Induction cooktop zone not working — not heating, repair
One or more induction hob zones no longer heat: the zone clicks, blinks, shows an error, or fails to detect suitable cookware. The fault is usually in that zone’s power channel — the inverter IGBT, resonant capacitor, coil solder joint, pan-detection circuit, or thermal protection. Check cookware with a magnet and verify power first; if the symptom remains, we diagnose and repair the board at component level.
Diagnostics are performed on a test bench: the hob is connected under load, each zone is checked individually, and we pinpoint the exact failed component. Repair costs are agreed before work begins — if you decide not to proceed, we return the hob with no obligation. All completed work carries a 3-month warranty. We do not offer postal shipping — appliances must be brought to the service centre in person.
Likely causes
- Cookware without a ferromagnetic base — Before assuming the hob is faulty, hold a magnet to the bottom of the pan. If the magnet does not stick, the cookware will not work on induction — aluminium, copper, glass, or thin stainless steel without a magnetic insert. The zone will click, flash the pan-detection indicator, and shut off.
- Blown IGBT transistor on the inverter — most common service failure, usually fault F7 — The IGBT is the power switch that creates the high-frequency magnetic field in the coil. A pinhole short causes it to fail closed: the zone relay clicks but no heating occurs, and BSH/Bosch displays typically show F7. This is the most common reason an induction hob ends up in our service centre. The transistor is replaced and its driver circuit is checked.
- One coil failed — only certain zones do not heat — A hob has several independent coils, each with its own inverter. If one coil joint has lifted or its winding has cracked, the other zones keep working normally while the affected zone is completely dead or clicks without heating.
- Low or unstable mains voltage — induction shuts itself off — When mains voltage sags below roughly 205 V, the induction electronics drop into protection and kill the zone, sometimes without an error code. The tell-tale sign is shutdowns that coincide with high-power loads switching on elsewhere in the home, or with peak-demand hours.
- Overheated — thermal protection tripped, ventilation blocked — A fan beneath the hob carries heat away from the IGBT modules and coils. If the air intake under the worktop is blocked by a drawer fitted flush against it or clogged with dust, the electronics overheat and protection shuts the zone down after 1–2 minutes of use.
- Pan detection sensor or resonant capacitor — The hob senses cookware via inductance changes in the coil. A degraded film or electrolytic capacitor in the resonance circuit produces the same symptom — the zone indicator flashes and the zone shuts off after a few seconds even with compatible cookware.
Try this first
- Test cookware with a magnet: the magnet must stick to the base of the pan. Aluminium, copper and glass cookware will not work on induction.
- Note any error code on the display — F7 on BSH (Bosch/Siemens) almost always means the IGBT. This speeds up diagnostics.
- Try a different zone: if the others heat normally, the problem is isolated to one power channel (its coil or IGBT).
- Check the circuit breaker in the distribution board — induction hobs draw 7–11 kW and the breaker may have tripped. Also confirm there is no noticeable mains-voltage sag in the building.
- Clear the ventilation gap under the worktop: if the hob is fitted hard against a drawer or its underside is clogged with dust, protection will shut the zone down within a minute of use.
When to bring it in
If the cookware is definitely compatible, the breaker has not tripped, and the zone keeps clicking without heating, blinking or showing an error, it is time to bring the hob to our service centre. We will connect it to a diagnostic bench and test the IGBT, resonant capacitors, coils and control board for each zone. We will quote the repair before any work starts; if you decide not to proceed, we return the hob with no obligation. We do not offer delivery — the appliance must be brought in person.
Fast on-site diagnostics. Warranty: 3 months.
Brands we repair
FAQ
Why customers choose SATER
- Built-in and freestanding appliances. We repair both — built-in ovens, hobs and microwaves.
- Ovens, cookers, microwaves, coffee machines — all under one roof. One service centre for all your kitchen and household appliances.
- Original and compatible spare parts. We use OEM parts or proven alternatives — depending on the task and budget.
- 30+ years of experience. The service centre has been operating since 1993.
- We serve all of Latvia. Electronics service centre in Riga — we accept devices from anywhere in the country.