SimpliFire SF-FORMAT36 User manual

1
SimpliFire • SF-FORMAT36 Service Manual • 2042-961 • 9/21
SERVICE MANUAL
Model: SF-FORMAT36
- Instructions -
This manual will assist a qualied service technician in the
replacement of parts. Contact your dealer to arrange a
service call by a qualied service technician.
NOTICE! DO NOT discard any hardware while
servicing. Some hardware must be reused.
Replacement parts include:
Control Board Assembly
Heater Assembly
Wall Mount Bracket
Remote Control
FM43 Accent LED Light Assembly
Log Assembly
FM50 LED Mantel Side Panels
FM60 LED Mantel Side Panels
1. Introduction Table of Contents
1. Introduction/Table of Contents ..................................1
2. Replacement Part - Appliance Diagram.....................1
3. Replacement Instructions
3.1 Mantel Side Panels Replacement............................. 3
3.2 Mantel Removal and Install (FM43).......................... 3
3.3 Mantel Removal and Install (FM50/FM60)................ 3
3.4 Heater Assembly Replacement................................. 4
3.5 Control Board Replacement...................................... 5
3.6 Accent LED Replacement..................... ................... 6
3.7 Log Assembly Replacement...................................... 6
4. Troubleshooting Guide.............................................. 7
2. Replacement Part - Appliance Diagram
LED Mantel Side
Panel (FM50/FM60)
Heater Assembly
Control Board
Assembly
LED Mantel Side
Panel (FM50/FM60)
Under Lighting
Assembly (FM43 Only)
NOTICE! DO NOT discard any hardware while
servicing. Some hardware must be reused.

SimpliFire • SF-FORMAT36 Service Manual • 2042-961 • 9/212
3. Replacement Instructions
CAUTION! Risk of Cuts, Abrasions or Flying Debris.
Wear protective gloves and safety glasses during
installation and service. Sheet metal edges are sharp.
WARNING: If the information in these
instructions is not followed exactly
it may result in personal injury and/or
property damage.
Tools and Supplies Needed
Before beginning the installation be sure that the following
tools and building supplies are available.
Magnetic Phillips screwdriver
Needle nose pliers
Gloves
Safety glasses
Mantel Side Panels Replacement
3.1 Mantel Side Panel Removal:
Refer to Mantel Instructions for more detail.
1. Disconnect electrical service to the appliance. For
hardwired electrical installations, nd and shut-off
service at the breaker. For installations that use a
corded plug, disconnect the cord from the receptacle.
2. Remove two (2) screws securing the side panels to
the top mantel. See Figure 1.
3. Remove two (2) thumb screws securing the mantel to
the appliance. See Figure 2.
4. Slide mantel top off of appliance.
5. Slide side panels up and away from bottom mantel
and wall. Unplug the LED wire connector from each
side panel. Discard the old side panels.
WARNING! Risk of Shock!
Always disconnect power before
disassembly or servicing.
Figure 1 Side Panel Screw Location
Figure 2 Thumb Screw Location

3
SimpliFire • SF-FORMAT36 Service Manual • 2042-961 • 9/21
3.3 Mantel Removal and Install (For FM50 &
FM60 mantels)
Refer to the Mantel Installation Instructions in the
appliance manual for more detail.
Mantel Removal (with Side Panels)
1. Disconnect electrical service to the appliance. For
hardwired electrical installations, nd and shut-off
service at the breaker. For installations that use a
corded plug, disconnect the cord from the receptacle.
2. Remove two (2) screws that secure the side panels
to the top mantel. See Figure 1.
3. Remove two (2) thumb screws, securing the top
mantel to the appliance. See Figure 2.
4. Slide top mantel off of appliance.
5. Slide side panels up and away from wall and bottom
mantel.
6. Unplug the LED wire connectors from each side
panel.
7. Remove two (2) screws from bottom of bottom
mantel, securing it to the appliance.
8. Slide bottom mantel forward slightly, and unplug wire
harness from appliance to mantel.
9. Slide bottom mantel off of appliance.
3.1 Mantel Side Panels Replacement (continued)
Mantel Side Panel Installation:
1. Plug the LED wire connector from each side panel
into the connector on the bottom mantel.
2. Ensuring the side panels are at against the wall,
slide each side panel into the bottom mantel.
3. Replace the top mantel.
4. Secure side panels to top mantel with two (2) screws .
See Figure 1.
5. Replace the thumb screws, securing the top mantel to
the appliance. See Figure 2.
6. Plug in the appliance power cord, or for hardwired
installations restore power at the breaker.
3.2 Mantel Removal and Install (For FM43
mantels)
Mantel Removal: (No Side Panels)
1. Disconnect electrical service to the appliance. For
hardwired electrical installations, nd and shut-off
service at the breaker. For installations that use a
corded plug, disconnect the cord from the receptacle.
2. Remove two (2) thumb screws securing the mantel to
the appliance. See Figure 2.
3. Slide top mantel off of appliance.
4. Remove two (2) screws on the bottom mantel top
securing it to the appliance.
5. Slide bottom mantel forward slightly, and unplug wire
harness from appliance to mantel.
6. Slide bottom mantel off of appliance.
Mantel Install: (No Side Panels)
Refer to the Mantel Installation Instructions in the
appliance manual for more detail.
1. Slide bottom mantel onto appliance.
2. Plug in wire harness from bottom mantel into appli-
ance.
3. Replace two (2) screws securing the bottom mantel to
the appliance.
4. Slide top mantel onto appliance.
5. Secure top mantel to appliance with two (2) thumb
screws. See Figure 2.
6. Plug in the appliance power cord, or for hardwired
installations restore power at the breaker.
Mantel Install (with Side Panels)
1. Slide bottom mantel onto appliance.
2. Plug the LED wire connector from mantel to appli-
ance.
3. Secure bottom mantel to appliance with two (2)
screws.
4. Plug each side panel into the LED wire connectors
on bottom mantel.
5. Slide each side panel into place on bottom mantel.
6. Slide top mantel onto appliance.
7. Secure side panels to top mantel with two (2) screws.
8. Secure top mantel to appliance with two (2) thumb
screws.
9. Plug in the appliance power cord, or for hardwired
installations restore power at the breaker.

SimpliFire • SF-FORMAT36 Service Manual • 2042-961 • 9/214
3.4 Heater Assembly Replacement
1. Disconnect electrical service to the appliance. For
hardwired electrical installations, nd and shut-off
service at the breaker. For installations that use a
corded plug, disconnect the cord from the receptacle.
2. Refer to Mantel Removal Instructions.
3. Follow the Mantel Removal Instructions above, to
remove the top mantel.
4. Remove twelve (12) screws from top panel of appli-
ance, and remove top panel. See Figure 3.
5. Unplug heater assembly wire harness. See Figure 4.
6. Remove four (4) screws, securing the heater assem-
bly to the appliance. See Figure 5.
7. Remove and discard heater assembly.
8. Attach new heater assembly to appliance with four
(4) screws. See Figure 5.
9. Plug in heater assembly. See Figure 4.
10. Secure top panel to replace with twelve (12)
screws. See Figure 3.
11. Refer to Mantel Installation Instructions to re-install
the mantel.
12. Plug in the appliance power cord, or for hardwired
installations restore power at the breaker.
Figure 3 Appliance top panel removal showing left side screws (6
shown, 12 total)
Figure 4 Heater assembly wire harness
Figure 5 Heater assembly, screw removal location

5
SimpliFire • SF-FORMAT36 Service Manual • 2042-961 • 9/21
3.5 Control Board Replacement
1. Disconnect electrical service to the appliance. For
hardwired electrical installations, nd and shut-off
service at the breaker. For installations that use a
corded plug, disconnect the cord from the receptacle.
2. Locate the appropriate mantle removal instructions
above, according to the model.
3. Follow the instructions to remove the top mantel.
4. Remove twelve (12) screws from top panel of appli-
ance, and remove top panel. See Figure 3.
Figure 6 Control Board (PCB) / Wire Connectors
5. Making note of the connector locations, unplug
THE (PCB) CONNECTIONS AS NOTED IN THE
FOLLOWING STEPS. SEE FIGURE 6.
6. Unplug the two (2) large wire connectors. See Figure 6.
7. Remove the two (2) spade terminals from the back of
the rocker switch. See Figure 6.
8. Remove two (2) screws securing the control board to
the appliance. See Figure 6.
9. With a pliers compress the two (2) alignment pins to
release the PCB from the appliance. Remove PCB
and discard.
UNPLUG CONNECTOR
FROM HEATER ASSEMBLY
REMOVE CONNECTORS (7)
FROM PCB
UNPLUG CONNECTOR FROM
A/C LINE IN CONNECTOR
REMOVE SPADE TERMINALS
(2) FROM ROCKER SWITCH
DO NOT REMOVE SPADE
TERMINALS FROM PCB
1
2
34
5
67
TWO (2) SCREWS
TWO (2)
ALIGNMENT
PINS

SimpliFire • SF-FORMAT36 Service Manual • 2042-961 • 9/216
3.5 Control Board Replacement (continued)
10. If replacing the Rocker Switch, squeeze the side
anges to push it down and out of the mounting hole.
Install the new rocker switch included with the replac-
ment PCB by pushing it up into the mounting hole
from below.
Figure 7 Remove / Replace Button Control Board
11. If replacing the Button Control Board, remove the
two (2) screws. See Figure 7. Unplug the wire con-
nector attaching it to the PCB, replace with the but-
ton control board included with the replacement
PCB.
Installing the Replacement Control Board
1. Install the new PCB by aligning the holes on the
board to the two (2) pins on the appliance.
2. Install two (2) screws securing the PCB to the appli-
ance.
3. Reconnect all the removed connections. See Figure 6.
4. Replace top panel 12 screws. See Figure 3.
5. Refer to Mantel Installation Instructions to re-install
the mantel.
6. Plug in the appliance power cord, or for hardwired
installations restore power at the breaker.
REMOVE TWO (2) SCREWSREMOVE TWO (2) SCREWS
3.6 Accent LED Replacement
1. Disconnect electrical service to the appliance. For
hardwired electrical installations, nd and shut-off
service at the breaker. For installations that use a
corded plug, disconnect the cord from the receptacle.
2. Remove two (2) screws securing the bottom mantel
to the appliance.
3. Unplug Accent LED strip from appliance.
4. Slide mantel off of appliance.
5. Remove two (2) screws securing the Accent LED
light strip to the bottom mantel. See Figure 8.
6. Remove Accent LED light strip and discard.
7. Install new Accent LED light strip.
8. Secure Accent LED light strip with two (2) screws.
9. Slide bottom mantel onto appliance.
10. Plug the Accent LED light strip into appliance
11. Secure bottom mantel to appliance with two (2)
screws.
12. Plug in the appliance power cord, or for hardwired
installations restore power at the breaker.
Figure 8 Lower Mantel Accent LED Light Strip Screw Locations
3.7 Log Assembly Replacement
1. To replace the Log Assembly, Remove from packag-
ing.
2. Remove any media or lift and remove the existing
Log Assembly from the appliance fuel bed.
3. Place the new Log Assembly directly on the appli-
ance fuel bed surface. The Log Assembly is not
fastened in place.

7
SimpliFire • SF-FORMAT36 Service Manual • 2042-961 • 9/21
Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action
Circuit breaker trips or fuse
blows when appliance is
turned on
Exceeding current rating of the
circuit breaker or fuse, perhaps from
operating other appliances on the
same circuit as the appliance
Install appliance onto a dedicated 15 amp circuit.
Lights in room dim while the
appliance is on
Appliance is drawing close to circuit
current rating Install appliance onto a dedicated 15 amp circuit.
Appliance will not come
on when using the manual
controls on the appliance
Appliance is not plugged into an
electrical outlet Ensure plug is connected to a working outlet.
Hard-wire connections not correct (if
applicable) Review wiring instructions to ensure correct connection.
No incoming power from the electrical
outlet or electrical box Check fuse/breaker panel.
Defect in control board (PCB) Replace the control board (PCB).
Remote control does not work
Low/dead batteries Replace batteries in the remote.
Remote receiver is blocked, or remote
is not pointed directly at the receiver.
Ensure receiver is not blocked. Move closer to the
appliance.
Appliance power switch is in the off
"O" position (if equipped) Turn the power switch on, to the "I" position (if equipped).
Remote control malfunction Replace remote control
Control board (PCB) malfunction Replace control board (PCB).
Heater will not turn on, but
ame is functioning
Remote is in thermostat mode and
room temperature (temperature at
appliance thermistor) is higher than
the set point on the remote
Increase thermostat set point on the remote, or exit
thermostat mode (toggle the thermostat button until no
temperature set point is displayed on the remote). See
"Room Temperature and Thermostat Function" section of
the manual.
Appliance has overheated and safety
thermal switch has tripped
Unplug or turn off power at circuit breaker and allow it to
cool for 15 minutes. Then plug in the appliance or turn
power back on at circuit breaker and turn appliance back
on.
Defective main control board Replace control board (PCB).
Defective heater assembly Replace heater assembly.
Heater shuts off automatically
or won’t stay on
Room temperature (temperature at
the appliance thermistor) is higher
than the set point on the remote
Increase thermostat set point on the remote, or exit
thermostat mode (press the thermostat button until no
temperature set point is displayed on the remote). See
"Room Temperature and Thermostat Function" section of
the manual.
Appliance has overheated and safety
thermal switch has tripped
Unplug or turn off power at circuit breaker and allow it to
cool for 15 minutes. Then plug in the appliance or turn
power back on at circuit breaker and turn appliance back
on.
Heater emits an odor Normal operation
It is normal for the heater to emit an odor for a brief
amount of time after turning on. It is burning off dust that
has accumulated on the heater.
Flame does not move at all Flame rotisserie motor is stalled or
malfunctioning
Cycle appliance on or off. If problem persists inspect
rotisserie and motor for blockage or interference. If no
interference, replace the control board (PCB).
Flame shudder
Flame rotisserie contacting other
internal components when spinning Contact Dealer / Replace Appliance
Defective ame rotisserie motor Contact Dealer / Replace Appliance
4. Troubleshooting Guide

SimpliFire • SF-FORMAT36 Service Manual • 2042-961 • 9/218
SimpliFire, a brand of Hearth & Home Technologies
7571 215th Street West, Lakeville, MN 55044
www.hearthnhome.com
Troubleshooting Guide (continued)
Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action
Fuel bed does not light up
Fuel bed is turned off Refer to operation section of the user manual.
Loose wiring Check wiring to fuel bed LEDs.
Defective control board (PCB) Replace control board (PCB).
Defective LED lights Contact Dealer / Replace Appliance
Appliance turns on by itself
Defective control board (PCB) Replace control board (PCB).
Similar infrared signal from another
remote causing appliance to turn on
(pre-2019 manufactured appliances
only)
Some TV remotes may cause the appliance to turn on for
appliances manufactured before 2019. Replace control
board (PCB).
Excessive noise with heater on Interference with fan blade Inspect heater assembly and fan for obstructions or
interference.
Defective blower motor Replace heater assembly.
Grinding or rubbing noise
(when heater is off)
Rotisserie hitting or rubbing against
internal components Contact Dealer / Replace Appliance