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volvoman · Jan 13, 2010, 11:00 AM

I have a gas fireplace that is less then 2 years old. Last year I probably used 10 times, this year it was used once and after 10 minutes the fire went out and I could not relight it again.
The pilot is on but when I raise the temperature on the thermostat for the fireplace to go on, nothing happens.
The thermostat does click when it reaches the higher temperature but the fireplace does not go on, what could this be?
Can someone inform me how to check if the thermostat is working properly, is it sending the signal to light up the fire or could this be something else.
Thank you

eeseely · Jan 13, 2010, 11:47 AM

If your thermostat has a battery, change it.
If ther's no battery, remove the thermostat form its mount. There should be two wires connected to the thermostat. When the thermostat kicks in, it essentially connects these two wires which allow the gas to be lit by the pilot light.
Take a piece of wire and jumper the two wires.
If the fire starts, replace the thermostat.

hvac1000 · Jan 13, 2010, 01:04 PM

Usually these type fireplaces use a millivolt generator to operate the safety circuit. If so the thermostat used has to be compatible with a millivolt system.

volvoman · Jan 13, 2010, 01:59 PM

Thanks eeseely,

I will try that and post my findings.

In regards to the millivolt, once I jump the wires and it does work, I will take this thermostat to the electrical store and ask to have a compatible new thermostat.

Thank you

eeseely · Jan 13, 2010, 03:27 PM

I have a thermostat that uses two batteries.
All it has to do is close the circuit.

FYI, I have also taken a remote ceiling fan module to control the fan (on and off) in the gas fireplace. The fan operates at either full speed or half speed.

volvoman · Jan 13, 2010, 05:25 PM

I jumped the white and black wire and nothing happened.
I know for sure that the gas is flowing into the fireplace as the pilot is on, but it will not start for whatever reason.
Does anybody have aby other ideas?
Thanks

eeseely · Jan 14, 2010, 05:17 AM

Okay, the thermocouple has failed and is not generating the voltage required to cause the gas valve to open. I had to have mine replaced two years ago... had the same symptoms you are experiencing. Parts and labor will run about $100-120.

volvoman · Jan 14, 2010, 05:23 AM

I think it will be a little more then that, when I called the service department, they told me that just the service call will be $99 plus parts.
But what can we do.

eeseely · Jan 14, 2010, 02:28 PM

Here's what I would do:

1. Determine the make/model of the fireplace.
2. Go online and see if you can buy the thermocouple part
3. To replace the part, make sure the gas is turned off.
4. I watched the repair man replace my thermocouple, and I could have replaced it if I had the part in hand.