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Induction Cooktop

How to Fix Induction Cooktop Not Turning On

An induction cooktop is an easy favorite among many homeowners – and unsurprisingly so. This intelligent appliance is designed to make your life infinitely easier. After all, it boasts fast cooking times, energy efficiency, safety, and convenience. However, it is not without fault and, like any other machine, you can expect it to malfunction at one point.

One of the most common problems is when your appliance won’t turn on right when you are about to prepare some meals. It is incredibly frustrating, that’s for sure, but don’t call a professional appliance repair technician just yet. There are simple fixes you could try out first. Read on to find out how to fire up your induction cooktop once and for all.

Why Your Induction Cooktop Won’t Turn On and How to Fix

An induction cooktop – also known as an “induction stove” – works via induction or electromagnetism. More specifically, it relies on an electromagnetic field – which is produced by an electric current – to directly warm up your food. Thanks to this mechanism, induction stoves can boil water up to 50 percent faster than your conventional electric- or gas-powered heating element. Even better, it can also maintain a consistent and precise temperature, which means that you could whip up delicious meals every single time.

The absence of flames or an electrical heating source also makes induction cooking a safer and far more convenient method. For one, it won’t cause the kitchen to heat up and prevents you from inadvertently starting a fire. The stove’s surface also remains cool to touch, making it a breeze to clean after use.

If your induction cooktop won’t turn on, you probably will just have to tweak the appliance’s settings to make it work again. Or, there may be issues with the burner or power supply, both of which can still be addressed the do-it-yourself way. If you are unlucky, the problem might be more technical in nature, which is already out of your hands.

Important note:

Before performing any of the tests below, make sure to disconnect your cooktop from the power supply first. Remember, this appliance runs on electricity, which means that you may get an electric shock. Aside from this, we also recommend wearing the appropriate protective gloves to further minimize the risk of cuts and other injuries. Finally, if you feel uncomfortable dealing with electrical issues, know that you can always let professionals handle the job instead.

1. The Cooktop Is in Lock Mode

This is perhaps the most common reason why your stove won’t power up. One thing you should know is that induction cooktops are high-tech and equipped with several nifty features. One of them is the so-called “lock mode” or “control lock function.” If this setting is turned on, you won’t be able to turn on your stove via the touch panels. This prevents children from playing with your cooktop and wasting precious electricity.

When your appliance is in lock mode, there is typically a light on the stove to indicate it. To unlock your cooktop, all you have to do is press the lock button, and hold it down for at least five seconds. The display light should turn off, usually accompanied by an audible sound. The exact steps may vary from one model to another, so make sure to refer to the product’s instructions manual.

If your stove won’t unlock even after the press of the button, there might be something wrong with the control panel. Such problems are trickier to diagnose and deal with, so it is best to call a repair professional instead.

However, if the lock mode capability is indeed the culprit, you should be able to turn on your cooktop now. If unlocking your cooktop doesn’t solve the issue, read on and proceed with the troubleshooting process.

Related Article: What to Do If the Gas Cooktop Surface Burner Won’t Light

2. The Burner Has Malfunctioned

Traditional stoves have several burners – rounded components that are raised above the surface and come in different sizes. In contrast, induction cooktops only have a single “burner” – sometimes referred to as an “induction area” or an “induction hob.” The copper coils beneath the glass surface produce an electric current and generate heat once they come in contact with the cookware.

If your appliance is not turning on, there might be a problem with the induction burner. Maybe the coils have gone kaput or there are cracks in the glass surface.

To inspect if your burner is faulty, you will have to remove the glass surface of the cooktop. Typically, this involves removing the mounting screws and clamping brackets beneath the covering. Once these parts are out of the way, you will be able to lift the glass top. Set it aside on a flat, sturdy surface. Now, examine the copper coils and wiring underneath.

Induction Cooktop fixing

Are there signs of damage (such as visible scorch marks) on the copper coils? If so, you will have to replace them. Fortunately, replacement parts are easy to obtain online. All you have to do is detach the wire harnesses and the spring clips holding the coils in place, then attach the new models. You may also have to reuse and reattach the spring clips, since replacement parts may not include them.

The steps on how to replace the burner components may depend on the manufacturer and the model. So, as always, make sure to refer to the instructions manual for more information.

Note: Before handling your cooktop, don’t forget to turn off the power at the circuit breaker. Disconnect the wires at the junction box as well.

3. There Is a Lack of Power

Induction stoves require electricity to produce an electromagnetic field. So, if there is no reliable power source, then it is hardly surprising that your appliance is not firing up. One possibility is that the circuit breaker has tripped, consequently interrupting the power supply to the cooktop.

To confirm if this is the case, go to the circuit breaker box. The cooktop’s switch will be stuck in between the “on” and “off” positions if it has indeed tripped. To fix this, you simply have to reset your cooktop, which typically entails pushing the switch to the “off” position, holding it in place for a few seconds, then moving it all the way to the other end (the “on” position).

If there are signs of damage on the breaker, you will have to let repair professionals solve the problem instead.

Related Article: Why Is the Induction Cooktop Shutting Off While Cooking?

4. The Power Connection to the Stove Is Faulty

Another possible reason why your induction cooktop won’t turn on – and this is related to the previous one – is that the power connection is wrong or loose. First, you would want to check the connection at the junction box, ensuring that the wiring is secure and properly attached. Keep an eye out for any signs of damage as well. If there are no issues with the junction box, check the copper coil and wiring underneath the glass top for any telltale signs of damage. Again, any broken components will have to go and be replaced with a new model.

Related Article: What Are the Different Types of Stovetops and Which Is Best for You?

Let the Experts Fix Your Induction Cooktop

If you have tried all the steps above and your induction stove still won’t turn on, the problem is probably already beyond your control. Most likely, the issue has something to do with the control panel, power supply, or even the electrical installation. In this case, there is no need to pull your hair out in despair and spend hours trying to crack a too-complicated problem. All you have to do is call a trusted appliance repair company, and they will get the job done in record time. It won’t be long before your good old induction cooktop is functioning properly again – and you’re cooking sumptuous meals for yourself and your family. Call Prime Appliance Repairs today!

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