Oven igniters usually fail because their brittle internal elements degrade from constant thermal stress, voltage surges, or contamination from grease and cleaning chemicals. Over time, this wear prevents the igniter from drawing enough electrical current to open the gas safety valve, resulting in a cold, unheated oven.
A spark igniter electrode is made of metal and the base of the igniter is ceramic. This ceramic base can withstand the high temperatures put out by the burners. The ceramic is fragile and over time may crack or may have other damages and it may be shorting to ground and unable to ignite the gas flame.
Gas oven igniters typically last 3 to 8 years, heavily depending on frequency of use. Because they degrade with every heating cycle, heavy use or baking at very high temperatures will shorten their lifespan compared to light, occasional use.
A gas oven igniter replacement costs $150 to $350 on average, depending on your appliance's make, model, and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.
To fix an oven light that won't turn on, safely replace the burned-out appliance bulb first. If the new bulb doesn't work, troubleshoot the light socket, the door switch, the toggle switch, or the control board. Always unplug the oven or turn off its circuit breaker before starting.
An oven does not have a set time limit before it catches fire. Instead, the risk depends entirely on what is inside. An empty, clean oven can theoretically run safely for extended periods, while grease or burnt food can ignite in just a few minutes.
Should I Repair or Replace my Oven? Oven repair costs range from $150 to $400, making repairs more affordable than replacement when your oven needs simple fixes or parts. You should replace your oven when repair costs exceed 50% of a new unit's value, especially if your appliance is over 15 years old.
To test a gas oven igniter, first unplug the oven and locate the fragile glow-bar igniter near the burner. Test it with a multimeter for continuity (Ωcap omegaΩ) to check if it's burned out, or measure the amperage (current) while the oven runs to see if it is too weak to open the gas safety valve.
When your oven is over 20 years old, you'll likely want to replace it when it needs a repair costing more than $500. After 20 years, replacement parts often start becoming scarce and the oven may continue to have failures as additional parts begin to wear out.
Igniter failure and gas valve issues often cause ovens not to light despite a working stovetop. If the oven won't light after igniter replacement but the stovetop works, check the oven's safety valve. The igniter must draw enough current to open this valve. A weak or slow-glowing igniter won't trigger gas flow.
Disconnect and Remove the Old Ignitor: Unplug the wire connector for the ignitor and carefully unscrew the bracket holding it in place. Install the New Ignitor: Screw the new ignitor into place and connect the wiring. Safety Reminder: Never touch the gray or black part of the new ignitor with your bare hands.
A bad igniter generally fails to start or sustain a flame. Common symptoms include a system that won't start at all, clicking noises without the flame lighting, frequent system shutdowns, or the system blowing cold air.
Ranges, stoves, and ovens are the appliances most likely to cause house fires. They account for the largest percentage of home appliance fires—primarily because they involve high, open heat sources and are frequently left unattended.
Electrical fire warning signs include persistent burning or rubbery odors, warm or discolored wall outlets, and frequent circuit breaker trips. You should also watch for flickering lights, unusual buzzing sounds, or sparks when plugging devices in. These indicators often point to dangerous wiring issues or overloaded circuits.
Signs That an Oven Fire Might Occur
Smoke or a burning smell while cooking should alert you instantly. Odd noises like popping or crackling may also indicate potential trouble. And if your food consistently burns or cooks unevenly, this could be a sign that your oven needs maintenance.
Fixing an oven igniter costs between $150 and $325 on average for professional parts and labor. If you are replacing the part yourself, it costs only $20 to $60 for the igniter alone. The total price varies depending on your oven’s brand, model, and the technician's hourly labor rates.
We would only recommend replacing your oven if the potential repair costs exceed half of the appliance's value when new.
An oven igniter not working is usually caused by a faulty glow bar igniter, a tripped gas valve, or a weak electrical connection. A new igniter typically costs between $20 and $80 depending on your appliance.
Oven igniters typically last 3 to 5 years under normal, daily use, though they can last up to 8–10 years with infrequent use. Because they are considered a "consumable" part that gets extremely hot, they wear out over time, making them the most common cause of gas oven heating failure.
About 8–12 years old: It depends on the specific issue, overall condition, and the cost of the repair. About 12–15+ years old: Replacement often makes more sense, especially if repairs are stacking up or performance is inconsistent.
When it fails, it can have either intermittent issues with power delivery or constant problems that demand immediate attention. An ignition switch replacement can be a low-cost repair starting under $50, but more often, it's a few hundred dollars for the parts.