Dacor Range E3 Error: Gas valve ignition fault
This dacor range e3 error code guide explains what this fault means for your Dacor appliance and how to respond safely. What E3 Means on a Dacor Heritage Range E3 on Heritage series Dacor ranges indicates a gas valve or ignition system fault. The oven burner will not light on any mode. Surface sealed burners […]
~15%
DIY Fixable
From $275
Typical Repair Cost
60-120 min
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. A gas ignition failure means unburned gas may accumulate. Do not attempt to use the oven until ignition is restored.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Sometimes dirty igniters cause E3. Cleaning may resolve it, but persistent failure requires igniter replacement.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Do not use the oven — gas valve faults can result in either no heat or uncontrolled gas release, If gas odor is present after an ignition attempt, shut off the gas supply and ventilate immediately.
Symptoms You May Notice
Oven burner fails to light after multiple attempts
The Heritage series oven attempts ignition several times — you can hear repeated clicking and smell brief gas — but the burner never sustains a flame and E3 appears.
Oven shuts down immediately when gas mode selected
Selecting bake or broil on a Heritage dual-fuel or all-gas range triggers an immediate E3 fault without any ignition attempt, indicating the valve position sensor reports a fault.
Intermittent flame that extinguishes within seconds
The oven burner lights briefly, burns for 3 to 10 seconds, then goes out. The gas valve closes and the board retries before eventually faulting with E3.
Ticking or buzzing from the gas valve area
An audible ticking or buzzing emanates from behind the oven near the gas valve, suggesting the valve solenoid is receiving power but cannot fully open or hold position.
Possible Causes
Failed gas valve solenoid coil
One of the dual solenoid coils on the Heritage series gas safety valve has an open winding, preventing the valve from opening fully or maintaining the open position.
Requires ProfessionalIgniter not reaching operating temperature
The hot-surface igniter is degraded and cannot reach the temperature needed to prove flame to the valve safety circuit, causing the valve to close after a brief opening.
Requires ProfessionalFaulty valve position feedback switch
The Heritage gas valve has a position feedback switch that confirms the valve state to the control board. If this switch is stuck or failed, the board faults even with a good valve.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Verify gas supply pressure
Check that the main gas shutoff behind the range is fully open. Light a surface burner and observe the flame height — it should be steady and blue with defined tips.
A weak, yellow, or flickering surface burner flame may indicate low gas pressure affecting the entire range, not just the oven.
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2
Power cycle the range
Turn off the breaker for 5 minutes to reset the control board fault counter. Restore power and attempt one bake cycle to see if E3 recurs.
Heritage boards store recent fault history. If E3 returns immediately, the fault is persistent rather than intermittent.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Igniter glows properly but gas does not flow — safety valve needs replacement
- Igniter does not glow despite correct wiring — control board relay or igniter module failed
- Gas valve and igniter both test good but E3 persists — control board replacement needed
Need Professional Help?
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