Gas fireplace

[slingshot]

Need some help to trouble shoot this problem.flick the on switch and it lights right up for a few seconds then goes out.if I'm persistent enough I can get it to work for a while.anyone have an idea of what is wrong. All help is appreciated

[coreya3212]

I am gonna say thermocouple.

[forny812]

Google it,mine wouldn't light up, google ,fixed in an hour,sticky valve I think

[dgonc86]

Thermocouple x2

[Iskra]

Do you have Decora (rectangular) switch? Remove the switch and connect two wires together. Do you have a pilot light or electronic ignition?

[Ormachek]

Insert logs, light, and enjoy.

[Iskra]

Originally Posted by Ormachek

Insert logs, light, and enjoy.

x2
Fireplace is for burning wood, furnace is for burning gas.

[Dewey Cox]

Thermocouple -1
(I don't think its the thermocouple)

[CaberTosser]

Iskra is onto the most likely suspect. It won't be a thermocouple because your fireplace won't have one, it will have a thermopile. The most common malfunction I find with gas fireplaces is the light switch; light switches are designed for 120V, fireplaces with thermopiles run under 750 mV. The slightest bit of surface corrosion on the light switch contacts is enough to interfere with the gas control getting enough power to open. Change out that switch, and if you can find one get a switch with gold plated contacts. Leviton makes one but I don't know the part #, BBQ's Galore carries them though.

[Justanotherbuck2]

I have been to hundreds of fireplace calls over the years and it does sound more like a controls issue, inexpensive light switches are normally to blame. They work fine for 120volts but have to much resistance to handle the low millivolt power and do not send enough power back to open the valve, if you do manage to get the valve to open with persistence it takes alot less power to hold it open this is why the problem seems to be intermittent for you. To proof the switch theory just remove it from the wall(ensuring that it only has low voltage wire connected to it) remove wires from switch and twist together fireplace should come on and stay on. Also if your fireplace stays on for a bit and then goes off maybe your vent safety is opening, check for ice and frost build up on the outside termination and possible birds or insect nests, I just removed a wasp nest from one last Friday. You may also have a dirty pilot which will cause your pilot generator not to create enough power to operate your system. If you check these few things and it does not work it is time to call in a tech.