1. Shut off power:
Locate the circuit breaker for your range and turn it off to cut power to the appliance. Safety first!
2. Remove oven door:
Most ranges have hinges that allow the door to be lifted off. Support the door and carefully disengage it from the hinges. Set the door aside in a safe place.
3. Remove back panel:
Look inside the oven cavity for screws or clips holding a rear access panel in place. Remove these screws or clips to take off the panel and access the wiring and components.
4. Disconnect wires:
The igniter will have two wires connected to it: one for power supply and one for ground. Carefully disconnect these wires by twisting or squeezing the release tabs and pulling them free.
5. Remove old igniter:
The igniter is typically held in place with one or two mounting screws. Remove these screws to take out the old igniter.
6. Install new igniter:
Line up the mounting holes of the new igniter with the original mounting position. Secure it with the original screws. Reconnect the wires by pushing them firmly into the terminals.
7. Replace back panel and door:
Reattach any panels or covers that were removed during disassembly. Remount the oven door on its hinges.
8. Restore power:
Return to the circuit breaker and restore power to the range. Test the igniter to ensure it sparks and that the range functions properly.
Possible Solutions if Igniter Issues Persist
- Check the control board: If replacing the igniter doesn't solve the issue, the problem might be with the control board. Faulty control boards can affect the igniter's operation. In such cases, consider sending your control board to UpFix for repair to save up to 80% on the cost of a replacement.
- Inspect the wiring: Ensure that all wires are properly connected and there are no loose or damaged connections.
- Check the gas supply: Make sure the gas supply to the range is turned on and there are no obstructions or leaks.
Most Common Solution
The igniter is usually the problem when an oven isn't heating. It has two main roles. First, it pulls electrical current through the oven's safety valve to open it. Second, it heats up to glow and light the gas in the oven burner. If the igniter becomes weak, it won't be able to open the safety valve properly. If the valve doesn't open, the oven won't heat up. To check if the igniter is faulty, watch it when the oven is on. If the igniter glows for over 90 seconds without lighting the gas flame, it's probably too weak to open the valve and needs to be replaced. If the igniter doesn't glow at all, use a multimeter to test for electrical continuity. If the igniter lacks continuity, you'll need to replace it.