RGSC305 I/R Broiler Won't Fire

[mtbnest]

All other functions but broil are working fine on this 16 year old DCS/Fisher-Paykel RGSC305. The broiler ignite glows red and pulls 3.3 amps.; after a couple minutes I hear the gas's feeble attempt to kick on with a soft "Pif" sound as the igniter just keeps glowing. The sound repeats after another minute of so (I didn't time it).

Assuming the problem is the dual gas valve--how to I isolate for sure? Thanks in advance!

[mtbnest]

8 minutes ago, mtbnest said:

All other functions but broil are working fine on this 16 year old DCS/Fisher-Paykel RGSC305. The broiler ignite glows red and pulls 3.3 amps.; after a couple minutes I hear the gas's feeble attempt to kick on with a soft "Pif" sound as the igniter just keeps glowing. The sound repeats after another minute of so (I didn't time it).

Assuming the problem is the dual gas valve--how to I isolate for sure? Thanks in advance!

Furthermore, can the broiler itself get dirty enough to just need removal and cleaning, even though it hasn't been used in a year or so? It's in the top of the oven but sealed behind glass so I don't know how it'd get plugged up but then again I'm not an appliance tech either.

[16345Ed]

I’d check the broil orifice for dirt or obstruction. Otherwise if ignitor is good as you say. Then the next suspect is the safety valve. 

[Vance R]

3 hours ago, 16345Ed said:

I’d check the broil orifice for dirt or obstruction.

+1 for this. Remove the orifice and clean. If it still doesn't work may want to replace the igniter 3.3 amp is on the low end of the spec. 

 

[16345Ed]

From manual

OVEN AND BROILER IGNITER

Both the bake and broil burners use a hot surface ignition

system. The safety valve operates by current, not voltage.

The igniter resistance decreases, allowing more current to

flow to the safety valve, as the surface temperature

increases.

From a cold start it can take as long as 60 seconds, with

voltage applied, to reduce the resistance sufficiently to

BROIL IGNITER

(p/n 16009-1)

OVEN IGNITER

(p/n 16505)

provide a minimum of 2.9 amps of current flow in the

series circuit. The igniter should provide a current flow of

between 3.2 and 3.7 amps. At this point the igniter

temperature is between 1800 and 2500 degrees F. The

igniter will remain energized as long as the thermostat is

"calling for heat". If the igniter glows red and does not

draw at least 3.0 amps, the fault is probably in the igniter, not the safety valve. 

[16345Ed]

3.3a should open valve every time based on this documentation.