What to do if the multicooker does not turn on or does not work?

The principle of operation of a home multicooker

To repair any device, you need to know the principle of its operation and how it works. The slow cooker is no exception. Any of the models of these devices contains two sensors, on which the direction of their operation depends . The sensors themselves are connected to several wires that connect them to a software board (special chip), usually located under the control panel. If this indicator panel does not light up, it may indicate that the power supply is faulty or not connected.

Important. And although multicookers can be under touch or mechanical control, which does not affect the quality of their operation, failure of the power supply is a common cause of malfunction of these devices.

The principle of operation of a multicooker

Inside the memory of the microcircuit itself, manufacturers have laid down:

• indications of required temperatures;
• time periods for preparing culinary recipes in stages;
• actions to control the heating element.

If we consider the functions of sensors that allow us to create an algorithm for the device’s operation, then:

• On the main button of the first sensor of the device, on the reverse side, you can see a thermistor, which most often requires careful handling by service specialists.
• The second sensor is usually located inside the power cover, which is also better not to touch without service repair specialists when trying to find a fault.
• The sensors on these sensors are connected to terminal wires from the chipset control board underneath them. If the display panel does not light up, then there is a high probability that the power supply is faulty.
• One of the wires of the power supply leads to a control relay, which sends a signal to the heating element, turning it on or off. The other, leading to the relay armature, prevents the contacts from exceeding the voltage and closes the heating element circuit.
• The counters on the control board count the total number of clicks on the control panel, according to which the program selects certain information for its work.

Product chips

All Redmond models have two main electronic boards:

• management;
• power unit.

Getting to the second one is not difficult, but the control board is located inside a cylindrical surface, and it will be necessary to completely dismantle the product. After removing the boards, we perform a visual inspection to identify problems:

• chips and soot;
• blackened parts;
• violation of tracks and solder seams;
• swollen capacitors.

If you know how to handle a soldering iron and are aware of what tinning and soldering restoration is, then feel free to begin eliminating the detected defects. It is possible that during the repair process you will have to add several jumpers. Upon completion of the repair, everything must be varnished to protect it from accidental exposure to moisture and an oxygen environment in order to reduce the oxidation process.

The multicooker does not turn on: reasons and solutions

When studying the question of why the multicooker does not turn on or stops cooking, what to do in such cases, you need to pay attention to the causes of malfunctions. These reasons can be of the most varied nature and properties.

Checking whether the plug is inserted into the socket

If your home multicooker does not turn on, do not immediately panic. The reason may be the most trivial - it was connected to the network incorrectly or you simply forgot to plug it into the socket. It often happens the day before the next cooking, the plug is disconnected from the network (perhaps the socket is needed for another appliance).

Incorrect operation

Before turning on the multicooker for the first time, be sure to study the operating instructions in detail. Because even such simple actions as incorrect connection or incorrect installation of the bowl can cause the device to malfunction. When detecting incorrect actions, the device can:

• reset settings;
• do not respond to commands;
• sound signals;
• show error codes on the display;
• switch modes yourself.

Sometimes it is enough to turn off the device, check that the bowl is installed correctly, turn it on again and the device will work safely. But there are reasons for the incorrect operation of the device that are more complex, for example:

• the device detects the presence of breakdowns, as a result of which its protective functions are activated;
• improper operation, the bowl does not fit the device or is inserted incorrectly;
• ingress of bulk or liquid products into the mechanism;
• non-compliance with the established temperature conditions between different types of cooking (if the “frying” mode was working, then when switching to “cooking”, the device needs to cool down), otherwise the overheating protection will turn on;
• when cooking or stewing, a steam supply is required, even if the recipe does not require water, it must be added (at least a little) to create steam, otherwise the overheating protection will turn on again;
• Failure to comply with the proportions of the products included in the recipe, or a clogged pressure regulating valve, can also cause the multicooker to operate incorrectly.

Low or no mains voltage

If the multicooker does not heat, then often the reasons for this depend on voltage drops in the network. The device may display an error of incorrect operation or simply not turn on due to lack of voltage. You need to check the presence of light in the apartment and wait for it to come on.

Wiring problems

Wiring for a multicooker is usually designed for low power (no more than 3.5 kW). If the wiring itself is working properly, but the device does not work, you need to look for the problem elsewhere. But if there is a surge in voltage in the network, then the wiring of the device may display an error under the corresponding number (all error codes are usually indicated in the instructions).

Thermostat failure

Voltage surges almost always have a negative impact on the fuses, which can eventually blow. If this happens, it is enough to replace the blown fuse. For this:

• open the inside of the multicooker;
• find the heater;
• Having disassembled the button, you can see two colored wires, next to which there is a fuse under a special insulating tube;
• cut out the blown fuse with pliers, insert a new element.

An error occurred

When a malfunction occurs, some numbers or letters usually appear on the display screen. This device gives an error code like this. Knowing its decoding, you can understand the malfunction that occurred.

Repair and service specialists usually know the meanings of all codes. Some of the most common ones are often indicated in the instructions for the device, for example:

1. E0, indicates a break in the temperature sensor wire, or the lid does not close due to improper placement of the silicone seal;
2. E1, moisture may have gotten inside, the heating element has failed, or the relay contacts are clogged;
3. E2, short circuit of the temperature sensor or broken wires;
4. E3, moisture getting inside, break in the temperature sensor wire or missing bowl;
5. E4, pressure sensor clogged, microcircuit fault found;
6. E5, the system turns off automatically when overheated.

E2 - short circuit of the temperature sensor or broken wires

Error E3 - moisture ingress

The microcircuit is broken

Often, cleaning the contacts of the thermal relay, which is responsible for heating the bowl, helps to find a solution to a malfunctioning device.
It is quite difficult to get to it; you will have to disassemble the entire device, find it, open the contacts and clean it well with sandpaper. If an error code appears on the microcircuits, you need to carefully study and inspect them. You may see problems such as:

• blackening of resistors;
• swelling of capacitors;
• peeling of tracks;
• violation of solder seams;
• soot formation.

If anything from this list is discovered, then you need to repair or replace the corresponding parts, and restore the tracks on the microcircuits by soldering.

Dirty contacts

The contacts of the device often oxidize; this can happen from boiling liquid getting inside when the bowl is loaded incorrectly or overloaded. The multicooker does not turn on often due to this reason. To clean oxidized contacts, you need to disassemble the device by unscrewing the screws on the bottom cover. Clean the contacts from dirt and grease residues with a soft brush soaked in alcohol, and sand with sandpaper.

Timer problems

The timer in the multicooker serves to count down the cooking time, as well as to delay the start of cooking. Correct operation of the device clock is disrupted if:

• the timer refuses to work in some cooking modes;
• The timer for the delayed start function does not work.

Here you need to take into account that the timer usually starts counting when a certain temperature inside the bowl is reached. It is recommended to close the multicooker lid, wait 15-20 minutes until the bowl warms up and only then load it with food.

Attention. If the timer stops working, especially after using the device for the first time, it is best to contact a specialist.

Lid problems

The presence of steam escaping from the device not through the valve, but partially from under the cover of the device, indicates that the lock is broken or the seal of the cover is broken, that is, the silicone seal is worn out.
The multicooker itself can work as usual, but the “multi-cooker-pressure cooker” cannot turn on any mode other than “frying”. The seal must be replaced by contacting a workshop or independently by ordering it from the manufacturer. If the lock is broken, this problem can only be solved at a service center.

Let's consider cases of thermal fuse failure

What is a thermal fuse? This is a small cylindrical piece of wire, which in its external shape may remind you of a resistor. The operating temperature of the device is 170° Celsius, and the current ranges from 10 to 15 amperes, depending on the installed element. If one of the parameters exceeds the norm, the thermal fuse will blow, which breaks the electrical circuit and stops the operation of the device.

You might have set yourself the goal of making such a fuse yourself. First of all, one should not deny that these products are easy to produce, but it follows from this that their price will be quite low. Secondly, it is advisable to install original elements. A factory copy has certain fixed characteristics that were initially calculated in production, while a hand-made copy may have characteristics different from it, which can lead to bad consequences. In the worst case, using a homemade part can result in a fire for you.

Other causes of multicooker malfunction

Less common causes of device malfunctions and shutdowns include:

1. Wrong choice of cooking program. Each dish has a specific program; if it is set incorrectly, there will be no result.
2. Clogging of the special valve designed to release steam. Steam accumulating inside can overheat the device.
3. The deformation of the bowl is, for the most part, a manufacturing defect. Repairs are usually carried out under a warranty card.
4. Malfunction of the temperature sensor, which affects the actual temperature readings. Transmitted incorrectly, they can cause the bowl to overheat and turn off the time countdown.
5. Premature shutdown, often due to overloading the bowl, insufficient liquid or setting the wrong cooking mode.
6. When the bowl overheats, the triggered temperature sensor gives a signal to the heating element, heating stops, cooking stops, and an error code appears on the display.

Often, for some reason, the multicooker turns off before the programmed time, the heating process is interrupted, and the device turns off ahead of time. It happens:

• if moisture or bulk products get into the heating element;
• when the cooking temperature for a particular product is incorrectly set;
• in case of burning at the bottom of the bowl;
• clogging of the pressure valve, which is located in the lid of the device;
• due to a manufacturing defect in the temperature sensor;
• if the bowl is deformed and the food being cooked comes into contact with the heating element.

Thermal fuse replacement process

Getting to the location of this part is not too difficult; first you need to remove the saucepan from the cavity of the device. Underneath it you will find a metal element that looks like a mushroom, the “leg” of which is pulled in by a spring. Under it there are thermal fuses; usually several of them are installed and covered with cambrics.

A cambric is a plastic wire insulation element, usually white, that serves to protect the connections between various components and areas.

In order to attach the element, firing must be performed. Using a soldering iron for these purposes is strictly prohibited. The heating element of the soldering iron will burn through the heat-sensitive element without much effort or difficulty.

To determine the integrity and performance of one or more elements, you need to use a multimeter. There is no need to remove the part; after detecting a malfunction, fix it according to the above example.

Rules for using a multicooker

To avoid unexpected malfunctions of the device, you must always strictly follow certain rules and requirements. The sequence of actions when operating the device is also very important:

• choose the required recipe, prepare the necessary products;
• remove the bowl from the appliance, load it with food;
• lower the bowl into the multicooker;
• check that it is connected correctly to the electrical network;
• set the required program;
• turn on the appliance for cooking.

Operating rules

Each instruction manual for the device contains certain rules, such as, for example:

• The device should only be installed on a solid, level surface;
• connect the device only to a grounded outlet;
• before turning it on, be sure to check the tightness of the closed lid;
• after each cooking, the bowl must be thoroughly washed, dried or wiped dry with a towel;
• The lid and the pressure valve located in it also need to be washed well and wiped dry.

When should I contact the service center?

If any cases of the device turning off or its incorrect operation occur, you must first check everything step by step, from correct inclusion to detection of burnt food or dirty contacts.
When using a multicooker, you need to check all your actions with the operating instructions. Many faults, such as dirty or oxidized contacts, can be eliminated independently.

Attention. If the multicooker does not work, the desired cooking mode is not set, or it turns off on its own, before deciding what to do, you must immediately disconnect the device from the network.

Before contacting the service center, it is advisable to perform a number of manipulations:

• turn off the device and try to plug it into another outlet (if the problem is a faulty outlet, the device will work);
• check all wires for damage or maybe a wire has come loose somewhere;
• check the instructions to see if you are doing everything correctly;
• try emptying the multicooker, washing it, drying it thoroughly or wiping it dry with a towel.

If all these manipulations do not help the operation of the device, then you need to contact a service center. But remember that if the device is under warranty, the workshop may refuse free service and repair if the device was opened at home yourself.

Watch a video about multicooker repair

Should I contact the service center or not?

If your Redmond multicooker does not turn on, then this is of course a significant cause for concern, but you should not panic right away. Most likely, the reason for this is not so serious and you can solve the problem yourself. To do this, perform the following manipulations:

• Unplug the device and plug it into another outlet, because this may be the reason;
• Look carefully to see if the wire has come loose;
• Look at the instructions and check if you are doing everything correctly;
• You can also dry the multicooker, because there may still be water left inside it after you washed it.

Important! If the breakdowns turned out to be very serious, and you are not ready to deny yourself the pleasure of hassle-free cooking of a wide variety of dishes, use our reviews when choosing new equipment:

1. Which is better - a slow cooker or a pressure cooker?
2. Rating of multicookers.

Premature shutdown

When asked by users why the multicooker turns off ahead of time, experts give only one answer - improper use of the product, expressed in excessive loading of products, or the wrong cooking mode was set with an incorrect temperature.

These household appliances are distinguished by the presence of an intelligent processor that monitors the precise execution of the cooking mode, but the system is not able to recognize whether you have placed the food correctly. It may react to an insufficient amount of liquid, causing the mass to burn to the walls of the bowl.

When the bowl gets very hot, the temperature sensor is triggered, the heating elements stop heating, the cooking process stops, and the product displays an error code . Disconnection can occur for several reasons:

• a manufacturing defect that did not show itself during inspection before purchase - most likely it is a temperature sensor, you need to take the product to a service center;
• mechanical damage to the bowl during transportation - carefully inspect everything when purchasing, because the device may turn off due to an external defect;
• each mode has its own temperature - if its upper limits are exceeded, automatic shutdown occurs, since the built-in overheating protection is triggered;
• strictly measure the amount of ingredients using a measuring cup; if there is an excess of food, the machine may turn off automatically;
• take out the bowl and inspect the space under it - maybe loose ingredients or moisture have got there;
• the pressure control valve is clogged - wash it;
• If the contents in the bowl burn, the system stops the cooking process;
• The bowl is full of solids and no water has been added.

Advice! Try resetting all settings to eliminate the culprit of the electronics in the detected problems.

Users immediately blame the manufacturer for any failure, but in most cases the breakdown is your fault: due to inattention or hasty loading, many housewives do not close the lid tightly. Therefore, you should not immediately go to the service center, you need to analyze the situation, try cooking a simple dish - it is possible that the reason for the failure of the multicooker is hidden in improper handling of it.

Failure Diagnosis

Before troubleshooting these household appliances, the user needs to know that all the main programs of home assistants (multi-cookers and steamers) are considered a trade secret of each manufacturer and are not subject to publicity. Why the multicooker does not work - not a single specialist from the service center will immediately answer this question, because the entire operation of a household appliance is based on the clear interaction of two sensors. Some craftsmen believe that inside the electronic board the developers have stored a memory of the nominal temperature, duration of operations, as well as specified programs. Based on this data, the heating elements in the Redmond multicooker are programmed.

The product has sensors installed.

1. The thermistor is inserted into the main button of the product. It is very difficult to dismantle it, because manufacturing companies do everything to make independent repairs difficult, considering this the prerogative of special service centers. It is the Redmond company that fills all terminals with a compound - a special insulating material, making their dismantling impossible.
2. The second working sensor is inserted inside the cover of the product - to get to it you will have to dismantle its filling with compound, disconnect the sensor and try to turn on the product. If it doesn't work, then you are on the right track. For 100% results, test the wires going to the sensor using a multimeter.

For the multicooker to operate effectively, it is necessary to read readings from both sensors at once: they transmit the signal through wires to a special terminal on the control board, which is located under the panel with buttons. When the multicooker does not work when turned on, the culprit may be the power supply - you can check this by plugging the product into the mains. If at least one of the indicators is illuminated from the inside, then everything is fine. In other cases, you will have to contact specialists.

There are times when the product is not included in the cooking process - the bowl cannot heat up to the required temperature. Try measuring the resistance on the transformer. Behind it is a rectifier consisting of 4 diodes. The main board is positioned with all elements down, so if the current increases, the solder will melt and flow down to the bottom of the product. When opening the bottom cover, this can be determined visually by drops of tin - this means that a short circuit has occurred inside and the heating elements have turned off.

Sometimes it is worth checking the functionality of the relay. Connect the product to the network, turn on any program. If you hear a characteristic click, then the relay is working, otherwise you need to make a step-by-step replacement: first the relay, and then the control board.

Tips for users

Multicookers of any brand may develop various malfunctions during operation, but this does not mean that the equipment is unreliable. There are specific reasons why cooked food in a bowl may burn slightly:

• factory defect of the container;
• incorrect loading - the required amount of water was not added.

If any equipment failure occurs or attempts are made to switch off from the cooking process, you must deal with it thoroughly - first check everything step by step, starting with adding the ingredients and check the detailed description of this process in the instructions. If you find a burnt contact on a sensor or heating element, you do not need to call a technician - this operation is very simple and can be done by any user, even those with a liberal arts education.

According to experts, the main failures of reliable household appliances occur due to the fault of the user - your negligence or inattention. Remember that if the device does not turn on, does not turn off, or does not start the set cooking mode, then immediately unplug the multicooker from the mains.

All models can diagnose problems and display error codes on the display - a list of their explanations is in the description. Study it carefully before attempting any repairs yourself.