Problem:
I have a Whirlpool oven in the US, model WFG540H0ES0 (photo). It's worked fine for the last 3.5 years, but a few weeks ago the oven stopped igniting. When I start the oven in the control panel, the following sequence takes place:
- I can hear the gas valve open and gas starts flowing out
- The gas valve closes a second later, stopping the flow of gas
- Igniter then sparks 4 times, but by that time there is no more gas coming out
Here's a video that demonstrates the issue. I lit a candle next to the vents so you can see gas come out for a split second, but then the gas shuts off before the igniter starts sparking.
Solutions I've tried:
- Some Youtube videos online suggested I replace the igniter, so I purchased this replacement online and installed it, but the problem is exactly the same so I know it's not the igniter.
- I tested the thermostat by holding a candle to it. It indicates 100°F when the oven is off, and starts climbing when the flame touches it, so I know it works.
- I've unplugged it from the wall and plugged it back again, to no avail.
I took some photos:
- Oven igniter (Since been replaced with a newer one)
- Underside where the drawer usually is (You can see the gas valve leading to the burner tube)
- Gas valves from behind the oven (One pipe leads to the broiler, the other to the stovetop range, which works fine)
Questions:
- What is the determining part that tells the gas valve to shut off so I can clean or replace it? I know it must have a sensor that automatically shuts off the gas if a flame is not detected (to prevent flooding the house with gas), but where is this sensor? I've scoured the parts list here but I don't see anything that suggest it's a flame sensor.
- Does anyone have any solutions to my issue? I already replaced the spark igniter, which didn't work. I'm trying to fix the oven myself because we're in quarantine and don't want to ask a repairman to come into our house.
Best Answer
Have you considered looking at the control board and the computer system behind it? Based on what I have read and seen from what you posted, that may be the issue. I don't know for certain but it sounds like a short circuit in that area. It may have occurred if you have kids. They perhaps may have repeatedly flipped a breaker in the breaker box or it may have occurred during a power outage. It is a $243 part though, and you might want to do more research on that specifically before purchasing this part. I will post a link here if you want to look at that information I read (mainly specs on the part). https://www.searspartsdirect.com/product/1vx34izmuz-0022-664/id-w10349742 Have a good day!
New correction: I asked someone who had more experience, and he suggested that you unplug and re-plug the stove many times before considering what I suggested. Electronic systems often will exhibit symptoms such as you explained if their system is fried by a surge. For example: due to several unexpected power outages and resulting surges, our printer started to glitch, our laminator died, an expensive part in our dishwasher failed, and the motherboard in our washer was fried. Also re-read the above section for edited parts.