Pleasant Hearth Gas Fireplace Troubleshooting [9 Easy Solutions]

Some of the most familiar problems in the gas fireplace are pilot sparks but no ignition, the flame going out, the burner not lighting, unwanted odor problems, the heater whistling or constantly shutting off, and there is no spark at the pilot.

If you face trouble with any of the above problems, our comprehensive article will be much helpful to you.

Today, we have come here bringing Pleasant Hearth gas fireplace troubleshooting. Stay connected to know all in depth.

Pleasant Hearth Gas Fireplace Troubleshooting [9 Easy Solutions]

Here, you will find the clear causes for every problem and the active solution procedures for each of them.

Moreover, all the solution methods are effective and quick working. So, without any delay, go through our gas fireplace troubleshooting guide.

1. Pilot Sparks But No Ignition

Sometimes it seems that the ignitor button is pressed, fireplace pilot/ODS sparks but no ignition. There are a few reasons behind this problem.

Either the gas supply is off, or the shutoff valve is completely closed. Also, when air enters the gas line, no ignition problem creates. 

Other possible causes are blocked ODS with specks of dirt, incorrect gas regulator setting, the control knob is not in the pilot position properly, low gas supply, the control knob is not firmly pressed in, etc.

Anyways, we also describe effective solution methods for this problem.

Solution:

  • At first, if you can see the gas supply off, carefully turn it in.
  • Then properly open the equipment shutoff valve.
  • When you press the ignition button, you must firmly push the control knob as well. 
  • If air enters the gas line, removing it is not a big deal. Just hold down the control knob. Repeat this ignition operation until air is removed thoroughly.
  • Then, try to clean the clogged ODS.
  • Place the control knob in the pilot position.
  • If there is a problem with the gas regulator, replace it.

2. Pilot Lights But Flame Goes Out

If you see that while the control knob is pressing, ODS lights, but the flame goes out. No worries, the gas fireplace flame goes out troubleshooting will help you in this case. We also highlight the cause of this problem. First, read through carefully.

The control knob is not fully pressed in or pressed on long enough, the shutoff valve is not open, the damaged thermocouple or loose connection of it, and the damaged control valve could be the reason behind the issue.

Solution:

  • When the pilot lights, press the control knob for about 30 seconds
  • Tighten the thermocouple, and replace or connect it if needed.
  • If the control valve is damaged, you must replace it. It would be better to contact customer service to do this. 

3. No light on Main Burner Flame

Sometimes, the burner does not light after the pilot is lit. This is so annoying and such a significant obstacle to operating the appliance. Now let’s know the possible reasons for causing the problem. 

If the burner of your fireplace is clogged with dirt, the burner will fail to light. Again, when the diameter of the burner office is too small, the problem appears.

Also, the low gas pressure in the inlet will occur light problems. Now, have a look at the corrective actions.

Solution:

  • First, clean out the burner orifice properly. 
  • If you notice that the burner orifice diameter is too small, you must contact the manufacturer.
  • Last, in the case of inlet low gas pressure, you must contact a gas supplier to fix that. 

4. Heater Produces Unwanted Odors

While operating, you may notice that the fireplace heater is producing unwanted odors. This odor is really unbearable. Sometimes this problem will lead to a big accident. You must need to fix this problem as soon as possible. 

Sometimes heater burns vapor from odor-causing products like paint, hair spray, plastic, glue, etc. For that, the odor may come out.

Most importantly, you will notice that order when the gas starts leaking. Or sometimes, insufficient fuel or propane supply in the tank will derive this problem. 

Solution:

  • First, keep away odor-causing products from the heater. To get rid of the odor, ventilate the room properly.
  • Next, if the problem is gas leaking, fix all the leaks. Or, better contact customer service.
  • In the case of a vacant tank or low fuel supply, refill the tank properly. 

To get more information & make your home odor free, you can read our guide on how to get rid of smoke-smelling or bad odor in the house from the fireplace.

5. Heater Whistling When Burner Lit

Sometimes, you can see that the heater produces a whistling noise when the burner is lit. If you turn the control knob to the high position but the burner is cold, the heater starts whistling.

Some other possible causes are entering the air in the gas line, blockage in air heater passageways, or clogged burner orifice. Anyways, fix the problem by the following methods:

Solution:

  • Turn the control knob into a low position. If your burner is warm, let it cool for a while. 
  • After that, start the burner ignition operation to remove air from the gas line. Do this continually until the air is released.
  • Clean out all clogged dirt from the burner orifice.
  • If those processes do not work, you should contact customer service. 

6. ODS Operates But Heater Shuts Off

While ODS is operating, you may see that the fireplace heater constantly shuts off. If there is not enough fresh air available in your appliance, this problem will appear.

Also, when the pilot/ODS is clogged with dirt or for low line pressure, the heater will shut down at the time of pilot operation. However, now have a look through the solution processes.

Solution:

  • Arrange enough ventilation. Thus, air passes through quickly. Open the window or door for better action.
  • You have to contact a gas supplier to fix low line pressure.
  • Clean off the pilot properly and ensure there is no clogged with dirt. 

Here, you can watch this video to clean your pilot assembly correctly.

7. No Sparking at Pilot

The most common problem in the Pleasant Hearth gas fireplace is no sparks at the pilot, but the ignitor button is pressed. Several reasons are responsible for creating this problem.

Some possible causes are the ignitor electrode broken or positioned wrong, and the ignitor electrode is not entirely connected to the ignitor cable.

Additionally, the pilot is not sparking with a damaged ignitor cable or pinched or wet. Don’t get hassle. We also describe the active solution for this problem.

Solution:

  • First, start by replacing the electrode.
  • If needed, replace the ignitor cable also. 
  • If the ignitor cable is pinched with any metal things, carefully free it from metal things. Dry out the cable perfectly.

FAQ:

What are the possible causes for delayed ignition of the main burner?

When the manifold pressure is too low, and the burner orifice is blocked with dirt, you may see a delayed ignitor of the burner. 

Why is there a high yellow flame during burner combustion?

If the gas reflector of the fireplace is defective, you can see a high yellow flame on the burner. Also, not enough air availability and low inlet gas pressure are the possible causes of this type of flame. 

Why is the burner backfiring during flaming?

Either the burner orifice is blocked or damaged. Sometimes, for damaging gas reflectors, the burner starts backfiring.   If needed, you may need to replace the computer burner.

Final Verdict:

Hopefully, our complete guide has seemed much beneficial for you. It is also our hope that you will be able to fix your fireplace by following our guidelines.

Still, if you have any queries related to it, you may ask us in the comment section. Thank you for being with us.

About William

William is the founder of Fireplacehubs.com. He has real life practical skills in fixing smoker & heating appliance issues. He loves to share his knowledge & helps others in fixing their appliances & saving their money. William firmly believes that anyone can repair his or her unit with the correct guidance & knowledge. See more at about us.

22 thoughts on “Pleasant Hearth Gas Fireplace Troubleshooting [9 Easy Solutions]”

  1. Hi mine will reach temp turn off but will not turn on again have to restart all good them reach temp turn off all pilot light and all

    Reply
    • Hi Gail

      Your gas fireplace may turn off due to one or more of these reasons like a dirty or faulty pilot, damaged thermopile and thermocouple, built-in safety switch, insufficient gas, or airflow.
      First, try to find out the main culprit behind the issue and fix it.

      If you are not comfortable with the whole process, you can take help from a technician.

      Thanks

      Reply
    • Hi Kristi

      A loud noise may come from the metal shell around the gas logs when the burner is lit. Plus, a clicking sound may be heard when the ignitor relights the pilot.

      To solve the sound issue, take help from a technician or Pleasent Hearth support team.

      Wish you all the best.

      Reply
  2. The batteries in the receiver stop working after about a week of usage. We have to replace them every week.
    The fireplace will work fine Afro a week or so and then the remote to the receiver doesn’t connect. We change batteries in the receiver and it works fine for a while.

    Reply
    • Hi Danny

      You might place the receiver very near to your fireplace. The heat from the fireplace affects the battery life adversely. When the fireplace temperatures exceed 115 degrees, it causes batteries to discharge. When the battery cools down, it will partially recharge itself but constant heating and cooling reduce the battery’s normal life expectancy.

      So, place the receiver in a cooler place under the firebox or you can add a heat shield. I mean make sure the receiver is in a cooler place.

      I hope, you will get the solution.

      Thanks

      Reply
  3. I have a VFS2-PH30DT gas stove fireplace…the controls are on the bottom of the stove. Is there any way for me to change the valve so I can add a remote control to the unit? I would like to move the contols to the top rear of the stove? Thanks

    Reply
  4. when i push on button on remote the remote clicks and the pilot light makes a quite puff sound and the flame twitches, but nothing happens. i have tried cleaning every air hole there is and nothing works.

    Reply
    • Hi Frank

      As your gas fireplace pilot light won’t stay lit, a faulty thermopile or thermocouple could be the culprit behind it.

      Well, to fix the issue, first, inspect & Clean them by removing any dirt deposits on them.

      Then, test them and re-ignite the pilot light. If still your fireplace pilot light won’t stay lit, replace the thermopile and the thermocouple.

      Plus, it will be helpful for you to read our easy solution guide on why gas fireplace goes out after a few minutes.

      Hopefully, your problem will be solved.

      Best of luck!

      Reply
  5. My fireplace won’t shut off on off – I tried to change the temperature level and I’m sure I messed it up – what do I do

    Reply
    • Hi Sherry

      If you use a remote to on & off the gas fireplace, first, check & make sure the remote is in the “on” position. If it doesn’t work, turn off the power switch.

      Then, call a professional to inspect your gas fireplace & fix the issue.

      Wish you all the best!

      Reply
  6. Purchased duel burner fireplace 3 months ago. One pilot light lights but not the second one. Fireplace turns on and heats with low flame but pilot goes out when fire goes out.
    Tried to call numerous times and left on hold for up to an hour without anyone answering
    Tried to email but the address on the manual is returned saying it is not a valid email.
    Now it is cold and local technicians are busy.
    Very disappointed in the product and customer service

    Reply
    • Hi Shawn

      To fix the issue, you can check the spark igniter & clean out all the dirt between the thermocouple & the igniter. Plus, blowing compressed air into the pilot area is a good idea. Then, wait for a few minutes & try to ignite again.

      Hopefully, your problem will be solved.

      But as your unit is a new one, it would be better if you get help from the customer service center or your local dealer before doing anything by yourself.

      Wish you all the best!

      Reply
  7. I have Pleasant Hearth VFL-CY24DR. the pilot runs perfectly. The remote will beep but I don’t hear the “valve click open” and the main burner will not start. I cleaned the thermocouple and pilot area. The pilot starts and stays on with no problem. Thoughts?

    Reply

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