GE Café Induction Cooktop: Display Blank, Burners... | appliancefaults.com

Technical Background:

The main control unit (MCU) is the brain of the cooktop. It receives power, interprets user inputs, controls the heating elements, and drives the display. The display receives low-voltage DC power and communicates with the MCU via a ribbon cable or wiring harness. Clicking sounds can be caused by the induction generators attempting to activate but being unable to due to control logic issues.

Symptoms:

The GE Café induction cooktop has a completely blank display. The burners are audibly clicking, suggesting some power is reaching the induction elements, but there is no user interface functionality.

Possible Causes:

Failed main control board (MCU).
Loose or corroded wiring harness connection to the display.
Faulty ribbon cable connecting the display to the control board.
Open thermal fuse on the display board.
Power supply issue to the MCU.

Solution:

1

Disconnect power to the cooktop at the breaker panel.
2

Remove the cooktop from the countertop. This usually involves unscrewing mounting brackets from underneath.
3

Locate and inspect the main control board. Check for any burnt components or signs of damage.
4

Disconnect and reconnect all wiring harnesses connected to the main control board, paying special attention to the display harness.
5

Using a multimeter, verify 120V AC is present at the input of the main control board.
6

If voltage is present, check the low-voltage DC outputs (typically 5V or 12V DC) from the main control board to the display using the multimeter. Refer to the wiring diagram for test points.
7

If no DC voltage is present or unstable, replace the main control board.

Safety Warning:

Disconnect power to the cooktop at the breaker panel before performing any repairs. Lock-out/Tag-out (LOTO) procedures should be followed to prevent accidental energization. High voltage is present inside the cooktop.

Prevention:

Periodically clean the cooktop surface to prevent spills from entering the ventilation system and damaging internal components. Avoid placing heavy objects on the cooktop surface that could damage the glass or internal components.

Expert Tip:

Some GE Café cooktops have a service mode. Consult the service manual for the specific model, but a common sequence involves pressing and holding specific burner controls simultaneously for a few seconds. This may reveal diagnostic codes even with a blank display, aiding in pinpointing the fault.

Frequently Asked Questions

•Where is the main control board located on my GE Café induction cooktop?

The main control board is typically located underneath the glass cooktop surface, inside the cooktop housing. You will need to remove the cooktop from the countertop to access it.

•How do I test the thermal fuse on the display board?

After disconnecting power, locate the thermal fuse on the display board. Use a multimeter set to continuity mode to check for continuity across the fuse. If there is no continuity, the fuse is open and needs to be replaced.

•What is the part number for the main control board for my GE Café induction cooktop model?

The part number for the main control board varies depending on the specific model number of your GE Café induction cooktop. You can find the correct part number by looking up your model number on the GE appliance parts website or by contacting a GE appliance parts dealer.

GE Café Induction Cooktop: Display Blank, Burners Clicking - Troubleshooting

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•Where is the main control board located on my GE Café induction cooktop?

•How do I test the thermal fuse on the display board?

•What is the part number for the main control board for my GE Café induction cooktop model?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: