Safety first: Turn off power at the breaker and verify no voltage is present before opening the cooktop.

Step 1 – Confirm symptom: Try different power levels on the affected zone. If there is no heat and F4 appears, proceed to internal checks.
Step 2 – Access elements (technician): Remove the cooktop and open the underside to expose the radiant elements and wiring.
Step 3 – Inspect wiring: Check the wiring from the control board to the affected element for loose spade connectors, burnt insulation, or broken wires. Repair or replace as needed.
Step 4 – Test element continuity: Disconnect the element and measure resistance across its terminals. An open circuit indicates a failed element that must be replaced.
Step 5 – Check control output: If the element is good, the control board’s relay or triac may be defective. Replace the control board if no output is present when the zone is turned on.

Always reassemble the cooktop correctly, ensuring all insulation and shields are in place before restoring power.

Electric ceramic cooktop shows F4; a radiant zone will not heat at all.

Possible Causes