Kenmore 153.339473, 153.339572, 153.33955, 153.339372 Pilot Light Troubleshooting Flowchart, Yes

PILOT LIGHT TROUBLESHOOTING FLOWCHART

Does pilot light go out when

Check Draft. (See “Checking the

NO

button is released?

Draft” section of this manual.)

YES

Test the thermocouple using the following

procedure: Disconnect the thermocouple from the

Has the thermal switch

Are the wires from the gas

control valve/thermostat firmly

Secure connections

gas control valve/thermostat. Using a multimeter

NO

NO

tripped?

and attempt a relight.

with alligator clip leads, attach the red lead to

connected to the switch?

YES

the body (copper part) of the thermocouple.

YES

Attach the black lead to the end (silver part) of

the thermocouple that connects to the gas control

valve/thermostat. Follow the instruction to light

Are the wires damaged

Is the thermocouple

NO

NO

the pilot and watch the voltage readings on the

and/or frayed?

connection loose?

multimeter. After 45 seconds the meter should

YES

YES

read 12 millivolts DC or more.

Check for insufficient

Tighten the connection

combustion air.

Replace the gas control

valve/thermostat.

YES

Does the thermocouple pass the test?

NO

Replace the thermocouple.

Is the base-ring filter clean (i.e., free of lint, dust, or debris)?

YES

NO

Inspect and clean the base-ring filter. Refer to the “External Inspection & Cleaning of the Base-Ring Filter” section of this manual.

Are there openings for make-up air to enter the room?

YES

NO

Install correct size make-up air openings per the “Combustion Air Supply and Ventilation” section in this manual.

Are the openings of sufficient size?
See “Combustion Air Supply and Ventilation”			Correct size of openings to
		NO
			allow sufficient air.
section in this manual for requirements.
	YES

Is there a furnace/air

NO handler in the same room as the water heater?

YES

Does the return air duct for the furnace/air handler draw
		Contact a local Heating, Ventilation, Air
its air from a separate location than the water heater?
See the “Location Requirements” and “Combustion Air	NO	Conditioning & Refrigeration authorized
Supply and Ventilation” sections in this manual.		service provider.

	YES
Is there proper drafting at the			Check the vent system for restrictions/obstructions and check the vent
draft hood? See “Checking the			termination height. Refer to the “Installation Instructions” section of this
		NO
Draft” section in this manual.			manual for specific requirements.
	YES
Is the flame-arrestor free from			Refer to the “Maintenance of Your Water Heater” section of this
debris due to excessive lint, dirt,			manual for information on cleaning the flame-arrestor.
		NO
dust or oil?
	YES

Check the water heater for a Flammable Vapor (FV) event. Note: it may be necessary to remove the manifold door assembly to visually inspect the water heater. Reference the “Maintenance of your Water Heater” section of this manual for removal instructions.

Is the igniter wire insulation burnt or				Is the pilot tube			Does the flame
			NO			NO
show signs of discoloration?				damaged?			arrestor show signs
							of discoloration and/
					YES		or debris?
	YES
								YES
		Shut-off the gas supply to the water
		heater at the manual gas shut-off
		valve, then contact Sears Service at
		1-800-4-MY-HOME (1-800-469-4663).

THERMAL

SWITCH

FIGURE 44.

38