If your oven is lighting but won't stay lit, the issue is usually caused by a faulty igniter, a dirty or broken thermocouple, or a bad control board.
If your oven's pilot light won't stay lit, it could be due to an issue with the gas supply. Make sure the gas valve supplying your oven is fully open. Also, check for any blockages or kinks in the gas line that could be restricting the gas flow.
Check the Thermocouple
If the sensor doesn't register a flame, it shuts off the gas supply as a safety measure. If your pilot light won't stay lit, a dirty or faulty thermocouple is often the culprit. Try gently cleaning it with fine sandpaper or a soft cloth. If that doesn't work, it may need to be replaced.
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.
An oven light that repeatedly turns on and off by itself is usually caused by a faulty door switch, a loose wiring connection at the light socket, or a glitch in the electronic control board.
A blown oven thermal fuse is a built-in safety mechanism designed to cut power if the appliance overheats. The most common symptoms include an oven that fails to heat up, a completely dead display console, or an oven that shuts off mid-cycle and won't turn back on.
Consider the 50% Rule—If the cost of repairs is more than half the value of the oven, it's usually better to replace it. Additionally, if the oven no longer meets your household's cooking needs, it likely warrants a replacement.
In modern gas ovens, the igniter heats up and then lights the gas. But if it's too weak or worn out, it might glow without getting hot enough to do its job. You'll often hear a clicking noise without ignition—or nothing at all. If you notice an even glow, but no heat, your igniter might need a repair.
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 faulty, misaligned, dirty, or damaged thermocouple is often the culprit behind your pilot light going out. The thermocouple is an automatic safety shutoff device that prevents the gas valve from opening if the pilot light is out.
If your gas stove burner won't stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely covered in carbon or food residue.
Here are the most common indicators that your gas valve might be failing:
Faulty gas valves and clogged gas lines are frequently the cause of an oven repeatedly turning off. Both problems limit the gas supply, so there's not enough to ignite or sustain the flame. The valve and line need to be checked for leaks or blockages.
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.
Answer: Yes, it is generally safe to light a gas oven with a lighter as long as proper safety precautions are followed. Before lighting the oven, ensure there are no gas leaks, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, and keep children and pets away from the area.
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.
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.
Gas ovens typically last between 15 and 17 years. They often outlast electric models because they feature fewer complex electronic components, and their simpler internal mechanisms make them highly durable.
Resetting a gas oven usually involves clearing a control board glitch, resetting an error code, or restarting the gas supply system. Most issues can be resolved by turning off the circuit breaker for 1 minute, checking the safety gas valve, or reprogramming the electronic panel.
To determine if your gas oven igniter is bad, look for visible signs of damage, check how long it takes to light, or test it electrically. A failing igniter is the most common reason a gas oven glows but fails to heat.
For easier cleans:
Wipe out the crumbs with a paper towel or rag. Wet the sponge and squeeze about five drops of dish soap directly on the sponge (scrubber side) or spray a liberal amount of Dawn Spray on the sponge. Wipe the bottom of the oven and walls. Scrub off baked-on particles.
Use compressed air to clear out any carbon buildup or loose particles. Keep the nozzle closed and use short bursts to avoid damage. Clean inside the orifice, then check the spark wire if your furnace has one. While you're there, inspect the flame sensor for dirt and clean it if needed.