The stove doesn’t stay lit – Thermocouple problem
Here we’re in this tutorial where we will see how to repair or replace a thermocouple of a hob.
If the burner switches off after 2/3 seconds, the thermocouple isn’t working. In the image below we see how to identify the thermocouple of a burner.
The thermocouple is a safety device installed on every single burner so to replace it we’ve to remove the hob. Click here to see the guide on how to open a hob.
Now that the hob is open, we must identify the thermocouple, but before removing it, it’s important to check its electrical contact. Sometimes a false contact is enough to create the problem. Then remove the connection faston that we find on the safety valve, and clean well the contacts. In the image below we see three different types of contacts:
We must also clean the contact on the safety valve, so we’re sure that there is no longer a false contact between the valve and the thermocouple. To clean the contacts we can use simple acetone or thinner. Once cleaned, reconnect the thermocouple and perform a function test. To do this, we’ll need to temporarily re-insert the hob burner, which corresponds to the faulty thermocouple, and try switching it on (see image).
If the burner stays on, it means that the problem was caused by false contact and then we can reassemble the hob.
In 90% of cases, the problem is caused by a false contact, but if it still doesn’t work, we can remove the thermocouple of another working burner and test it on the faulty burner. To remove the thermocouple we’ll need an 8 and 10 mm wrench. With the 10 we must block the thermocouple, while with the 8 we must unscrew the upper die. It’s a very simple procedure, the important thing is to use the suggested tools; don’t use pliers or other tools not suitable for this job, as long as you accidentally cause irreparable damage. If with the other thermocouple the burner stays on then, the problem was caused by the thermocouple, so we just have to buy a new one.
We install the new thermocouple properly and we execute a field testing, if everything works well, let’s replace the hob. If the burner doesn’t stay on with the new thermocouple, check the connection or replace it from the dealer.
If the problem wasn’t caused by the thermocouple, it could be the magnet or some other component of the valve. We suggest you read the articles: “How to replace the hob valve magnet” and “How to replace the hob valve“.
