How to Change the Thermocouple in a Jotul Gas Stove

Jotul is a Norwegian manufacturer of wood and gas stoves, primarily for residential use. Like many types of gas heating appliances, Jotul gas stoves operate with a device known as a thermocouple, which serves as a safety switch. When the stove control is set to ignite, the pilot flame increases in size to reach the thermocouple. At a specific temperature, the thermocouple opens the gas valve to light the stove. A defective thermocouple prevents the Jotul from igniting. Replacing the part takes less than an hour.

Step 1

Turn off the burner control switch, which is a toggle switch in the upper right corner of the Jotul, at the front. Close the gas valve connected to the back of the Jotul and wait for the stove to cool.

Step 2

Remove the rating plate, which is a square panel on the back of the Jotul, using the nut driver to take out the bolts. The thermocouple is mounted vertically to the immediate right of the pilot valve when viewing the inside of the Jotul from the rear.

Step 3

Loosen the two screws holding the Y-shaped clips wired to the thermocouple. The screws are below the thermocouple. Pull out each wired Y-clip.

Step 4

Unscrew the retainer nut that secures the thermocouple to the mounting bracket. Pull the old thermocouple straight up, removing the part and the two attached wires. Make a note of which screw connects to the black wire and the white wire.

Step 5

Insert the two wires on the new thermocouple into the hole in the mounting bracket. Thread each wire one at a time through the retainer nut and slip the Y-clip on each wire beneath their respective screw heads. Tighten the screws.

Step 6

Tighten the retainer nut to the threads on the bottom of the thermocouple to lock it in position next to the pilot light.

Step 7

Replace the rating plate on the back of the Jotul with the bolts and nut driver.

Step 8

Open the gas valve in the line connected to the back of the Jotul.