4 replies to this topic

[jpeisker]

Whirlpool SF380LEKQ lower burner ignites fine and heats oven but when temp is reached and burner shuts off, it won't ignite again.  So you can heat up once and then coast down from there.  Somewhat of an intermittent problem, doesn't always fail, so hard to troubleshoot.

This unit has direct spark ignition (DSI), so no hot surface ignitor.  Ignitor spark is strong and in proper location near burner.  Burner is clean with no soot or buildup around orifices.

Broiler burner is virtually identical and works fine.

Gas valve solenoids read proper and equal resistance.

I'm not real familiar with DSI, so can't understand where the required flame sensor is located (guarantees gas ignition or shuts valve).  Nothing shows up in exploded parts diagram, just a single temp sensor for whole oven cavity.  This flame sensor could also be the culprit, but I'm in the dark as to what/where it is.

Owner noticed display blinking twice when the failure occurs, but no fault codes are displayed.  He's convinced that the control board is the problem, but it's the most expensive part in the oven and I'd like to make sure.

It will spark when trying to re-ignite, at least we can hear strong ticking.

Suspecting flame sensor (mystery part), control board (could explain most control problems), ignitor board (intermittent/unreliable), gas valve (close to flame, could be weak when heated).  Would like to pick the right component the first time so we don't shotgun three or four expensive parts to finally solve the problem.  If anybody has good ideas, I'd like to hear them.

Jim

[Pegi]

about three service pointers out about these systems, will see if I can find a couple for you...

[Pegi]

Here is one service pointer...

Here is a second one.....

Number three....

[jpeisker]

Thanks, Pegi!  These look like great ideas.  Already verified ignitor position vs burner, so I don't think that's the problem.  I'll try the redesigned burner/ignitor assembly and PCB grounding kit and give it a week or so to see how reliably it operates.  Will post an update one way or the other later....

Jim

[jpeisker]

After 10 days the new burner is working well, so I'm calling it a solved problem.  Apparently the original design was marginal.  The new one sparks up immediately.  It's apparent when you see the design change:

The old burner had only four gas ports near the igniter electrode and the igniter shield has only minimal air holes (more solid):

file:///f:dscn0951.jpg

 

The new burner has eight igniter gas ports and the shield has much more open area:

file:///f:dscn0948.jpg

So with more fuel and air supply, the burner lights more reliably.

Jim