[Adnan]

Hi,

We have a Thermador RDFS30QB range with gas burners (two with the extra-low option). Recently, the left front burner began exhibiting an unusual behavior - after being on for say ten minutes or so, it will turn itself off and the ignitor will immediately start clicking as it tries to relight the burner. There is no gas flowing at this time so it obviously won't succeed in relighting.

This happens during normal operation, that is, the burner is not in its extra-low mode. If I turn off the burner and let it cool for a bit, it relights just fine and behaves normally, until it gets hot enough and repeats its antics.

Clearly, this is a thermal-related problem somewhere in the burner's control system. Any ideas as to where to begin? I would appreciate any advice on this as it's driving my wife nuts (which in turn...trickle-down theory).

Thanks,
Adnan

[gearhead1218]

The left burners are the extra-low burners. They are controlled by potentiometers located behind the valve knobs and a simmer controller.
They are available as a package as an upgrade. Thermador had problems with these.
APP part # AP3872616

[Adnan]

Originally Posted by gearhead1218

The left burners are the extra-low burners. They are controlled by potentiometers located behind the valve knobs and a simmer controller.
They are available as a package as an upgrade. Thermador had problems with these.
APP part # AP3872616

Hi,

Thanks for the insight. That's probably the culprit but I wonder whether it's the potentiometers that wear out. I wouldn't mind trying to clean them to see if it makes a difference. The odd thing is the temperature-sensitive behaviour, which the rear burner doesn't exhibit.

Is there anything published on how one goes about opening up the stove top to get at the pots?

Regards,
Adnan

[Servicer]

Hello,
If the unit lights on first start up then your potentiometers are ok. If there's an open in the run on the potentiometer the voltage would never make it to the solenoid in the first place. What I've seen cause this is the coil on the solenoid valve heating up and closing the valve. The part number of the valve will vary depending on when the range was produced. If there is an /02 after the model the solenoid part number is 421850, if not the number is 411253.
KC

[Adnan]

Many thanks, Servicer.

Regards,
Adnan

[dlilien]

I had the same problem on the same model Thermador range. I followed Servicer's advice and it now works like a charm.