Oven Igniter Replacement – How to Get Your Oven Heating Again

If your oven won’t heat up, the igniter is often the culprit. It’s a small, glowing part that lights the gas and gets the oven up to temperature. When it’s cracked, burnt out, or just won’t glow, you’ll notice the oven staying cold while the control panel thinks everything’s fine. The good news? Replacing an igniter is a DIY job for most people who are comfortable with basic tools and a little safety gear.

When to Replace the Igniter

The first sign is a dark or flickering igniter that never turns bright orange when you turn the oven on. You might also smell gas that doesn’t ignite, hear a loud clicking sound, or see the oven display “no flame”. If you’ve tried cleaning the igniter and it still won’t glow, it’s time for a new one. Most igniters last 5‑7 years, but heavy use can cut that down. Buying the exact part for your oven model ensures a proper fit and avoids extra trips to the hardware store.

Step‑by‑Step Replacement Process

1. Gather tools and safety gear. You’ll need a screwdriver set, a putty knife or nut driver (depending on your oven), a multimeter (optional but helpful), and a pair of gloves. Make sure the area is well‑ventilated and have a fire extinguisher nearby – just in case.

2. Turn off power and gas. Unplug the oven or switch off the circuit breaker. Shut the gas supply valve behind the oven. This step is non‑negotiable; it protects you from shocks and gas leaks.

3. Access the igniter. Remove the bottom oven panel or the back access panel – whichever gives you a clear view of the igniter. It’s usually a thin metal rod with a ceramic base, held by a couple of screws.

4. Test the old igniter (optional). Use a multimeter set to ohms. A good igniter shows a resistance between 40‑250 Ω. If the reading is infinite or far outside that range, the part is dead.

5. Disconnect the igniter. Unscrew the mounting brackets and gently pull the igniter out of its socket. Watch out for the fragile ceramic tip – it can break if forced.

6. Install the new igniter. Align the new part with the socket, press it in until it sits snugly, and re‑secure the brackets. Make sure the wire is not twisted or pinched.

7. Re‑assemble the oven. Put the panels back, tighten screws, and restore the gas valve. Plug the oven back in or flip the circuit breaker on.

8. Test the oven. Turn it on and watch the igniter glow bright orange. You should hear the gas ignite and feel the oven start to warm up. Run a quick bake cycle to confirm everything works.

If the igniter still doesn’t glow, double‑check the gas supply and electrical connections. Sometimes a loose wire or a blocked gas line can mimic an igniter failure. When in doubt, call a professional – especially if you smell gas after the test.

Replacing an oven igniter saves you the cost of a service call and gets your kitchen back in action fast. Keep the old part as a reference, and store the new one in a dry place for future replacements. A little caution and the right tools are all you need to bring heat back to your oven.