Furnace valve occasionally stops working

Every once in a while (4 times so far this winter) my furnace stops working. Specifically, the ventor comes on but there is no flame visible through the viewing window. To get the flame to start, all I have to do is jiggle the electrical connector on the gaz valve as shown in the attached JPG.

What could the problem be? A bad connection on the circuit board in the valve? A problem with the connector itself? Static electricity buildup? The valve has not been touched in a while so I don't know why this would start happening all of a sudden.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

If you are jiggling the wires on the gas valve and it's firing up start by replacing the connectors on the wires. You may be able to just pull them off the valve and tighten up the crimp.

 

Thanks. I'll check that out. I did a bit more home work and now I have some correct terms to use.

The valve is an Honeywell SV9500M Smart Valve and it is the Molex connector labeled "Ignitor" that I have to jiggle.

As soon as I slightly move the connector, the furnace fires up and usually keeps on working for a few days.

I don't think I'll be able to crimp the cables in the Molex connector but I will try cleaning it with Dylek (an electrical cleaner).

Does anyone know if the circuit board on the valve can be removed so that I can check for a dry joint?

Thanks

 

The problem is often in the ignitor module. It can be repaired.Turn off the furnace breaker (or remove the furnace fuse at your electrical panel) unplug the two moly connectors going to the valve. There are two screws on the plastic housing on top of the valve that can be removed. There is a circuit board under that that will slide out after you undo the grounding wire. When you inspect the underside of the circuit, you will see one or more cold solder joints that need to be repaired (resoldered) Once that is done, reverse the removal procedure, put it all back together, clean and connect the wires, reinstall all the covers and presto, away it goes. If you are unsure about any of the terms or procedures I have described, get a professional to do it!
Cheers


Oh Crap it works...but why?