What would cause a gas fireplace not to ignite?

Chick Ignition If Gas Fireplace Will Not Ignite



If the vent free gas logs or vented gas logs still will not ignite, the most likely culprit is a dirty pilot light, or a pilot light that is not lit. If the pilot light is out, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for re-lighting it.

How do I turn on the main burner on my fireplace?


Quote from Youtube video: And it does so back to pilot push in free light hold it in until it gets hot enough the thermopile by the way sends a an electrical impulse to the gas control valve telling it. That.

How do you test a thermopile on a gas fireplace?





Check Your Thermopile Output with the TH/TP Contacts



Your thermopile output can be tested with a multimeter using the TH/TP Contacts to check the amount of electricity it’s producing. Before running the test, ensure that your pilot light has been on for two minutes or more, then switch off your fireplace.

How do you clean a thermocouple on a gas fireplace?

How to Clean a Thermocouple on a Gas Fireplace [3 Steps]

  1. Step 1: Leave the gas to cool first if it has been burning.
  2. Step 2: Polish the thermocouple.
  3. Step 3: Blow it out.
  4. Step 4: Light the gas.


How do you reset the pilot light on a gas fireplace?

Turn the knob from the “Off” to the “Pilot” position. Push in the pilot knob, which manually sends gas into the system. Push the igniter button once every second until it lights. Depending on how long it’s been since the gas fireplace was last used, ignition may take multiple attempts.

How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace?





between $150 and $250

When replacing a thermocouple or thermopile with the help of a professional, you can expect to pay between $150 and $250.

Why won’t my gas fireplace turn on when I flip the switch?

What can happen over the years, is that the connections inside the switch can get dirty, corroded, or broken, causing a loss of this voltage at the switch. So by the time the small amount of voltage gets sent back to the fireplace, it is not enough to signal the fireplace to turn on.

How do you fix a gas fireplace flame?

Wipe the burners with a soft cloth and inspect the gas orifices. Vacuum the area surround the grate to remove any dust, cobwebs or animal hair. Used canned air to blow through the burners and clean any debris from the gas orifices that could block or inhibit the flames.

How do you start a gas fireplace with a light switch?



Fireplaces With Control Panels



Your first step is to turn the knob from “off” to “pilot” and then push it in; this manually sends gas into the system. Next, push the igniter button until it lights; you should push once a second. Ignition may take several pushes, especially if it’s been a while since it was last lit.

How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my gas fireplace?

Test the Thermocouple With a Multimeter



Turn on the pilot, let it burn for 30 seconds and note the reading. Anything less than 25 mV indicates a faulty thermocouple.

Where is the thermocouple located on a gas fireplace?

Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe.

Does cleaning a thermocouple help?



Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up. Cleaning a thermocouple is not a fix for an issue, such as inaccurate readings.

Can I replace a thermocouple myself?

It’s easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater’s burning chamber, it’s easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly.

How much is a thermocouple?

It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. It checks to make sure the pilot light is on. It will shut the gas off if it’s not.

How do you check if a thermocouple is working?

Select the ohms or resistance option on your multimeter. Place one test lead on the side of the thermocouple and the other to the end that screws into the gas valve. If the thermocouple has proper continuity, a small resistance reading should be visible on the multimeter.

How can you tell if a thermocouple is bad?



If you can’t get the flame to light at all, and you’re sure the gas is on, there’s probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that’s the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.

How long does a thermocouple last?

Thermocouples can last up to 10 years if properly installed and maintained, while furnaces can last 15-20 years, although either may wear out sooner in multifamily units.

What causes a thermocouple to fail?

After enough time, metal fatigue can cause a thermocouple to break. Thermocouples that are regularly exposed to extreme heat stress or extreme conditions are more likely to go through metal fatigue. If thermocouples start to give out unusual readings, it may be suffering from metal fatigue.

What is the most common thermocouple failure mode?

The most common failure mode for thermocouples is for them to fail open, this is known as thermocouple burnout. Burnout can result from a variety of reasons including the thermocouple experiencing a temperature in excess of that for which it was designed, metal fatigue, and oxidation.

Can a thermocouple be damaged?



There are any number of ways a thermocouple can fail. It can short out, the sheath can fail, it can be damaged during operation or installation, it can be improperly installed, etc. The key is to perform a thorough root-cause analysis and prevent the failure again in the future, if possible.