SimpliFire • SF-BI30-EB, SF-BI36-EB Service Manual • 2040-940 Rev. D • 5/20
10
SimpliFire Troubleshooting Guide
Symptom
Possible Cause
Corrective Action
Circuit breaker trips or fuse
blows when unit is turned on
Exceeding current rating of the
circuit breaker or fuse, perhaps from
operating other appliances on the
same circuit as the fireplace
Install unit onto a dedicated 15 amp circuit.
Lights in room dim while the
unit is on
Unit is drawing close to circuit current
rating
Install unit onto a dedicated 15 amp circuit.
Fireplace will not come on
when using the manual
controls on the unit
Appliance is not plugged into an
electrical outlet
Ensure plug is connected to a working outlet.
Hard-wire connections not correct (if
applicable)
Review wiring instructions to ensure correct connection.
No incoming power from the electrical
outlet or electrical box
Check fuse/breaker panel.
Defect in control board (PCB)
Replace the control board (PCB).
Remote control does not work
Low/dead batteries
Replace batteries in the remote.
Remote receiver is blocked, or remote
is not pointed directly at the receiver.
Ensure receiver is not blocked. Move closer to the
appliance.
Appliance power switch is in the off
"O" position (if equipped)
Turn the power switch on, to the "I" position (if equipped).
Control board (PCB) malfunction?
Replace control board (PCB).
Heater will not turn on, but
flame is functioning
Remote is in thermostat mode and
room temperature (temperature at
appliance thermistor) is higher than
the set point on the remote
Increase thermostat set point on the remote, or exit
thermostat mode (press the thermostat button until no
temperature set point is displayed on the remote). See
"Room Temperature and Thermostat Function" section of
the manual.
Appliance has overheated and safety
thermal switch has tripped
Unplug or turn off power at circuit breaker and allow it to
cool for 15 minutes. Then plug in the unit or turn power
back on at circuit breaker and turn unit back on.
Defective main control board
Replace control board (PCB).
Defective heater assembly
Replace heater assembly.
Heater shuts off automatically
or won’t stay on
Room temperature (temperature at
the appliance thermistor) is higher
than the set point on the remote
Increase thermostat set point on the remote, or exit
thermostat mode (press the thermostat button until no
temperature set point is displayed on the remote). See
"Room Temperature and Thermostat Function" section of
the manual.
Appliance has overheated and safety
thermal switch has tripped
Unplug or turn off power at circuit breaker and allow it to
cool for 15 minutes. Then plug in the unit or turn power
back on at circuit breaker and turn unit back on.
Heater emits an odor
Normal operation
It is normal for the heater to emit an odor for a brief
amount of time after turning on. It is burning off dust that
has accumulated on the heater.
Flame does not move at all
Flame rotisserie motor is stalled or
malfunctioning
Cycle unit on or off. If problem persists inspect rotisserie
and motor for blockage or interference. If no interference,
replace the control board (PCB) and rotisserie motor.
Portion of the flame not moving
or deformed flame effect
Flame LEDs out of place or dislodged
from the LED mounting bracket
Properly reposition flame LEDs into their mounting
bracket. See service manual for how to access flame
LEDs.
Visible ghosting on the flame
screen that does not move with
the flame
Downward LED accent lighting (if
equipped) is shining on the flame
screen instead of directly down on the
ember bed
Inspect downward accent lighting and reposition so no
light is projecting back onto the flame screen.
Flame shudder
Flame rotisserie contacting other
internal components when spinning
Ensure rod is straight and mounted properly and is
spinning freely without spindles hitting other components.
Defective flame rotisserie motor
Replace rotisserie motor.
