June 20, 2015

How to replace a gas range oven igniter

This DIY repair guide shows how to replace the oven igniter in a gas range. The igniter heats until it's white-hot and then ignites the gas from the oven burner so the oven can heat. Because the igniter is wired in series with the safety gas valve, the gas valve won't open unless it detects that the igniter is hot enough to ignite the gas. Replace the gas igniter with a manufacturer-approved gas range part if it doesn't heat at all or if it doesn't get hot enough to open the safety gas valve.

You can use this basic repair process to replace the igniter in many Kenmore, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, GE, LG and Samsung ranges.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

1/4-inch nut driver

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

45 minutes or less

Replacing a gas range oven igniter video.

Replacing an oven igniter in a gas range video.

Instructions

01.
Shut off the electricity and gas
At the breaker panel or fuse box, shut off power to the oven. Turn the gas shut-off valve to the off position.
Tip: You can unplug a freestanding range at the wall instead.
02.
Remove the bottom panel
Remove the oven racks.
Remove the screws at the back of the bottom oven panel. Lift the back of the panel slightly and push back to release the bottom oven panel from the retaining lip. Push down on a front corner of the bottom panel so it tips enough that you can grasp the sides of the panel. Work the bottom oven panel up and out of the oven.
Tip: If you can't complete this repair because the door gets in your way, remove the door, following instructions in your owner's manual. You might need help lifting the door off the oven. Set the door on a pad.
03.
Remove the screws that hold the bracket
Note how the carbide electrode on the igniter overlaps the holes in the burner. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the 2 hex-head screws from the bracket that holds the igniter on the burner.
04.
Disconnect the wire harness
Detach the igniter plug from the wire harness by releasing the locking tabs on the connector. Pull the igniter out of the oven and set it aside for disposal.
Tip: You may need to pull a wall oven or drop-in oven from the cabinet to reach the plug for the bake igniter from behind the oven. Have a helper assist you when pulling the appliance out of the cabinet.
05.
Connect the new igniter
Being careful not to touch the carbide electrode with your fingers, plug the igniter into the wire harness.
Tip: If the plug on the new igniter doesn’t fit the original wire connector, use wire cutters to snip off the plug and the wire connector. Strip 1/2" of insulation from the wires and connect with ceramic wire nuts (plastic wire nuts won’t withstand heat).
Warning: Don't touch the new igniter carbide electrode. Oil from your fingers damages the igniter carbide electrode and can cause premature failure.
06.
Attach the igniter to its bracket
Position the new igniter so its holes line up with those on the mounting bracket. Insert the mounting screws and tighten firmly. Push the wires down, out of the way of the burner.
Tip: Make sure the igniter is positioned so the carbide electrode overlaps the holes in the burner.
07.
Reinstall the bottom panel
Work the bottom oven panel into place.
Slide the oven racks into the oven.
08.
Turn on the gas and electricity
Open the gas supply shut-off valve for the oven. At the breaker panel, switch on the circuit breaker for the oven.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.