How do I know if my oven ignitor is bad?

Author: Maurine Ferry  |  Last update: Thursday, September 4, 2025

Signs of a Faulty Igniter No Ignition or No Glow: If the oven doesn't ignite at all or if the flame is weak, it could be a sign of a malfunctioning igniter. Check to see if the igniter is glowing red-hot when the oven is turned on. If it's not, it has likely gone bad.

Can I light my gas oven if the igniter is bad?

Comments Section It will not do any harm, but if the burner is lit, then the ignitor is not the problem. if it is a glow type ignitor, it may glow but not get hot enough to light the burner. they wear out over time but look like they still work. Replace your oven igniter.

How much does it cost to replace an oven igniter?

Igniter. You'll pay $150 to $250 to repair the igniter. Igniters are crucial parts of gas ovens, as they are responsible for igniting the gas to give heat and cook your food. So, if the igniter is faulty, the oven simply won't heat, but it's dangerous, too, because it can result in gas leaks.

What would cause a gas oven not to ignite?

Simple issues like grease or debris buildup or the age of the appliance may affect a gas oven's ability to ignite. If replacing the igniter isn't possible, you may need to consider purchasing a new oven.

Do oven igniters wear out?

A gas oven igniter works by sparking and heating the gas emitted from the oven, so without it, the oven will not be able to produce heat. However, as so much rests on this little igniter, they are prone to a bit of wear and tear.

The Most Common Reason Why A Gas Furnace Won't Turn On

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.

Why is my stove working but not my oven?

If you're experiencing an issue where your oven won't turn on but the stove works, there could be a few possible causes. The reasons may include problems with your power supply, gas supply, gas igniter or electric oven heating elements.

Does the oven igniter turn the oven gas on?

In a gas oven, the igniter is responsible for starting the process that produces the flame needed to heat the oven. When you turn on the oven, the igniter begins to heat up rapidly. Once it reaches a certain temperature, it triggers the gas valve to open, allowing gas to flow into the burner.

How do I know if my electric igniter is bad?

Signs of a Faulty Ignitor
  1. Short-cycling: your furnace turns ON and OFF.
  2. Cold air: your furnace blows cold instead of warm air.
  3. No air: your furnace doesn't produce any air.
  4. Short-circuiting: your furnace keeps tripping the breaker.
  5. Unusual activity: your furnace produces strange sounds and smells.

Does a new oven igniter smell?

An oven's igniter produces the energy that ignites the gas, preparing the oven to heat to your selected temperature. While it's normal to catch a whiff of gas when you first switch your oven on, you shouldn't smell it the whole time it runs.

Why is my oven igniter not clicking?

The Spark Module Is Broken

The spark module provides power to the igniter, which lights the stove. When it's broken or not functioning properly, you probably won't hear the stove clicking and have no spark.

How to clean an oven ignitor?

How To Clean Oven Igniter (Step-By-Step Guide)
  1. Step 1: Turn Off The Power And Gas Supply. ...
  2. Step 2: Access The Igniter. ...
  3. Step 3: Inspect The Igniter. ...
  4. Step 4: Clean The Oven Igniter With A Toothbrush. ...
  5. Step 5: Clean The Pilot Hole. ...
  6. Step 6: Reassemble And Test. ...
  7. Step 7: Replace The Igniter If Oven Still Doesn't Ignite.

What is the life expectancy of an igniter?

Because of this, igniters have a 3-5 year life expectancy. They will eventually crack and need to be replaced. If you suspect that you have a damaged HSI, you will most likely be able to change the part yourself. Like a light bulb, they are a regular replacement item.

What is the life expectancy of a range oven?

A wall oven or range typically lasts about 16 years if it's properly maintained. Even though oven lifespan varies, you may reasonably expect that your oven will work for more than a decade—even two decades on the higher end of the spectrum.

Can I replace the oven igniter?

The first thing you need to do before replacing your igniter is to purchase a replacement part. These can be found at all major hardware retailers and many online stores. Just make sure you double-check you're purchasing the correct part, or you'll need to return it.

How do you test an oven gas igniter?

Take one probe and place on one terminal, then place the other probe on the second terminal. If there is continuity, your multimeter should register between 0-1100 ohms. If your multimeter does not register in this range then your ignitor has lost continuity and needs to be replaced.

How do I reset my igniter?

Reset The Furnace Ignitor

Find the burner door on the furnace and look behind it to find the ignitor. Turn it to “OFF” and wait for five minutes. After you wait, turn it back on and return the door to the burner. It is important to make sure the switch on the door is properly engaged.

How much does it cost to replace a faulty 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.

What are the symptoms of a bad gas oven igniter?

Check the Igniter

If your oven's igniter doesn't glow hot enough to light the gas from its burner, the oven will not light and you'll likely smell a little gas.

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 long should a gas oven igniter last?

About three months. Adjusted spark, igniter, prongs at gas burner in oven.

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