FIXED Amana cooktop - Bottom right burner does not work

[JB1601]

Model Number

AKS3040BE

Hello there,
I looked up this forum for similar posts and saw one that brings a similar issue though not quite same. Want to describe my issue in detail to confirm if the switch replacement suggested there will fix all issues or if I need anything else.

When I turn bottom right burner (BR) on, it does not give me any clicking sound (none out of 4). I also do not see any spark on any burners. However, when I turn any other 3 knobs, all burners start clicking including the BR (albeit its a very weak spark compared to other three). My current workaround is to start bottom left (BL) burner spark and turn BR burner knob so that it can catch faint spark and ignite. Wife is not happy with this workaround. So need to get it fixed.

Questions:
a) Do I need to replace just one switch (BR)? Or should I buy the whole switch harness?
b) Should I replace spark module on BR?
c) Should I replace spark electrode on BR since the spark is weak?

Or a combination from above.

This cooktop sits on a granite counter. Assume to access wiring I will need to cut the caulking and take the unit out completely. Correct? Or is there an access from the bottom of the cooktop (i.e. under the countertop).

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
JB

 

[jeff1]

Hi,

Do I need to replace switch? Only one (BR) or should I buy the whole harness?

Sounds like a bad switch...only comes all together...

LINK> Spark ignition switches and harness assembly

Should I replace spark module on BR?

If it works on the other three, I wouldn't.

Should I replace spark electrode on BR since the spark is weak?

That would be a good idea...

LINK> Spark electrode, surface burner

Mine is a cooktop sits on a granite counter. Assume to access wiring I will need to cut the caulking and take the unit out completely. Correct?

Yes.

Or is there an access from the bottom of the cooktop

Nope.

jeff.

 

[JB1601]

Awesome Jeff. That was quick. So I buy switch harness and a spark electrode.

I see these listed in eBay for a fraction of the price from Amana website. Should I buy it from there? Any suggestion on reputable and affordable parts providers?

 

[jeff1]

We don't suggest buying anything from Amazon or Ebay....we get emails everyday from people having issues with used parts being sold as new, rebuilt being sold as new and terrible customer service. That's why we recommend reputable appliance parts depots. RepairClinic. AppliancePartsPro

jeff.

 

[JB1601]

Jeff,
My part arrived today. I opened my cooktop cover and saw that infact BR switch seemed to have shorted. Replaced the whole harness with the new one. Replaced the ignitor on the BR burner as well. While at it, I gave all burners nice cleaning as well.

However, my BR burner still does not light. I see the spark is still weak even with a new ignitor.

Any thoughts. Did I miss anything?

JB

 

[jeff1]

Spacing good for the spark....not too big or not too small giving a weak spark? Wires are tight at the electrode?

If everything else checks ok, then new spark module is the next step...

LINK> Spark module

...must have been damaged when the switch let go

jeff.

 

[JB1601]

Jeff,
After a bit of elimination logic, I was able to resolve the issue. Turns out the BR burner plate was a bit raised since I was trying it out without screwing the burner base to the cooktop. I wanted to test it out before putting screws back. No matter how I changed the ignitor circuit, BR would always be the one not firing. The only difference while trying all combination was that BR burner plate was not tightly screwed to the cooktop. Once I did it, it worked. Phew!

Thanks for all your help. Got 2 thumbs up from wifey!

 

[jeff1]

Spacing good for the spark....not too big or not too small giving a weak spark?

Turns out the BR burner plate was a bit raised since I was trying it out without screwing the burner base to the cooktop

Yupper, spacing can be an issue....thankx for the update

jeff.