When we redid our kitchen a while back, based on the recommendation of our architect we put in extensive duct work to vent the kitchen externally. Quite a feat when your apartment is 25 stories up. As we had the ability to move a lot of air, we opted for a Viking range with a grill insert. Its been great. Been able to grill all sorts of things indoors regardless of the weather. Makes grilling steak or chicken with a fantastic char easy. The set up at the time cost the equivalent of a small car.
Fast forward 10+ years and I have a minor issue that has turned into a staggering cost. The particular range is no longer produced. The selector switch no longer works and needs to be replaced. The selector switch is used to pick the various functions of the range. The part is no longer produced and hasn’t been since 2018. I can’t find it anywhere. Apparently when a range is as costly as this was, not a lot are sold compared to a typical Amana range for example. Basically there is no after market in parts as there isn’t enough demand to support it.
So what I have been told is due to the lack of what was a ~$100 part the range can’t be repaired. I was told my option was to buy another range. The updated replacement model is $14,000. Ouch. Only the cost of a used car. I’m mulling over my options but I am thinking I will stay away from the updated Viking for fear of what happens when that becomes a legacy model which needs a repair.
If any of you happen to come across Viking part PJ030015, let me know. I will pay up for it. LOL
Have you looked for your model Viking stove being sold for parts/repair or junked? It may be possible to pull the part you need from one without buying the whole shebang.
Also, do a search for the part number on eBay, then save the search with email notification if one turns up. You could do the same for your Viking stove model.
What about finding someone who can finesse a repair of the existing switch? It looks like it is more mechanical than electronic. Maybe a machinist, a mechanical engineer, a watchmaker, or somebody with a 3D printer? It might take some work to find someone with the exact skills needed, but if you do and even if they need to fabricate some parts, might only be a few hundred bucks. Not spending $14K is a good motivation for a thorough talent search.
Thank you for the advice! I am so sorry this happened to you. This sounds like my bad experiences with new cars. Best of luck and I hope you can find a wizard who can fix it for you!
Reworking the old switch is a good idea. 5-10 years ago an essential plug-in on my house’s old electrical panel failed. The electrician came and told me that switch was no longer available. Instead of a very expensive new panel, he provided a used switch that had been reworked to proper function and took my defective switch for repair.
From the pictures, this appears to be a mechanical switch.
I did some digging and I’m wondering if a PJ030010 or a PJ030034 could be slightly modified to work.
