Can you light a gas oven if the igniter is not working?

Author: Reece Hayes  |  Last update: Monday, May 26, 2025

The igniter is the key component of a gas oven. If you have a faulty igniter, many of the other components will not work and the oven will not turn on.

Can you light an oven if the igniter is not working?

Yes it's fine. If you have the igniter out of the circuit no gas will come out in that oven even if you accidentally turned it on.

How do you light a gas oven without an igniter?

Light a long match with your hand that isn't holding the oven knob, or use a lighter with a long tip (like a BBQ lighter). Slowly move the flame towards the pilot light hole until it lights. If you only have small matches, you can light one and drop it into the hole to be safe.

Can you manually light a gas stove with electronic ignition?

yes,, you can do. In the case of a power outage, you can light the surface burners with a match on your electric ignition gas or dual fuel range or gas cooktop. Hold a lighted match to the burner, then turn the knob to the low position.

Is it safe to manually light a gas oven?

Do not attempt to manually light ovens, griddles, French tops, and charbroilers without power, as they are higher output. It is also more difficult to reach their ignition areas with matches. Caution: For safety reasons, only manually light gas surface burners without power.

Testing a faulty ignitor on your range or oven. Troubleshooting a gas odor.

Can you light a gas oven when the power is out?

In the case of a power outage, you can light the surface burners on an Electric Ignition Gas Cooktop or Gas/Dual Fuel Range using a match. While the surface burners may be lit using a match, the oven cannot be manually lit when there is a power outage.

Why won't my stove igniter work?

The most common reason a gas stove won't light is that the igniter is clogged with debris. Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on the igniter and prevent it from sparking. If this is the case, you'll need to clean it off in order for the stove to work properly.

Can I use gas stove without igniter?

Your ability to manually light your gas stove's burner will depend on the make and model of your appliance, since your stove may have a safety feature that prevents it. Remember, while you may be able to use your cooktop, you won't be able to use your gas oven, since it needs an electric ignition to get going.

Can you light a gas stove with an electric lighter?

Long-neck design electric lighters are highly versatile. They are long and can safely light a barbecue grill or gas stove. With their long neck, your fingers will be far away from the heat, making them safer than matches or traditional lighters.

Do all gas stoves have electric ignition?

Gas ranges and cooktops typically use electronic igniters instead of standing pilots. Depending on the model, you may be able to manually light your cooktop burner during a power outage, however, you won't be able to use your gas oven. Check your owner's manual to be sure and for more detailed instructions.

What happens when oven igniter fails?

However, one of the most worrisome parts to go faulty is the igniter in your oven. Not only will a faulty igniter mean your oven will not produce any flame or heat, but it could mean that it continues to release natural gas as it tries to ignite.

How long does a gas oven igniter last?

Have you noticed your gas oven is taking too long to heat up, or it no longer heats at all? There's a 95 percent chance you just need to replace a $25 igniter. Gas oven igniters last around eight years.

Can you clean a gas oven igniter?

Inspect the pilot hole and use a wooden toothpick to clean it out. If the buildup is excessive and cannot be removed, you will need to replace the igniter to restore your gas oven. Once you are done cleaning, turn on the oven and observe the igniter to see if it glows red-hot during the ignition process.

How to fix a gas oven igniter?

3. Remove and replace the gas igniter
  1. Unplug the two wires or the wire harness from the igniter.
  2. Unscrew the two screws that hold the igniter in place.
  3. Remove the igniter from the oven.
  4. Carefully position the new igniter in the same position as the old one.
  5. Secure the igniter with the same two screws.

How much does it cost to replace a gas oven igniter?

A gas oven igniter replacement costs $150 to $325 on average, depending on the brand and model. A new oven igniter costs $20 to $50 for the part alone. A broken igniter results in the oven not heating, clicking noises without lighting the gas, and gas leaks.

Will my oven still work if the light is broken?

Technically, yes your oven should still get hot if your light has stopped working. However, it will make your life considerably more difficult. You won't be able to identify whether or not your appliance is on, and you won't be able to tell when your food is cooked as easily!

Can you light a gas oven manually?

Use a grill lighter or long match to light the pilot light valve at the bottom of the oven. Some ovens are designed to be manually lit at each use. In this case, slowly turn the temperature knob while holding the flame to the pilot light valve. Close the oven door after the pilot light ignites.

What is manual ignition in a gas stove?

Gas stoves are of two types based on the ignition- manual and auto. Manual needs a lighter or matchbox while automatic just has to be ignited by a knob.

Can you replace igniter on gas stove?

If you're handy with tools and have a knack for tinkering, replacing a gas stove igniter is a manageable task.

Why is my gas stove igniter clicking but not sparking?

Clean and Dry the Burner

Why is your gas stove clicking but not lighting? There may be excess moisture in the burner. This can occur when a pot boils over, after grease spills, or post-cleaning. To dry everything thoroughly, remove the burner cap and let it air out.

What causes oven igniter to fail?

If an HSI is exposed to higher voltages than it's supposed to receive, they will surely break sooner than they should. An 80-volt HSI should have about 80 volts applied to it. Applying 120 volts to that HSI will cause it break, and sometimes almost immediately.

Why is my gas stove working but not my oven?

If your gas oven won't turn on but the stove still works, you're in the right place. Thankfully, most of the time this problem is caused by either a problem with your power, the gas, the gas igniter, the burners, or in rare cases the temperature control thermostat.

How do you fix an igniter that doesn't spark?

Gas Stove Not Lighting: No Spark
  1. Soak a cotton swab in alcohol and clean the white porcelain igniter thoroughly. Also clean the metal burner cap with a cotton swab.
  2. Try the burner again. If you still hear clicking but don't see a spark then it's time to try option three, thorough cleaning of the metal burner head parts.

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