Magic Chef F1 error message

[wak]

Make: Magic chef Gas stove & oven
Model: 3488vtv
Serial: 01c33322700


A friend of mine keeps getting an F1 error message on this unit even when it's not in use.

I have 2 questions:

Question 1) Does the troubleshooting scenero below look correct?
Question 2) How do I get access to the back of the LED? There are a lot of fasteners, none of which look like they give acess to the LED reading control panel.

http://www.applianceaid.com/fault_codes.html#f1test

How to test many brands of Ranges that are flashing a F1 fault code: You have either a bad ERC (clock) or a bad touch pad.

1. Disconnect power to stove
2. Gain access to the back of the clock (electronic range control or ERC).
3. Unplug the touch pad ribbon connector from the ERC. This will be a flat wire approx. 1 1/2" to 2" wide.
4. Make sure everything is clear and will not short out when power is turned back on.
5. Turn power back on to stove.
6. Watch for the F1 and listen for the beep.
7. If you get the F1 and beep, replace the ERC.
8. If after approx. 30 minutes you do NOT get the F1 and hear the beep, replace the touch pad.
NOTE: Some models incorporate the touch pad and the clock as one part. * We have seen a few of the newer Maytag ranges with a F1 fault code and the problem was the oven temp sensor, check carefully the wires to and from the oven temp sensor!! This has been a new occurrence to us in the last 2-3 years or so.

[Dan O.]

Does the troubleshooting scenario [above] look correct?

It should work on that model, yes. You can see what the corresponding parts look like at these links:

LINK > Magic Chef 3488VTV Control Panel and Keypad, White
LINK > 3488VTV Electronic Control
LINK > 3488VTV Oven Temperature Sensor

The control's keypad usually has to be purchased already attached to the rest of the control panel (see above). If you determine that is the cause of the problem, let us know and we can try to look into seeing if just the keypad can be purchased separately. It can sometimes (but not always). If so, it might be a little cheaper than the whole control panel.

How do I get access to the back of the [electronic control]?

I'm afraid I am not certain on that model. The console end caps might need to be loosened to enable the front half of the control panel to be tipped forward? That is just a guess through.

A service manual for the 3400 series of Magic Chef ranges can be ordered at the following link if needed.

LINK > Magic Chef "3100" "3200" "3400" Series Range Manual (no pic)

JFYI

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
=D~~~~~~

[wak]

wow, $222 for the EC and $130 for the touch pad.

I noticed you showed the sensor also. The error comes up even when not in use, doesnt that rule out the sensor?

Since the error comes up when it's not in use can that also point to either the touch pad or the Electronic Control?

Thank you very much.

[Dan O.]

wow, $222 for the EC and $130 for the touch pad.

That was the whole control panel I linked to not just the keypad.

Yes, parts for electronically controlled appliances can be very expensive (the control for that model is toward the the high end of the scale but not even close to the most expensive ones I've come across ) and difficult to diagnose, which is why I recommend an extended warranty to anyone whom purchases such appliances (see the following link).

LINK > Which appliances need more warranty?

I noticed you showed the sensor also. The error comes up even when not in use, doesnt that rule out the sensor?

Probably but never say never.

Since the error comes up when it's not in use can that also point to either the touch pad or the Electronic Control?

Yes.

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
=D~~~~~~

[johfiner]

I just wanted to let you all know that I successfully disabled the speaker in my Magic Chef electric range. I apologize in advance for my somewhat vague description, but it really was not difficult to figure out as I went.

I'm not sure which model number I have, but it is a glass-top electric range, which was displaying the F1 error code and beeping incessantly.

I wish I had taken photos, but I didn't think about it at the time. Anyway, the speaker was located in the electrical unit behind the digital clock & control board. I pulled the range from the wall and unscrewed all of the screws associated with the control unit (two screws on the top of the control unit, underneath a narrow swiveling door). The control unit pivoted out from the base of the unit, which exposed the PCB board behind the control unit, and all of the wires to the buttons and knobs that control the range.

There are three layers of PCB board directly behind the digital clock and the buttons (the PCB board is the silicon board to which everything is soldered... it looks similar to a motherboard of a computer). The speaker is a very thin, flimsy disc, about 2" in diameter, and is located in between the top two layers of PCB. The top layer of PCB is attached with two clips and four screws. I unscrewed the four screws and popped the top PCB board off slightly. I did not disconnect any of the wires. Unscrewing the top PCB board gave me enough room to reach in with scissors and clip the wire to the speaker. The wire is a short, red wire which is attached to the speaker and he PCB board below it. I simply clipped the red wire with scissors, reassembled everything, and the beeping is finally gone!

Unfortunately, the display still shows the F1 error code, but it functions properly. Of course, without the speaker, the timer is essentially useless, and the error code is constantly displayed on the screen, but at least I can use the range without unplugging it after each use.

I'm not sure if the error code is a safety hazard or not, so do this at your own risk. I've used both the stove top and the oven, and everything seems to function properly. My home warranty company attempted to repair the unit, but after several unsuccessful repairs, they decided it was merely an "annoyance," and because the range functioned properly otherwise, they refused to replace it. So this is my hack-job until I replace the unit.

I'm only posting this because I couldn't find any decent instructions about where the speaker may be located. I hope this helps somebody!