Troubleshooting guide
Electric fireplace flame effect not working
The flames in an electric fireplace are light, not fire: LEDs or bulbs shining on a spinning flicker rod or a screen. So when the flames disappear, look dim or stop moving, the cause is usually a setting, a power glitch, or one of those lighting parts. Start with the settings below. They're all safe to check without opening the unit.
First, what are the flames doing?
- No flames, but the unit has power (display or lights on): usually the flame setting, step 1.
- Nothing works at all (no flames, no display, no heat): that's a power problem. See electric fireplace won't turn on.
- Flames are dim, patchy or one color is missing: brightness and color settings, step 2, then step 4.
- Flames are frozen, shudder, or there's a grinding or clicking noise: step 4.
- A code on the display: step 5.
1. Check the flame setting isn't off
On many models the flame effect has its own off setting, separate from the power button, and it's easy to turn it off by accident when cycling through brightness or styles:
| Brand | What the manual says |
|---|---|
| Touchstone | The Flame button sets brightness from F0 (off) to F5 (brightest). On the models in the manual, the flame effect must be on for the heater to work. |
| Amantii | The Flame button cycles through six flame effects (L.01 to L.06) and then OFF. The ember bed has its own button that cycles through its effects and OFF. |
| Dimplex | The remote has a light dimmer and a flame speed control. On some models, a selector switch on the unit sets Flame, Flame & Heat, or remote control. |
Press the flame button on the remote or the unit's control panel a few times and watch the display. If you see an F0, OFF or a blank flame reading, keep pressing until the flames come back.
2. Brightness, color and flame speed
Dim or odd-looking flames are often just a setting. Turn the brightness up to the highest level, try each color setting, and set the flame speed to the middle. Touchstone's default flame speed is 03, the middle setting. Also check the room: a unit in direct sun or under a bright lamp can look much dimmer than it is.
3. Do one proper power reset
Like any electronics, the controls can glitch after a power outage or a surge. Switch the unit off, unplug it or turn off its breaker, wait a few minutes, then restore power and try again. Use the wait your manual gives, for example 5 minutes for many Dimplex and Touchstone models.
One Dimplex manual for its Ignite models lists a specific cause: if the front glass went in after the unit was powered on, the touch controls may not work. The fix is to turn the power off at the breaker or outlet and back on with the glass in place. Don't remove the glass yourself to try this; it applies to installs where the glass went in last.
4. Frozen, flickering wrong, dark patches or noisy
When the settings are right and the flames still aren't right, manufacturer troubleshooting tables point to the parts that make the flame effect:
- Flames frozen or shuddering: Dimplex's service manual lists the flicker motor or a loose connection.
- Flames not bright, not visible, or a dark section: Dimplex points to burnt-out bulbs or LEDs, or the wiring that feeds them.
- Grinding noise with the heater off: Dimplex says the flicker rod may be rubbing against something inside, or the flicker motor is failing.
These are all inside the unit, behind the glass, so this is where you stop. A tech can usually pinpoint which one it is on a quick video call by watching the flames and listening to the unit, then give you the exact part number for your model.
5. Codes on the display
Some models tell you which part has failed. On the Dimplex Multi-Fire SL models in its manual, for example:
| Code | What the manual says it means |
|---|---|
| Err17 | Media bed LEDs defective |
| Err18 | Overhead LEDs defective |
| Err19 | Media bed LEDs not detected |
| Err 20 | Overhead LEDs not detected |
| Err 21 | Flame LEDs not detected |
| Err 22 | Flicker motor not detected |
For each of these, the manual says to see the service manual, which means a service job, not a homeowner fix. Codes differ by brand and model, so write down the exact code and your model number and go by your own manual rather than this chart.
When it's a job for a tech
If the flame setting is on, brightness is up, you've done one proper power reset and the flames still aren't right, the problem is inside the unit. Flicker motors, flicker rods, LED strips, bulbs and control boards are replaced with the unit unplugged, by a qualified service person. On a video call, a tech will ask to see the flames, the display and any code, and the rating plate for the model number. That's usually enough to tell a setting from a part and get you the right part number, or help you find a local pro if it needs hands-on work.
What not to do
- Don't remove the glass, panels or log set, and don't touch the wiring, even to change a bulb. Leave that to a qualified service person.
- Don't run it from an extension cord or power strip. Plug it straight into a wall outlet.
- Don't keep power-cycling it if the flames keep cutting out or a code keeps coming back.
- Don't keep running it if you hear loud grinding. Switch it off and get it checked.
Common questions
Why is my electric fireplace on but there are no flames?
Most often the flame setting has been turned off or down. Many models have a flame or brightness setting with an off position, such as F0 on Touchstone or OFF on Amantii, separate from the power button. Cycle the flame button until the flames return, then try one power reset.
Why are my electric fireplace flames frozen or not moving?
Moving flames come from a small motor spinning a flicker rod behind the glass. Dimplex's service manual lists a failing flicker motor or a loose connection when the flames freeze or shudder. That's inside the unit, so it's a job for a qualified tech.
Why are the flames on my electric fireplace so dim?
First turn the brightness to the highest setting and check the color setting. If the flames stay dim or have a dark patch, Dimplex points to burnt-out bulbs or LEDs. Those sit behind the glass, so have a tech confirm and replace them.
Can the heater work if the flame effect is broken?
It depends on the model. On some, such as the Touchstone models in its manual, the flame effect must be on for the heater to run. On others the heater and flames work independently. Check your manual or ask a tech.
How much does it cost to get help with electric fireplace flames that won't work?
A video call with one of our fireplace techs starts at $49 for a 15-minute Quick Fix. A Full Diagnostic is $89 and a Priority Fix is $139, each up to 30 minutes. You choose when you book.
Related guides
Electric fireplace won't turn on
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Read the guideElectric fireplace flames on, no heat
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Read the guideSources
- Dimplex electric fireplace service manual: controls, selector switch and resetting the temperature cutoff
- Dimplex electric fireplace owner's manual 7216350100R07: troubleshooting table and temperature cutoff reset
- Dimplex Ignite Bold service manual: troubleshooting table
- Touchstone Sideline electric fireplace owner's manual: power requirements and temperature limiting control
- Amantii electric fireplace installation / owner's manual: resetting the thermal cut-out (E.S. control)
Brand names belong to their owners. Fireplace Helpline isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any manufacturer. Steps and codes vary by model and year, so always check your own owner's manual.