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Latching Solenoid in SE / RPK3E Won't Operate

Exercise the Latching Solenoid

Written by Rett Rasmussen

Updated at November 15th, 2025

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                                SE and RPK3E lighting control systems use a Latching Solenoid that opens and closes to control the flow of gas to the burner. Sometimes it gets “stuck”, and needs to be "exercised."

                                The solenoid is powered by the 4 AA batteries in the Receiver/Battery Pack. Please ensure that the batteries are correctly installed into the pack, and that they are at 1.5V or more each.

                                If the batteries are full power and installed correctly, then turn the valve knob to PILOT and remove the Solenoid from the valve with a flat-blade screwdriver, and exercise the Plunger per the following procedure (no need to turn off the gas, as there is a safety seal in the valve):

                                a) With Receiver switch at ON, push in the Plunger, which will be held in place by the magnet.

                                b) Keeping your thumb loosely against the Plunger (so it doesn't fly away), slide the Receiver switch to OFF. The Plunger will then extend.

                                c) Repeat a and b several times to "exercise" the Plunger, then reinstall the Solenoid with the Plunger extended in the OFF position. Then turn the valve knob back to ON and slide the Receiver switch to ON. Gas should flow to the main burner and be lighted by the pilot flame.

                                operational issue faulty control solenoid stuck se wont work rpk3e wont work

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