Dacor CABP3, Technical Manual

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Technical Manual - Page 16
Excessive Failures :
Diagnosis on a spark system can be confusing. For some, diagnosing spark failure is diffi cult while
for others it is pure luck to get it right. Often you can eliminate a problem by disassembling the
cooktop and putting it back together. In the process most technicians will have installed a new
spark module and assumed thatʼs what repaired the unit. What they have likely done is improved
a ground path in the reassemble process. Most gravitate to what they have heard {just change the
spark module} Dacor monitors the return of spark modules and NARDA claim forms. The statistical
data clearly shows that a vast majority of modules being replaced are not faulty since over
83% of
the spark modules returned to Dacor for credit are tested as “good” product.
The following “fault descriptions” have been taken directly from the NARDA claims submitted:
Burner no light
Rear burner making a “popping noise”
When one burner is turned on others click
Sparking continues long after fl ame
Constant sparking
Burner intermittent sparking
Clicks but will not light
Takes too long to light
None of these reasons for service are accurate indicators of a faulty igniter module.
As with any Flame Rectifi cation Reignition system, the Dacor fl ame reignition system does have
some critical issues that may prevent its correct function.
These are:
Partially open valve
90% of the trials will not light the fl ame but will cause spark.
Downdraft Ventilation
Might affect the re-ignition of the small H-Burner in the simmer setting
Clogged Valve
Not an adequate volume of gas. It will take longer to light the burner.
Poor Grounding
Might damage the module.
Reversed Polarity
Will cause constant sparking when unit is turned on.
Faulty spark leads
A broken wire may allow for a spark but not for fl ame sensing.
Leakage path to ground
Condensation or moisture on the electrode or dirt build up will cause poor grounding.
One of more burners will not stop sparking unless a certain sequence of burners are turned on
at the same time.
This indicates mismatched spark wires. Each individual burner wire has to go to a specifi c burner.
The spark switch located on each gas valve is connected to the spark module input side. This
connection determines which burner the module {listens} to. If the wiring sequence is incorrect the
module does not know what to look for.
Consistent But Weak Spark
After giving close inspection to the spark wires, spark electrode, burner head /burner base and