The induction cooker does not work - reasons and do-it-yourself repairs

The most progressive development in the field of kitchen stoves can be considered a unit with an induction hob. This technology attracts buyers because it does not require the use of gas, as well as its novelty. But, despite high technology, malfunctions with induction cookers occur no less often than with other household appliances.

Operating principle of an induction cooker

An induction heating plate operates on a fairly simple principle of generating eddy currents in a magnetically and electrically conductive material. We are talking, first of all, about metals and their alloys with certain physical characteristics. In order for the induction heating element to work properly, the following conditions must be met.

1. Use dishes made of special materials. Most often it is steel. It is this material that not only has good ferrimagnetic characteristics, but also the ability to generate eddy currents and actively absorb the energy generated during their passage.
2. The heater power control system must ensure the creation of an alternating magnetic field. It is this that generates eddy currents in the cookware material. The field frequency ranges from 20 to 60 Hz and must be stable.
3. The magnetic field of an induction heater is quite highly localized. This means that the item being heated must be placed as close as possible to achieve maximum efficiency of the process.

If we consider the induction cooker and the cookware installed on it from the point of view of physical processes, this system is a transformer. In this case, the heater coil acts as the primary winding. The magnetic field it generates causes eddy currents to appear in the dishes. It is the bottom of this object that acts as the secondary winding. There is no removal of electrical energy from it, so all of it is converted into heat. As a result, the pot or pan heats up.

Important! For normal and efficient operation of the induction panel, it is necessary that the area of ​​the coil be as close as possible to that of the object installed on it. In this case, the energy is transferred almost completely.

If this condition is not met, the following unpleasant things happen:

• eddy currents do not form above an empty place on the stove that is not covered with dishes;
• the coil generated by energy in uncovered, empty places is not disposed of;
• As a result of incomplete energy removal, the coil overheats.

To neutralize this phenomenon, cooling radiators are installed in each induction panel. If they fail, the coil will have to be replaced. And in the most difficult cases, the output stages of the high-frequency power generation circuit will also require repairs.

Induction cooker repair at “Polite Service 5+”

The service staff consists of craftsmen with specialized education and experience in repairing household appliances for more than 8 years. When you contact us, you are guaranteed to receive:

• The master will arrive at your home on the day you contact us or on any day convenient for you. It is possible to arrange a specialist visit for the evening or weekend.
• We use only original spare parts.
• Before repairs, a complete diagnosis of the equipment is carried out.
• All types of repairs are provided with an official guarantee.

Error codes

Modern induction cookers are equipped with information displays and self-diagnosis systems. If some problems are detected, the device itself will inform the user about what happened. Error codes for some manufacturers' slabs look like this:

For users with repair skills and a sufficient level of knowledge, the error code will show exactly where to look for the problem. For others, this is an indication that they need to seek qualified help.

The induction cooker does not work - reasons and do-it-yourself repairs

The ability of metal parts to heat up in an alternating magnetic field has been used in everyday life for more than 40 years. Appliances installed in the kitchen for cooking have a modern design, high-quality ceramic coating and high efficiency due to the direct heating of metal utensils.

Induction single burner hob

Despite the significant advantages of induction heating devices over conventional electric stoves, it is not always possible to repair such products on your own.

Complex microprocessor control of induction installed in such devices requires a sufficiently highly qualified technician who repairs this household appliance. The absence of direct heating of the element emitting a magnetic field almost completely eliminates the possibility of faults such as “burnt out conductor”.

Therefore, if there are any serious deviations in the operation of this device, or the device does not turn on at all, then if you want to repair this device yourself, you will need:

• minimal knowledge in the field of electronics;
• diagnostic devices, soldering iron and soldering materials;
• having a lot of free time;
• moral readiness for the fact that after attempting to independently repair such a complex device as an induction cooker, the device may be completely damaged.

Once you have everything you need, the first thing you should do is identify the main reasons why modern induction cookers fail.

Disassembling the stove and diagnosing faults

If simple checks in the form of testing the supply voltage and examining possible places where contacts have broken have been passed and have not yielded results, there is only one thing left. The stove needs to be disassembled for a complete repair. It is recommended to do this only if you have appropriate knowledge in the field of electrical circuits.

Advice! Disassembly is done carefully and carefully. It is recommended to take a photo after each stage to make it easier to assemble the slab.

After removing the top decorative panel, the user will see the coils adjacent to it and their cooling system. At this stage you need to look around carefully. The locations of possible problems will be indicated by soot, changes in the color of the windings or individual components of the electrical circuit. Traces of melting are also important. It is from the points where such shortcomings are discovered that further research must begin.

If visually everything is in order, you will have to check everything without exception. Here it would be a good idea to have a schematic diagram of your stove on hand. It can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website or found on thematic forums.

A typical check scheme looks like this.

1. Power circuits are being examined. This is a fuse block; if they are found to be broken, they are replaced. Cables and wires are tested to ensure their integrity.
2. The coils are inspected. Their spirals must have a uniform winding structure, without damaged conductors or traces of carbon deposits on the varnish.
3. Temperature sensors are tested. This is done with a multimeter. When heated, the element changes conductivity. Therefore, a local heat source, such as a soldering iron, will come in handy.
4. The connections from the coils to the high-frequency generator are being examined. Cables are connected, contact groups are inspected.
5. In conditions of limited space inside the stove, the control board is subject to heating. It needs to be examined for possible cracks. Be sure to check the paths. If there are cracks on them, including due to corrosion processes after damage to the protective coating, they are eliminated.
6. The non-functional burner is removed. It is removed together with the generator module. The board is being inspected. Parts that have failed are usually immediately visible by changes in the color of the housing or contact groups. This is where the schematic diagram of the stove comes in handy. Often it is simply impossible to read the markings on small parts due to the body being burned. They will learn what exactly to install from the circuit diagram.

How to repair?

Important

First you need to turn off the power. Carefully remove the decorative surface to gain access to the internal parts of the equipment.

Perform external inspection of parts. Any defects may indicate the causes of the malfunction and indicate repair methods - soot, color differences on identical parts (how to repair a hob with your own hands?).

To avoid mistakes during assembly, you need to carefully remember each step during disassembly. To do this, you need to record actions or keep a photo report. Sequence of actions for disassembling the slab:

1. First you need to check the power group. This includes the cable, contacts and fuse box. The test is performed with a multimeter.
2. The spirals of the induction coils are visually assessed for the presence of cracks, contact between the turns and foreign conductive objects.
3. Inspection of temperature sensors, at the same time checking the serviceability of the coil. There should be no defects on the coils. Temperature sensors are checked using electrical circuits that operate on the principle of thermistors.
4. A test is carried out to ensure the serviceability of the connecting wires that go from the induction coil to the generator. It is also convenient to use a multimeter for this.
5. The control board is visually assessed for cracks. You need a bright lamp and a magnifying glass. Check for light. This is the only way to detect microscopic defects.
6. The faulty burner is removed from the housing along with the generator board. The element base is being inspected. Radio components that have burned out are immediately noticeable visually, so there are no problems with detecting a fault in this part of the work.

Read more about how to repair electric stoves of different models with your own hands here.

Insufficient heating power

This malfunction of the stove can be caused by the incorrect placement of the pan on the stove: not in the center of the burner, but on the side, or the fact that the cookware itself is smaller in diameter than the cooking area itself. If everything is in order with the diameter of the cookware, then you should check the fit of the induction burner to the glass-ceramic panel. If it is not in tight contact with the panel, achieve a good fit using special pressing springs.

When the indicator flashes between the set power indicator and the reduced value, we can say that the control unit has automatically reduced the power of the cooking area due to overheating of the induction coil. In such a situation, the condition of the coil is checked.

One of the burners is not working

At the very beginning, turning on the panel, the desired burner is selected using sensors. Only after selecting it can you set the power level. If the correct sequence has been followed, but it does not turn on, check what the cookware is made of. It must be either metal or cast iron, that is, it must have the property of being magnetized. Aluminum and copper cookware are not suitable for induction cookers. It is also impossible to cook on such a hob in glass containers.

If the cookware meets the required standards, but the problem remains, it is necessary to run test programs to check the burner temperature sensor. If it fails, it must be replaced. If the sensor is working properly, the tightness of the induction module to the glass-ceramic panel is checked. If necessary, the fit is adjusted using pressure springs.

Removing the heating elements

In most cases, repairing an electric hob involves replacing faulty heating elements. It will not be difficult to purchase such a spare part in a store, especially if the part in the surface of a well-known brand is changed.

For example, repairing an Ariston hob can be done without even visiting a service center in person. A new heating element can be ordered in the online store, and the purchase will be delivered to your door by a transport company.

The heating element can be accessed after the bottom cover of the surface is removed. This can be done using a slotted or Phillips screwdriver.

The location of fasteners differs significantly depending on the model. For example, repair of an Electrolux hob is carried out after dismantling the cover, which is held on by screws located at the corners of the product.

If an electric stove is being repaired, in which heating is carried out due to installed heating elements, then the malfunction of such an element can be determined using a multimeter. To do this, just switch the device to resistance measurement mode, and then connect the probes to the leads of the heating element.

A burnt-out element will have an “infinity” resistance, so further repairs of the electric hob must be carried out with the obligatory removal of the faulty part. As a rule, such elements are held on 3 or 4 clamps, which are a bracket that presses the heater as a result of tightening the threaded connection.

Repairing an Electrolux hob may differ significantly, but the principle of restoring such a hob remains the same. That is, you will need to remove the old heating element to install a new element in its place.

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The left pair of burners does not work

To find the reason why the block of hobs located on the left does not turn on, you need to check all the connections going from the coils to the control unit and to the power board. If you find that there are no connection problems, then you need to replace the control unit. If there are no positive results, the burner block must be replaced.

Error codes on the display can signal bad contacts in the wiring between the modules of the unit. In this case, the code “E8” appears.

Preparation for repair work

Before you start repairing the hob with your own hands, you need to prepare for this event. In particular, you need to check whether the stove is connected to the mains. If the equipment is plugged into a working outlet (this can be checked with another working electrical appliance), but does not work, the reason is not in the wiring, but in the equipment itself. In this case, you must completely turn off the power to the induction cooker before starting repairs to prevent electric shock.

Prepare the tools that may be required during the inspection and repair of the slab. This includes a set of screwdrivers, insulating tape, a multimeter for checking individual elements of the stove, as well as an indicator screwdriver, with which you can detect the presence (absence) of voltage. When the necessary tools are at hand and the stove is disconnected from the power supply, you can begin.

The right pair of burners does not work

When looking for a malfunction in a Bosch induction hob or the same stove from another company, you should check the contacts located in the terminal box, as well as the condition of the coil block fuse. If a fuse blows, it must be replaced with a new one with the same marking. If there are no changes in a positive direction, check as described above for the left pair of cooking stations.

Also, the error code “E6” may appear on the LCD display. This error means that the induction hob is faulty. It is recommended to unplug the unit for 30 seconds and then turn it on again. If error codes reappear, the control panel will need to be replaced.

The stove does not turn on and there is no indication

First of all, you need to check the fuse, and then the mains switch. The next step is to check the connection between the control unit and the power board. Then between the control unit and the touch panel. If a failed module is detected, it must be replaced. If replacing the module does not help, the entire coil block is replaced.

Problems with the touch panel can be confirmed by the error code “E9” that appears on the LCD display of the device. Based on the list of error codes, it means that the touch control panel is faulty. It is recommended to disconnect the device from the network for 30 seconds. If the error reappears, the control panel changes.

The stove turns on, but the operating mode does not start

Power module (rear view)

If the control module or touch panel is faulty, then most often the repair of such a breakdown is carried out by replacing it with a known-good board. In inexpensive models, the IGBT transistor, which takes part in converting direct electricity into alternating electric current, may fail.

IGBT transistor

To check the transistor, just disconnect the power board on which this element is installed, turn it over and ring the part with a multimeter.

Before proceeding with diagnostic actions, it is necessary to have devices installed in the power board.

To avoid damaging the internal contacts of the device, it is recommended to perform this operation using a high-resistance resistance. After removing residual electricity, if the transistor is damaged, it is enough to purchase a new electronic element and install it in place of the burnt part.

After dismantling the board, in addition to the power transistor, you should definitely ring the diode bridge, which is made in the form of a four-pin microcircuit. If this part is faulty, it should also be replaced. After repair operations are completed, the board is put in place, and the previously disconnected wires are installed in the appropriate connectors.

Residual heat indicator does not work

You need to run a software test to check the temperature sensor. If it is working properly, the control unit is replaced. There are cases when the LCD display elements light up constantly or not all work. In the event of such a malfunction, the quality of the connections between the control unit and the touch panel is checked. You can try replacing the cable connecting the modules. If this does not help, the control unit must be replaced.

Cooling fan malfunction

The cooling fan may run continuously if you have set the heating power of the burners to maximum. It may also not turn off if the air temperature around it is more than 50°C. Otherwise, the malfunction may be caused by a faulty control unit that must be replaced.

In this case, the unit may also display error codes on the display. For a faulty fan, this will be error code “E7”.

The opposite situation also happens - the fan does not turn on. This behavior can be considered normal when the power level of the hob is minimal. It should turn on when the air temperature around it rises above 50°C. To check the fan, a test program is launched. If it shows that the mechanism is out of order, then it needs to be replaced.

Possible breakdowns when the induction cooker does not see suitable cookware

However, even if you take into account all the recommendations, it happens that the device still does not see the dishes. Most likely the problem is not in the dishes. In this case, the reasons may be as follows:

• Maybe the unit does not support some alloys initially.
• If the burner on the left side does not work, then there is a problem with the wires. The right one is with contacts.
• When the side does not work, there is a possibility that the connecting connector has failed.
• The cause may also be significant contamination, in which the sensor cannot recognize the presence of an object on the surface.
• A breakdown can also occur in the temperature sensor. Because of this, residual heat is not displayed.
• In addition, it is worth checking the control unit.
• There is a possibility that the induction model does not adhere sufficiently to the tile panel.

To check the functionality of the burner, you can apply a magnet.

High power burner does not turn on

There are situations when you want to turn on the most powerful burner, with a maximum power of 3 kW, but nothing happens. This is considered normal if other cooking stations are working and the temperature near the induction coil unit exceeds 780 degrees. To prevent overheating of the unit when the most powerful burner is turned on, it is blocked. When the cooking zones have cooled down, the lock will be released and the coil will turn on. But, if the burner does not turn on, you will have to change the control unit.

What to do and can I fix it myself?

How to fix the damage and whether you can fix the tiles without contacting a specialist depends on your skills. If you have at least a little experience working with electricity and household appliances and know what to do, you can change a regular spiral on a burner.

To carry out independent repairs, it is important to turn off the power to the equipment, stock up on a tester and, preferably, an electrically insulated tool. But if you want not to aggravate the situation, but to guarantee the restoration of the tiles, it is better to immediately contact a specialist

This will save both time and money.

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The stove switches off automatically

An induction cooker can turn off automatically in the following cases:

• if you turned on the unit and did not perform any actions on the touch panel within 10 seconds, for example, did not select a cooking place, did not set the power, and so on;
• the burners operate for more than 2 hours;
• if the electronic timer was triggered, on which the time to turn off the stove was set.

In other cases, when the stove may turn off spontaneously, it is impossible to do without the help of a qualified specialist, since it will be necessary to replace the control unit or the entire induction coil unit.

The hob makes a humming sound when operating

An induction cooker can make various noises during operation, and they can occur for the following reasons:

• the device may hum if a pan with a thin bottom is placed on the cooking surface, or if the power is set to excessive;
• the stove often hums or whistles when placing a small saucepan on a large burner;
• vibrations can occur at the junction of different materials, when the bottom of the pan consists of several layers;
• The intensity of the noise depends on the amount of cookware on the hob.

If the sound signal is constantly sounding, it can be assumed that the reason that it does not turn off is in the control unit, which can only be repaired by replacing it with a new one.

Precautionary measures

In appliance hypermarkets, an induction cooker is presented as the safest and most reliable device for cooking. However, it is important to take precautions here too. Comfortable and uninterrupted operation of the device is guaranteed if a number of rules are observed:

1. Install the device away from light sources and moisture.
2. Place the device on a flat surface, preventing it from wobbling.
3. Do not move the switched on stove with dishes.
4. Clear space around the operating device.
5. Make sure there are no foreign objects on the work surface (towels, rags, etc.).
6. Avoid dropping various objects onto the panel.
7. Disconnect the socket at the end of the cooking process.

The following guidelines will help maintain a safe kitchen environment and increase the life of your home helper.

Useful tips for the master

For faster repairs in conditions of inaccurate identification of the malfunction (and not only), we can give some useful tips. Firstly, the generators on the burners are designed as an independent module. They are being removed. By swapping generators (from one burner to another), you can quickly understand what is broken, the coil or its high-frequency voltage blog.

The second tip will sometimes help you save a lot on repairs. In slabs that are not cheap or are rarely found due to their lack of popularity on the market, the burnt part can be unique and very expensive. And its rarity further increases the cost of replacement. But it is not at all necessary to install the element indicated on the circuit diagram of the slab. There is a compliance database of electronic components. It can be easily found on the Internet by searching Datasheet or on thematic forums. In it you will find a more inexpensive or commercially available analogue of the part that is needed for replacement in an induction cooker.

If the cause of the breakdown has not been determined, or difficulties arise about how to purchase and install failed modules, then it is better to contact professionals to repair the induction cooker. You should also remember about warranty service, the right to which you may lose if you open the unit yourself. An induction cooker is a “smart” appliance and requires careful adherence to operating rules.

What to do?

Unfortunately, if your induction cooker does not heat your cookware well, you will most likely be faced with expensive repairs or the need to purchase a new device. The only situation where you can solve the problem yourself is choosing the wrong dishes. To repair the stove, it is best to contact certified specialists - a repair shop. You should not resort to the services of private craftsmen, since they very often install low-quality spare parts and do not provide a guarantee for the work performed. We recommend consulting with an understanding specialist and choosing an induction cooker model that will quickly heat the cookware and have an increased level of reliability.