Induction Cooktop Not Working

Start with the pan

GE’s own troubleshooting starts here, and so do we.

• Magnet test. Hold a fridge magnet to the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, the pan works on induction. Aluminum, copper and glass don’t, and some stainless pans are only partly magnetic.
• Size. Each zone has a minimum pan size. GE says an element won’t produce heat unless the cookware is at least 5 inches across, and a pan that’s too small for the zone makes the power level flash.
• Position. Center the pan inside the ring printed on the glass so the zone can sense it.
• Flat bottom. A warped pan that rocks doesn’t make full contact.

On GE models, a flashing “F” means no pan, a pan that was lifted off, or a pan that isn’t centered. Take the pan off for more than 30 seconds and the zone turns itself off. That’s a safety feature.

If the pan is fine

• Control lock. Most induction cooktops have a lock to stop the glass controls being bumped while you wipe them. On GE models, touch and hold the lock key for five seconds to turn it on or off. A key or padlock symbol usually means it’s on.
• Breaker. If the whole cooktop is dark, GE’s first check is a tripped breaker or a blown fuse. If the breaker trips again, leave it off.
• Low voltage. GE notes that homes on 208V service get slower heating. Covering the pan helps. Some Bay Area condo buildings are on 208V.
• Error codes. Codes are different on every brand, so write down the exact code and your model number (usually on a label under the cooktop or on the front frame of a range).

Noises that are normal

GE confirms that induction cooking makes some sounds. A hum or buzz at high power and a faint click as a zone cycles are ordinary. So is the cooling fan under the glass: it switches on at high temperatures and can keep running after you turn the cooktop off while things are still hot. Grinding, a loud rattle or a fan that never comes on are not.

When to call

• One zone won’t heat with a magnetic pan that works on the other zones
• The whole cooktop is dead with the breaker on
• The same error code returns after you turn the breaker off for a minute and back on
• The cooktop shuts itself off mid-cook, or the cooling fan doesn’t run
• You smell burning electronics

If the glass is cracked, stop using the cooktop and turn it off at the breaker. Spills can get through a crack to the electronics underneath. Don’t take the glass top off yourself; the power boards and coils under it are live whenever the breaker is on.

What we repair

We repair induction cooktops and induction ranges from Bosch, GE, Thermador, Wolf, Miele, Samsung, LG and others, from power boards and touch controls to coils, cooling fans and glass tops. We’re factory authorized for Bosch, GE, Samsung and LG and factory trained on Thermador, Wolf and Miele.

See stove, range and cooktop repair, Bosch appliance repair and Thermador appliance repair. If the oven on an induction range won’t heat, see oven not heating. Our $219 service call is free if you go with the repair, and the exact price comes first (how pricing works). OEM parts, 90 days on parts and labor for qualifying repairs, and same-day weekday service is often available.

Bay Appliance Repair is an independent, locally owned repair company. Brand names belong to their owners.

Bay Appliance Repair, 140 San Pedro Rd, Daly City, CA 94014 · (415) 585-5900 · BEAR #46247 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm. We come to you; there is no walk-in counter.

Common questions

Why won't my induction cooktop recognize my pan?

The pan is probably not magnetic enough, too small for the zone, or off-center. Hold a magnet to the bottom: if it doesn't stick firmly, the pan won't work on induction. Center it in the printed ring, or move it to a smaller zone. If a pan that works elsewhere fails on one zone, that zone needs a repair.

Why is my induction cooktop buzzing?

Some hum or buzz is normal, especially at high power or with lighter pans, and GE confirms induction makes noise. Heavier, flat-bottomed pans are usually quieter. Grinding, rattling, or a loud noise from the cooling fan isn't normal and is worth having checked.

Why does my induction cooktop fan keep running after I turn it off?

Induction cooktops have a fan under the glass that cools the electronics. It often keeps running for a while after you turn the cooktop off, until the boards cool down. If it never stops, or never starts and the cooktop shuts down from heat, the fan or its control needs a look.

Can a cracked induction cooktop be repaired?

On many models the glass top is a replaceable part. Stop using the cooktop and turn it off at the breaker until it's fixed. We can tell you whether a new glass top makes sense for your model once we know the make and model number.