My rival rice cooker does not work. i plug it in and try to turn it on - the lights don't turn on and the unit apparently doesn't heat up or work at all. tried different outlet - same result. should i trash it?

Rival Brand Customer Service 1-800-557-4825

https://www.rivalproducts.com/contactus?cid=contact-us

http://www.manualslib.com/brand/rival

The Manual for the Rival RCS200 Rice Cooker can be found here:
http://www.rivalproducts.com/manuals/MANUALS/RCS200_43_68557881.PDF
Make sure you are following the directions for the correct amount of water to rice.
It could be that your unit is not switching from cooking to warming at completion of the cooking cycle. It should automaticaly turn to the Keep Warm Setting when it detects a temperature of 212 degrees F.
The manual advises that there are no servicable parts. If this is a new appliance I would recommend returning it to the point of purchase. If this is not possible try contacting Rival Customer Service to see if they are willing to assist with replacement or repair: See here:

https://secure.rivalproducts.com/ContactUs.aspx

There is a heat sensitive switch attached to the inner pot. It is very small, it turns the heat off when the pot reaches boiling temp. If it is open, replace it. They come in different temps, so get the right one. This one is supposed to open at 212 degrees, f. You will find a similar one in a Mr. Coffee, it switches the pot from boil to keep.

Try to replace AC cord, then plug to another live wall outlet if not working, problem is inside the unit,remove to to the outlet, carefully open the bottom side check wiring connection for loss connected, or Bring your Unit to the nearest Qualified technicians.

Diode?
u must've mean THERMAL cut off fuse?
The fuse cut off power to HEAT up ur rice cooker, changing it w/ the same temp code will fix ur rice cooker!

This a bad unit. You sould return for an exchange. There is thermo strip inside to control cooking time and to change the stage of ON/WARM light when it reaches the calibration point depending on the weight of rice to cook. Now it is not working.

if you still have the reciept the best thing that i would suggest is to take it back to the store or call the manufacturer and they will send you out another under warranty cause there should be a 1 year warranty on the unit.

Mine just did as well today. Thought I blew a fuse, but no, just not working, although it did finish the pot of rice.

Here's all the info I've been able to find:

The older Rival rice cooker steamer should have a base, a lid, steamer basket, and rice bowl.

To cook rice, fill center basin of base with water. Place the rice bowl on basin. Add rice and water as follows. For white rice add water in a 1:1 ratio to rice plus 1/2 cup. For brown rice add water in a 1:1 ratio to rice plus 3/4 cup. Examples: 1 cup white rice, 1-1/2 cup water; 2 cups brown rice, 2-3/4 cups water. Put lid on and plug in and in about 50 minutes you should have delicious rice.

Timing is Everything
Whether using the Rival Steamer for a main dish or for a side dish, cooking is easy. But not Fast. Rice and steamed vegetables actually take twice as long to cook in this steamer. The simplicity comes since you add your rice or vegetables in one step. No waiting for one thing to happen before you can do the next. Put water and fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry or rice in the basket or bowl that come with the unit, cover, plug in and wait for the light to go off per the timing chart.
1/4 cup water takes 6 -7 minutes
1/2 cup water takes 10-12 minutes
3/4 cup water takes 16-17 minutes
1 cup water takes 19-22 minutes
1.25 cups water takes 24-26 minutes
1.5 cups water takes 26-30 minutes
2 cups water takes 38-39 minutes
2.5 cups water takes 43-44 minutes
3 cups water (max fill) takes 45-50 minutes.

Steamed Chocolate Pudding (From the Rival Steamer Guide)
3/4 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1.5 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup chopped nuts
Sift together flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. Cream butter and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add sugar, beat well. Add egg and melted chocolate; blend well. Add milk alternately with dry ingredients and beat until smooth. Fold nuts into batter. Pour into greased 8"x4" loaf pan. Cover pan with aluminum foil. Place pan in steamer basket. Cover and steam until wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Serve warm with **Marshmallow Cream Sauce. Water: 1 cup. Time: 19-22 min.

**Marshmallow Cream Sauce:
16 large marshmallows
1/3 cup cream
In a small saucepan, combine ingredients and melt over low heat. Serve over Steamed Chocolate Pudding.