Jiffy Steamers

Trouble Shooting

Please select your model:

J-1
J-2
J-2000

J-3
J-4
J-4000

To submit a question of your own, click here and a Jiffy Steamer representative will assist you as soon as possible.

Click here to download PDF version.

ESTEAM

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE CAUSE	SOLUTION
Steamer works poorly or cycles ON and OFF while steaming.	The unit has sediment build-up and needs a thorough cleaning. Possible thermostat trouble.	Use Jiffy Liquid Cleaner to clean off element. A small brush may be needed to help scrub unit. Replace thermostat on unit.
The red indicator light illuminates but the unit never heats or steams.	Possible blown fusible link wire. Possible blown element.	Replace fusible link wire or replace element in units. This may be done by you, an authorized repair center, or by a Jiffy Steamer Company technician.
The unit spits water from steam cap.	The unit is being over-filled. The unit needs to be cleaned out inside tank and cap.	Do not over-fill unit above max water mark indicated on side of unit. For best results from your steamer, use Jiffy Liquid Cleaner periodically to remove sediment deposits from your water (every 3 to 4 months) depending on how much the unit is used.

J-1, J-2, J-2000

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE CAUSE	SOLUTION
Steamer works poorly or cycles ON and OFF while steaming.	The unit probably needs a thorough cleaning. Possible thermostat trouble.	Jiffy Liquid Cleaner may solve the problem, but manual cleaning is the best solution at this point. The heating element must be disassembled and cleaned out manually.
The green indicator light does not illuminate when turned to ON position.	Fuse wire is bad. The cordset is bad. Wires may be disconnected. The switch is bad. The unit is not plugged in. The outlet may be defective or inoperable.	Check the unit's current flow and replace defective part. This may be done by you, an authorized repair center, or by a Jiffy Steamer Company Technician. Try to plug the unit into another outlet.
On units purchased in 1986 and before, the red indicator light illuminates but the unit never heats or steams.	The heating element may be bad.	Replace the heating element with new heating unit kit. This may be done by you, an authorized repair center, or by a Jiffy Steamer Company technician.
The steamer spits water from the steam head.	The steam head may be cracked or damaged. The rod set is not fully assembled (three sections for most models and four sections for drapery streamers).	Replace head once signs of excess wear are apparent. Make sure the hose is straight and that it has no kinks which may trap condensation in the hose.
Unit does not produce steam when green indicator light is on.	Check water level to make sure unit is not out of water. Heating element may be bad. Wire may be disconnected.	Turn unit off, allow cool down period and refill water container. Check unit with a voltage meter (if qualified

J-3, J-4, J-4000

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE CAUSE	SOLUTION
The red indicator light remains ON for over 20 minutes, but no steam is produced from the unit at the STEAM setting.	The heating element may be bad. Control may be bad. (J-4000) Check water level.	Replace the heating element and reseal the tank assembly with high temperature silicone.
The red indicator light does not illuminate when the switch is turned to the PREHEAT or STEAM setting.	Fuse wire is bad. The cordset is bad. Wires may be disconnected. The switch is bad. The unit is not plugged in.	Check the unit's current flow and replace defective part. This may be done by you, an authorized repair center, or by a Jiffy Steamer Company Technician.
The red indicator light works on the PREHEAT or STEAM setting, but not on both.	Wires may be disconnected. The switch is bad. The L170 control thermostat is bad.	Reconnect wires or replace defective part. This may be done by you, an authorized repair center, or by a Jiffy Steamer Company technician.
The steamer spits water from the steam head.	The steam head has a crack or blemish. Hard water sediment has built up in the head. The unit has been overfilled (4 quarts maximum). The rod set is not fully assembled (three sections for most models and four sections for drapery steamers).	Replace head once signs of excess wear are apparent. Never fill the steamer with more than 4 quarts. Make sure the hose is straight and that it has no kinks which may trap condensation in the hose.
The steamer leaks water at the base of the unit.	There may be a hole in the tank (most common with older model units using aluminum tanks). The brass couple between the hose and unit may be loose. The silicone sealant around the tank assembly is leaking.	The faulty tank must be replaced with a new stainless steel tank. This involves replacing the tank, lid, and housing. This task is best serviced by a Jiffy Steamer Company technician. Tighten hose couple with a wrench. Reseal the tank and lid with a high heat silicone.