Gas Stove Top Burner Not Working

Summary

In this step-by-step tutorial, the technician demonstrates how to repair a GE stovetop with faulty igniters. The issue is identified when the left-side burners fail to ignite, despite gas flowing, while the right-side burners work. The video walks through the process of disassembling the stovetop, removing the old igniters, and installing new ones. The technician also ensures the wiring is correctly connected and tests all burners to confirm proper function. Additional maintenance tips, such as cleaning debris and replacing worn-out igniter wires, are provided for a thorough repair.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Diagnosing Igniter Issues**: The main issue is that the left-side burners don’t ignite, while the right-side burners ignite correctly, indicating a potential problem with the igniter system.
• 😀 **Check for Gas Flow**: Gas is flowing correctly on both sides since the burners light when manually ignited with a match, ruling out a gas supply issue.
• 😀 **Inspect the Igniters**: The igniters on the right side work, while the left-side igniters do not spark. The problem is likely with the left-side igniter assembly or wiring.
• 😀 **Safety First**: Always ensure the stove is off and cool before working on it to avoid burns or electrical shock.
• 😀 **Remove Grates and Burner Caps**: Begin by lifting off the burner grates and caps to get access to the igniters and other components.
• 😀 **Identify and Remove Screws**: Use a Torx T15 driver to remove the screws that secure the cooktop, allowing you to lift it off and access the igniter components.
• 😀 **Unplug and Replace Faulty Igniters**: Disconnect the faulty igniters and replace them with new ones, ensuring proper wiring and placement according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• 😀 **Use Reference Photos for Wiring**: Take a picture of the wiring setup before disconnecting it to ensure correct reinstallation of wires after the replacement of igniters.
• 😀 **Clean the Stove Area**: Vacuum and clean out debris from the cooktop area before reassembling to ensure smooth operation and avoid potential clogging or damage.
• 😀 **Reassemble the Stove**: Once the igniters are replaced and the area is cleaned, carefully reassemble the stove, making sure all parts are securely in place.
• 😀 **Final Testing**: After reassembly, turn on the stove to check that all burners ignite correctly and are functioning as expected.

Q & A

What is the issue with the left-side burners in the stovetop?

The left-side burners do not ignite when turned on. However, gas is still flowing, as evidenced by the smell of gas, and the right-side burners are functioning properly.

Why do the right-side burners ignite while the left-side burners do not?

The issue is likely with the igniters on the left-side burners, as the igniters on the right-side burners are working fine and producing sparks. The left-side igniters are not sparking when the burner is turned on.

What are the two main potential causes of the problem with the left-side burners?

The two main causes could be either a faulty igniter on the left-side burners or an issue with the wiring or igniter assembly itself.

How do you diagnose the issue with the left-side burners?

You can diagnose the issue by turning on the left-side burner and observing whether the igniter sparks. If it does not spark, but the right-side igniters do, the igniter or related components on the left side need to be replaced.

What tool is required to remove the screws securing the stovetop components?

A T15 Torx screwdriver is required to remove the screws securing the stovetop components.

What should you do if the igniter wires are damaged during the repair?

If the igniter wires are damaged, you should replace the igniter harness. The rubber covering on the wires may crack over time, causing electrical issues.

How should you handle the screws when disassembling the stove?

It’s important to keep the screws in the same location where they were removed from to ensure proper reassembly. Labeling them or placing them in a container can help avoid confusion.

What is the purpose of cleaning the area during the repair process?

Cleaning the area during the repair helps remove debris that could interfere with the functioning of the igniters and ensures a safe and clean workspace when replacing parts.

What is the recommended approach to reassembling the stovetop after the repair?

After installing the new igniters and cleaning the stovetop, reassemble it by first ensuring that all wires are aligned correctly, placing the stovetop cover back in place, and then securing all screws before replacing the grates and knobs.

What should you do if all four burners are not working after the repair?

If all four burners do not ignite after the repair, double-check the igniter connections and wiring. It could be an issue with the igniter assembly or the electrical connections. If the problem persists, consult a professional technician.