How to Replace a gas oven igniter should be done as soon as you notice trouble with your appliance. If you are unsure how to perform this repair, follow the following tips:
Problems with a gas wall oven igniter
If you find your gas wall oven lacking a flame, it’s likely the igniter is not working properly. These igniters glow bright orange in normal operation and will light up the gas coming from the burner. If the igniter is not glowing hot enough, the oven will not light, and you can’t use it. However, if the igniter is not functioning properly, you can call a qualified repair technician to check the electrical continuity.
First, check the safety valve. A faulty igniter will not open the safety valve and prevent the oven from burning. If the igniter is not glowing or failing to light, remove the burner cover and watch the flame. If the flame doesn’t start within 90 seconds, replace it. It’s also possible that the igniter is faulty. You can check for continuity with a multimeter. If the igniter has become faulty, the oven will need to be replaced.
Next, check the coil. These are the small black spring-like coils that light the gas in the oven. They may also be flat prong-like loops. They are very delicate and easily damaged by a slight drop. It’s important to be careful when handling these parts because they are made of metal. Avoid using plastic wire nuts to install the igniter, as the ambient heat of the oven can melt them.
Inspection of the ceramic igniter
Before attempting to replace a ceramic igniter, it’s important to check that it’s working properly. If the igniter is wet or shorted, the flame may not be even, and it could even be missing altogether. You can clean it with a toothpick or wooden toothbrush, but be careful to not damage it with metal objects. Metal tools can short the ceramic igniter, causing it to be inoperable.
Next, check the electrical connections. You’ll need to check the voltage to the safety valve, or oven control valve. If the flame is not visible, then the ignitor is defective. If it’s not, check for voltage loss at the valve terminals. If the ignitor is indeed the culprit, simply replace it. It’s a simple process. But first, you’ll need to unplug the oven ignitor and use a multi-meter to check the voltage.
If you can’t get to the ignition coil, try restarting the oven. The oven light should stay off while you’re performing this process. If you find a crack or other damage, it’s likely the igniter is defective. Fortunately, replacing a gas oven igniter is easy, and there’s a lot you can learn from it. Just make sure that you know what you’re doing.
Checking for loose wires
If you suspect that your gas oven’s igniter is defective, it is important to check its wiring. If it does not glow after activation, you need to replace it. A loose wire or a damaged power supply wire could be the culprit. When the wire is damaged or burnt, it cannot pass heat from its source. Lastly, you should always check the igniter’s spark electrode.
The heating elements and igniters are located in the oven’s compartment, and they are typically accessible by removing the broiler or storage drawer. However, if your oven’s igniter is hidden behind the burners, it is best to contact a professional. You should also make sure that the temperature sensor is not touching the inner wall of the oven. If you are not sure, you can check its functionality with an ohmmeter.
The new igniter is a delicate component. Any accidental drop could render it useless. If you can, remount the igniter. Doing so will prevent any wire placement problems. You should also use metal wire nuts rather than plastic ones, as the ambient heat of the oven could melt plastic wire nuts. This step is particularly important if the wires are coming from a burner.
