Testing the Thermopile

• If the pilot light is lit, but the fireplace will not turn on, test the thermopile.
• If the thermopile DC voltage is below 350mv and the fireplace will not light, it probably needs to be replaced. Try shorting the two leads coming from the fireplace together. This will eliminate the thermostat and the fireplace should light. If it does not and the thermopile voltage is low, the thermopile inside the fireplace needs to be replaced. The thermopile is located inside the fireplace beside the thermocouple device most people are familiar with, as a safety device for the gas valve.
• The above photos display the fireplace closed and open, and testing the thermopile.
• Turn off the gas at the valve before doing any work or repair.
• A cover on the right side will swing out; it hides the front door latch.
• Open the door and take cellphone photos around and inside the fireplace.
• Take the large ceramic log out and also the smaller pieces.
• The thermopile will be next to the pilot light in the back. It will have two wires going to the thermostat. Replace it with a good quality one. I used a Honeywell. You don’t want to do this again.
• Turn on gas and light the pilot light. Test thermopile with a good voltmeter. It should read at least 500mv. Short wires for three seconds together to insure the fireplace will light. Replace the wires on the thermostat.
• Turn off gas and replace ceramic log and rocks.
• Light pilot light and test the thermostat. You are done. Good job!