead Kit from a local appliance parts store (around $20) and installed it myself with no problem. It is just a ferrite clamp that wraps around the wiring in back of the stove. Lets hope that fixes the problem.

Did this end up fixing your problem, or was your thanksgiving turkey raw like mine? I am just wondering if I should bother ordering the ferrite clamp for mine.

I have a Kenmore stove with the same problem - power failures (PF error) occur after long cooking times. I ordered the Ferrite Bead Kit from a local appliance parts store (around $20) and installed it myself with no problem. It is just a ferrite clamp that wraps around the wiring in back of the stove. Lets hope that fixes the problem.

Hello; hansend6

Based upon both service bulletins, it is best to replace both the electronic circuit board, (Electronic Control Board) which has it's own internal shielding problem and the ferrite bead kit to resolve that problem as well.

The Electronic Control Board has been updated with new internal filters to eliminate the electrical “noise” between the Direct Spark Ignition Board and the ERC.

Manufacturing has re-routed wires at the back of the range
to help eliminate interference between the controls.


Order a new Electronic Control Board (see parts list)
for proper repair.

Re-route wiring at back of unit as shown in illustration.

Refer to Rework Number R15381 on workorder.

IMO, first try the ferrite bead correction method.

CUSTOMER COMPLAINT:

CAUSE:
“PF” error code appears all the time. Line interference (electrical noise) from the direct spark ignition module.

CORRECTION:
Order ferrite bead kit (#8190596), to help reduce electrical noise, and install as instructed.

Once that is done problem may be totally resolved, hopefully. If not, then the only next best solution is to replace the board, as noted in the first links service bulletin. See above.

Which is most likely what a service tech would be required to do, to ensure the appliance was fixed right on the first service call....:thumbup:....:)