Whirlpool GJC3654RS 36 inch "surface hot" light just stays on now.

Hi Tricia, I assume this is a GE unit?

Check this link from Appliance Blog that deals with this problem.

Appliance Repair Forums

Most likely the problem is in the heat control switch.Cannot be repaired you will have to replace it. To make sure, swap it with one of the other burners that do not have the problem. If the problem goes away, you know its the switch.

magnetic gradeI have a SCHOTT Ceran glass ceramic cooktop as well, and soon realized that induction cooktops like this require that your metal cookware be in contact with the surface for them to heat up. Best cookware:

• Cast iron pans
• Any black metal pans
  
• Stainless steel pans, if base is magnetic grade (magnet sticks to bottom)

Read more: http://www.us.schott.com/hometech/english/products/ceran/dailyuse/index.html

Hi,

Here is a tip that I wrote about why the hot surface indicator light will not go out...

Oven Hot Surface Indicator Light stays on

heatman101

Hi,

Here is a tip that I wrote about the problem of the cooktop light staying on.

Oven Hot Surface Indicator Light stays on

heatman101

The red light is on as a safety to let you know the surface is hot. When the light goes out the surface will be safe to touch with out getting a bad burn.

Please rate 4 thumbs for the free answer.

if its going out, its probably ok
its not a light indicating the burner is on, rather that the glass is abcove 100 degrees and still not safe to put something on
2 hours is a bit long but it depends on how fst the surface can cool of
you can test this by trying to cool it off faster with a fan ans see what happens

Sounds like a thermal switch which controls the hot surface light is stuck closed.

If this is a new unit, I'd return it. If not, I would check the switche(s) for the hot surface light -- when the unit is cold, unplug one wire going to the thermal switch and check it for electrical continuity. If you get current from a multi-meter through the switch, replace it -- it's not opening when it cools down.

Charlie

Scott,
On each of the heating elements there is a thermostat that does two things. It is a high limit safety thermostat and then a different set of contacts turn on the hot surface light. Unfortunately, you can't just replace that part. You will need to isolate which element it is with a mutimeter and replace the entire element.When you turn one of the units on high you will see a dark line under the glass running 1/2 way across the elements. Those are the thermostats... Find the defective one and the rest is pretty simple to replace

Our success has been to heat the elements to hot for about 5 minutes. Then let cool to reset temp sensor.

Can cause the problem by turning a burner on for a short period of time