GE Monogram Cooktop -- No sparks

Oven/Range/Cooktop Repair
1

I have been posting questions on the parts page but it is not an effective way of communication when you need to ask additional questions so I looked around and found this forum.

My cooktop (about 2 years ago) had some water overboil onto the elements. Since then the ignitor stopped working and the LED’s on the knobs are not lighting either. When I turn on the know there is no clicking to light the elements. However gas does come out.

I called a repair man and he was suppose to call back with a price of some parts but never did call. As a result it has just been put off. I’ve been using the cooktop for the last 2 year lighting it with a BBQ lighter, but I am uneasy with this as it is not really safe. There has been one incident where the gas was not turned off all the way and was leaking. Lukily nothing bad happened, but it could have.

Recently I did some research to find out what the problem was and found a video saying that it was probably the switch harness. After posting a question on the switch harness parts page of this site, I was told by a tech that if the switches were good that I would need to order a spark module.

I tested the switches for continuity and they were working fine, except the first one. So I ordered both parts, the switch harness and the spark module.

Last night I installed the switch harness, put everything back together, but no sparks. I then installed the spark module and put everything back together but still no sparks.

I then took my multimeter and disconnected the transformer from the spark module (transformer OUTPUT) and tested the white/red pair for current. Nothing.

I then disconnected the transformer from the power source (AC IN) and tested that and there was 122V.

It seems to me that it is a bad transformer. I wanted to confirm on this forum before ordering yet another part to find out that I didn’t need it. I did need the switch harness, but I suspect the spark module is fine.

Questions:

  1. Is it possible to have water on the element short out the transformer?

  2. If it is possible, then would the spark module be automatically toast? Should I return it or wait until the transformer is in and test it and if everything works then send it back.

I live in Canada, so although the parts are about 50% of the price (on this site vs. Canada) the logistics in picking them up are a pain. So, I would like to confirm this time before ordering.

Please advise.

Thank you!!!

2

I have the same problem did you get any replies. I am looking for instructions on how to remove top of the cooktop so i ca
n get to the transformer
rovatal

3

I didn’t get any replies on here, however I have it totally fixed. It was the transformer and it is VERY easy to change.

FIRST: Unplug the cooktop.

  1. Remove cooking grates
  2. Remove all 4 burners
  3. There are two screws inside the burner for each burner. Unscrew all 8 screws.
  4. Pop off each of the control knobs.
  5. The whole cooktop will now pull up.
  6. As you are pulling up the cooktop reach under to disconnect the igniter wires (4 in total).
  7. Remove cooktop and place to the side.
  8. Remove insulation.
  9. Pull apart both transformer INPUT wires.
  10. Pull apart connector between transformer and spark module.
  11. Remove 2 screws on either side of Transformer.
  12. Replace transformer with new transformer.
  13. Replace both screws for transformers.
  14. Re-connect connector between transformer and spark module.
  15. Re-connect two AC INPUT wires on the transformer.
  16. Replace insulation.
  17. Replace cooktop, reaching under to connect all 4 igniter wires.
  18. Center cooktop so burners are properly positioned.
  19. Replace all 4 screws.
  20. Replace all 4 burners.
  21. Replace grates.
  22. Replace all 4 control knobs.
  23. Plug the cooktop back in.
  24. Turn on the stove and cook your dinner.

It is about a minute fix once you have taken it apart a few times, but about 15 minutes if you are careful and slow the first time.

BTW… The transformer is in the back left corner under the insulation. Make sure that you get all wires back under the insulation.