Dacor Cooktop SENSOR-ERR Error: Burner sensor error
This dacor cooktop sensor error guide explains what this fault means for your Dacor appliance and how to respond safely. A surface sensor error on a Dacor Heritage or Transitional gas cooktop disrupts the electronic simmer control system, causing unstable low-flame behavior. Dacor’s premium gas cooktops use thermocouple or RTD sensors near the burner to […]
~45%
DIY Fixable
From $225
Typical Repair Cost
45-90 min
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Yes. The cooktop can be used for high-heat cooking where the simmer control is not engaged. Avoid relying on the simmer function until the sensor is repaired, as low-flame stability is compromised.
Can I reset the code?
No. There is no reset for a physical sensor fault. The sensor must be cleaned, repaired, or replaced to restore correct simmer control function.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Stop using the simmer function if the flame is cycling on and off unpredictably — unattended low-flame cooking is a fire risk., Do not use the burner if the flame extinguishes during cooking and gas continues to flow..
Symptoms You May Notice
Simmer function does not hold steady low flame
The burner flame cycles or extinguishes unexpectedly at low settings. The cooktop's electronic simmer control cannot maintain the target temperature because the sensor feedback is unreliable.
Flame height varies erratically without knob adjustment
Gas flow appears to fluctuate on its own, causing the flame to surge and drop without user input. This is the electronic control reacting to erratic sensor data.
Low-power settings produce higher-than-expected heat
At the simmer or low position, the burner produces more heat than normal because the sensor is not correctly reporting the surface condition to the control module.
Error indicator light or alert on models with digital display
On Modernist or Heritage models with a digital burner control panel, a sensor fault indicator may illuminate alongside the behavioral symptoms.
Possible Causes
Contaminated or blocked surface sensor
Grease and food residue accumulation around the sensor probe interfere with accurate temperature detection, causing erratic readings that disrupt simmer control.
DIY PossibleDamaged or disconnected sensor wiring
The thin thermocouple or RTD wiring from the surface sensor to the control module can be damaged by heat, pinching, or cleaning product exposure.
Requires ProfessionalFailed electronic burner control module
The module that processes sensor input and adjusts gas valve position has developed an internal fault affecting sensor input interpretation.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Clean the surface sensor area thoroughly
Remove all grates, burner caps, and burner bases to expose the cooking surface. Locate the small sensor probe (typically a metal nub or thermocouple tip) near the burner and clean around it carefully with a damp cloth. Remove all grease buildup from the surrounding surface.
Do not spray cleaning products directly at the sensor probe — wipe the area with a damp cloth only.
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2
Test simmer function after cleaning
After cleaning and reassembly, heat a small saucepan of water to a full boil, then turn the knob to the simmer position. Observe for 5 minutes — the flame should remain steady and the water should maintain a gentle simmer without boiling over or extinguishing.
If the simmer stabilizes after cleaning, the issue was sensor contamination.
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3
Inspect sensor probe for physical damage
With grates removed, visually inspect the sensor probe tip for discoloration, bending, or physical damage. A visibly damaged probe will need replacement by a technician.
Compare the damaged probe to photos in the Dacor service manual for your model to confirm what a healthy probe should look like.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Sensor probe is physically damaged — replacement requires accessing the cooktop internals.
- Sensor wiring shows heat damage or is disconnected — harness repair needed.
- Simmer instability persists after thorough cleaning — electronic control module diagnosis required.
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
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