My Rowenta Autosteam 1700W max iron is not keeping the water heated during steam iron use. The light comes on about every 20 seconds, stays on for 10 seconds, and then turns off again. I've tried ironing through the light on, and the iron does, indeed, leak. Why won't the steam water stay properly heated? It is making ironing a very time-consuming and tedious task. Thank you for your help with this problem.

They do not publish such diagrams for this type of product.

I have provided a link to a manual that seems to belong to your model. But unsure what features your model has. This is not available for some reason at the Rowenta USA website.
Refer page 7 of the manual available at this site
http://laundry.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/rowenta/1103898336__4605.html?p=1

Self Clean - prolongs the life of the iron
The Self clean function flushes dirt and scale particles
out of the steam chamber.
To operate:
• Fill the tank with untreated tap water up to the maximum
mark and heat the iron to max. temperature.
• Unplug from the mains.
• Hold iron over a sink horizontally, push the steam control
3 past the position and into the Self Clean position
and hold it there: steam will now begin to build up.
After a few seconds water and steam will emerge from
the soleplate, rinsing dirt and scale particles out of the
steam chamber.

After approx. 1 minute move the steam control slide to
the position.
• Insert mains plug and allow the iron to heat up again.
• Wait until the remaining water has evaporated.
• Unplug from the mains and allow iron to fully cool
down.
• When cool, the soleplate can be wiped with a damp
cloth.
We recommend using the Self Clean function approx.
Every 2 weeks. If the water is very hard, the iron should
be cleaned weekly.
Self Clean Valve
The self clean valve prevents the drip hole into the steam
chamber from furring or blocking up. To ensure the iron
continues to function properly, open and close the valve
by sliding the steam control to max then min a few times
after use.

You need to follow the instructions for the iron. Rowenta make a excellent iron but it's water tank and steam chamber need to be cleaned and rinsed out, say every third use depending on how much you use it. Also, allow the iron to reach FULL TEMPRATURE before you use it.

follow this section troubleshooting and fix it. God bless you
Clean an iron:

1. Unplug the iron and make sure it is cool before cleaning.
2. Use a toothpick or pipe cleaner to remove buildup in the steam vents, making sure the debris doesn't fall into the vents.
3. Use a fine sewing needle to carefully clean the spray nozzle of mineral deposits.
4. To flush sediment from a steam iron, pour 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup vinegar into the water tank. Place the iron on a rack over a broiling pan and set the iron to steam until the tank runs dry. Repeat if necessary. Or follow the instructions for using a commercial iron cleaner.

Service the steam and spray mechanism:

1. Unplug the iron.
2. Use a fine sewing needle to unclog the steam valve assembly. Also, check the valve spring and replace it if it is broken or has lost tension.
3. If the spray pump is accessible, remove it and check for leaks by placing the spray tube in water and squirting the pump. Clean or replace as needed.

the power light stays on but steam only comes out for 30 second.and it takes few minutes to steam again.

Possible that there is corrosion inside the steamer unit . The best is to keep filling and puttingthe set on till the dirt ceases to come over.
It can be due to even some foreign particles that is lodged in and making is combine with steam to produce the dirt colour.
If you can use a flexible bowden to clean into the holes just to see if there is any block it will be useful.

Hi,
Try using different water...

Here is a tip that will help you with that problem...

My Steam Iron is Leaking Water
http://www.fixya.com/support/r5301301-steam_iron_leaking_water

heatman101

The problem is with the iron's thermostat which controls the temperature of the iron

Hi,
Try using different water...

Here is a tip that will help you with that problem...

My Steam Iron is Leaking Water
http://www.fixya.com/support/r5301301-steam_iron_leaking_water

heatman101

Hi,

The electronic device is faulty and need to change inorder for the iron to work properly.

Regards
alan