Why do gas oven igniters fail?

Author: Keagan Marks  |  Last update: Sunday, January 18, 2026

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.

Why does my oven ignitor keep going bad?

Excessive Build-up: Over time food particles and other contaminants may fall onto the igniter. If this debris builds up it will eventually prevent the igniter from heating up and creating a flame.

What causes a gas stove igniter to fail?

Whether it's grease buildup or food crumbs, one of the most common causes for a gas burner that has trouble igniting is debris blocking gas flow to the igniter. The fix: Begin by removing the grate covering the troubled burner. Next, remove the burner cap, which should lift off with ease.

How long should an igniter last in a gas oven?

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.

Why does my gas oven igniter then go out?

This is generally caused by liquid shorting the igniter so that it cannot arc a spark to the burner. This is easily solved by allowing the area to dry thoroughly. Also, metal from a scouring pad could also cause it to short out.

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

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.

Why would an igniter stop working?

Make sure that the igniter is making a clicking noise when you press the igniter button. If it doesn't click, then the wires may not be connected properly, the battery may be dead or installed incorrectly, or the igniter module may have failed.

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.

Can you clean a gas oven igniter?

Sometimes it can get clogged up with grease, dust, and stop the gas flow. To clean it, you need something small and pointed. A wooden toothpick works well because it's strong enough to clear out dirt but soft enough that it won't scratch anything. Gently put the toothpick into the hole and turn it around.

Are oven igniters fragile?

The igniter draws an electric current and will heat to a high temperature and glow. Oven igniters come in different configurations depending on your brand and are very fragile.

Do I need to turn off gas to replace oven igniter?

Before you start, make sure the range is unplugged and the gas supply is turned off. This will help avoid any accidental ignition or other hazards occurring during the replacement process. The igniter will be connected to the range with a wiring harness, or with individual wires.

Why is my gas oven not igniting?

Reasons Why Your Oven Is Not Lighting

First, check the gas supply lines and the igniter. If your top igniter is working, but the oven cavity itself will not light, it is the oven igniter that may have a problem. This is not a problem with the gas.

Do gas stove igniters wear out?

However, as so much rests on this little igniter, they are prone to a bit of wear and tear. If you find your gas oven igniter is not working, you should first try to troubleshoot the issue and double check it is your oven igniter that's not working.

What makes an ignitor go bad?

If your furnace filter is dirty, it will block the airflow from reaching the heat exchanger. This will overheat your system, causing the ignitor to shut off. You will find the filter inside the blower compartment. Inspect the extent of damage and accordingly either clean it or go for a replacement.

Why does my igniter keep breaking?

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.

How much does it cost to replace gas 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 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.

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.

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

Answer: No, this is not possible due to the gas being controlled by the gas safety valve. You need the igniter to be working properly before gas is allowed out of the gas safety valve.

Why does my stove igniter keep going off?

There are a few different reasons why your igniters click after the burner is turned off. It could be caused by a faulty switch, burner caps that are askew, dirty igniters or moisture around the igniters.

What are the symptoms of a bad igniter?

The Short Answer Is: Warning signs of a bad furnace ignitor include the furnace not starting or heating, a noticeable clicking sound without ignition, or frequent short cycling where the furnace turns on and off rapidly. Additionally, if the ignitor appears cracked or discolored, it may need replacement.

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.

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