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How to troubleshoot and fix Whirlpool and KitchenAid Direct Spark Ignition gas oven

August 21st, 2017 · No Comments

The Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) ranges designed by Whirlpool to provide a complete, reliable spark ignition and gas distribution for gas ranges. Such ranges are operated by an Electronic Range Control (ERC) and included a Gas Distribution System (GDS) regulator/valve, four top burners and two oven spark electrodes (bake and broil). Due to an ability for flame sensing within the oven, it will continually monitor the flame presence. If flame presence is not detected, it will try to reignite 3 times and then, if no success, the system will lockout. Lockouts can be reset by pressing the OFF/Cancel keypad on the Electronic Range Control.

This Direct Spark Ignition system is available on self-cleaning gas ranges made by Whirlpool and Kitchen Aid as well as on some gas ranges with Accubake cooking system made by the same manufacturers.

I have to admit as I did before, that, unfortunately, nothing last forever so, for many years (since 2000) of production and very high popularity of these ranges, there are many complaints about different problems. Some of them are very easy to diagnose and fix while some of the others requesting more complicated troubleshooting and, sometimes, can require expensive parts to replace.

Now we will discuss the most common of those problems and how to diagnose and fix them in order to bring your range back in business.

1. Bake burner will light for a few seconds and then cut off.

  • Besides lighting the flame the tip of the burner igniter is also sensing the flame presence sending the signal to the DSI control aka a spark module  (flame safety check). That’s why it is so important to have the oven igniter properly aligned with the oven burner gas ports (lighting holes) and keep it free of a grease. So the first step is to verify that the igniter is mounted correctly and the tip of the igniter is clean. You can use a soft metal brush or rubbing alcohol to clean the igniter tip.
  • The next step is to check the bake burner gas ports (lighting holes). Remove the Bake burner and check the lighting holes (circled red on the attached picture).

  • If there are only four holes then the Bake burner would need to be replaced. If there are eight holes then you have to enlarge them using a drill bit one size bigger.
  • If the bake burner would need to be replaced you can find and order the correct part by entering the range model number into the model number search box. Then go to the appropriate diagram. If you would need any help to search or order a part, let me know through the comments.

2. The clicking sound was noticed but the Bake and or Broil burner would not light at all and there was no gas flow noticed in the oven.

  • Unplug the range. Remove and put aside the bottom drawer. There is the gas distribution valve/regulator mounted to the rear range wall. It is accessible through the drawer opening. You can see its image below.                                        
  • Make sure the gas shut off valve is open (in the raised position).  Label the three wires connected to the valve terminal to reinsure proper reconnection and remove them. Using a multimeter check the gas valve solenoids for continuity between the middle and upper, and middle and bottom terminals. The correct resistance readings suppose to be 216Ω±30 for any of them. If any of those reading is incorrect, gas distribution valve/regulator would need to be replaced.
  • You can find and order the correct part by entering the range model number into the model number search box. Then go to the appropriate diagram. If you would need any help to search or order a part, let me know through the comments.

3. There was no any clicking sound noticed.

  • When the consumer selects the bake or broil mode on the ERC, the appropriate ERC relay closed sending the power to the direct spark ignition electronic control (spark module) which generate two sparks per second to both oven burner igniters. So the cause of the problem could be the spark module as well as the ERC. The diagnosis consists of checking for 120 VAC between the wires connected to the pins J1-6 and J1-4 (Bake) or J1-7 and J1-4 (Broil), depending on the mode selected, on the spark module (inside the control panel). You will work with the live power. Be careful not to electrocute yourself.
  • Spark module picture 
  • If 120 VAC presents, the spark module would need to be replaced. If there is no 120 VAC, the ERC would need to be replaced.
  • You can find and order the correct part by entering the range model number into the model number search box. Then go to the appropriate diagram. If you would need any help to search or order a part, let me know through the comments.

Tags: Gas oven does not heat · Kitchen Aid and Kenmore gas oven/range · Whirlpool

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