GE range burner not working
Common reasons your GE range burner is not working
The most common reasons your GE range burner is not working are a bad switch, faulty igniter or a cracked ceramic glass top.
67% of the time it's the
Surface Element Switch
14% of the time it's the
Igniter
14% of the time it's the
Ceramic Glass Cooktop
5% of the time it's the
Something else
Most common repairs needed to fix a GE range
Surface Element Switch Replacement
A bad surface element switch may make turning the surface element on or off difficult, or a damaged switch shaft may feel loose or wobbly. The malfunctioning switch could cause uneven heating or prevent the element from reaching the desired temperature. In some cases, the surface element may not turn on at all, or it may continue to heat even after the control is turned off, posing a safety risk. If you suspect the switch on your range is bad, have a Sears Home Services professional inspect the switch for you.
Igniter Replacement
A faulty range igniter can prevent a burner from igniting, resulting in no heat from the bake or broil burner in the oven, or from a surface burner. A failed igniter could also cause difficulty in lighting the burner, requiring multiple attempts to achieve ignition. The igniter may emit a clicking sound without successfully lighting the gas, indicating a malfunction. In some cases, the igniter may not produce any visible spark at all. An igniter failure can lead to delayed ignition, causing a noticeable delay between turning the knob and the burner lighting.
Ceramic Glass Cooktop Replacement
A cracked ceramic glass cooktop on a range can significantly impact the performance of the radiant element, including the element’s ability to heat. The crack can compromise the integrity of the cooktop, leading to uneven heat distribution across the burner. This may result in hot spots or cold spots, affecting the uniformity of cooking. The cracked surface can also hinder the burner's ability to transfer heat efficiently, reducing its overall effectiveness. In addition, the crack poses a safety risk as it may expose electrical components beneath the cooktop. It is crucial to have a Sears Home Services professional address a cracked ceramic glass cooktop promptly.
What to expect when you experience a GE range burner not working issue
How is the burner not working problem fixed?
Correcting most burner not working problems usually involves replacing the surface element switch, igniter or ceramic glass cooktop. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a range burner that is not working
When the range burner is not working it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of range failures.
What to look out for with a range burner not working diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your range problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
Troubleshooting GE Stove Burners not Working
When GE stove burners are not working, check the gas supply going to the range by trying to start the oven. If you’re able to start the oven, you know that the gas supply going to the range is okay.
If the oven doesn’t work, check the gas supply cut-off valve going to the stove. Open the cut-off valve if you find it shut. That may fix the problem with your GE stove burners not working.
Try lighting the surface burners on your GE stove with a match or lighter to see if the burners are getting gas. If you can light the burners manually, then a problem with the ignition module or ignition switches is preventing the burners from working. You should hear the ticking of sparks on every burner when you turn a burner knob to the “Light” position to start a burner. If some of the burners tick when you a burner knob to “Light”, the check the electrodes for the burners that don’t tick or spark. A spill covering the igniter electrode could be preventing the ignition spark from working on the burners that don’t tick. Unplug the range and clean the igniter electrodes to fix that problem.
If none of the burners tick, you’ll need to schedule service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and fix the burner ignition system on your GE stove.
Troubleshooting a GE Stove Electric Burner not Working
When you find a GE stove electric burner not working, unplug the stove and make sure the burner is completely cool. If the burner is a coil-type element, make sure that the coil burner is pushed all the way into the burner terminal block plug. A loose connection of the coil burner with the terminal block can cause the burner to not work.
To see whether a coil element needs replacing, plug the element into a terminal block of a working burner to see if the element heats up. If it does, then the burner switch or wiring for the non-working burner location will need to be repaired. Make sure that stove burners are cool before switching their locations.
If the coil surface element doesn’t work in a location where a different coil element works, then the non-working coil element will likely need replacing.
If you have a GE electric stove with a ceramic glass top, you’ll likely need to have a service technician diagnose and repair a burner not working. Accessing the burner elements below a ceramic glass top on a GE stove is difficult.
Schedule range repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and repair your range when a GE stove electric burner is not working.
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Repair Range Resources
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Glossary Terms
BTU, or British Thermal Unit, measures the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
A thermocouple is a sensor used for measuring temperature, consisting of two different metal wires joined at one end, which generate a voltage proportional to temperature changes.
A K-type thermocouple is a sensor used for temperature measurement, consisting of two dissimilar metal wires that generate a voltage proportional to temperature changes, widely recognized for its accuracy and wide temperature range.
A range sensor in a kitchen stove or oven is a technologically advanced feature that detects and regulates the temperature within the oven, ensuring precise cooking conditions for optimal culinary results.