How to Test the Amperage on a Gas Range Ignitor

The flame from your gas range comes from the ignitor lighting the gas on fire.

Amperage is the strength of an electrical current. In terms of a gas range or stove, it’s relevant to the ignitor. Although gas is an important necessity for a gas stove, it still needs electricity to ignite the gas into a flame for cooking. When the ignitor isn’t working, testing the amperage on it can tell you whether it’s a mechanical issue. Although the process can vary slightly between models, testing the amperage is something almost any owner can do on his own.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Prying tool
• Amperage tester

Instructions

1. Turn off the gas to the range for safety reasons. Remove the burner grates from the cooktop. Remove the burner caps and the bases, too. Remove the screws that hold the main top of the unit in place.

2. Insert a prying tool underneath the main top just above the control panel and pry it off the unit by snapping the clips that hold it in place.

3. Unplug the two wires that lead to the ignitor. Place the probe of your amperage tester on the ignitor electrode and read the output on the tester.

Tips & Warnings

• Typically the amperage in a working ignitor is below 100 ohms, but it can vary by model so check your service manual. If the tester reads infinity or zero, it’s indicating a broken ignitor.

• If you’re having trouble accessing your gas range’s ignitors, refer to the service manual for your stove model. It can guide you in disassembling your unit. If you don’t have the service manual, contact the manufacturer to request one.

References

• OvenIgnitors.net: All About Oven Ignitors
• C’s Repair Service: Gas Stove, Cooktop, & Wall Oven Repair Maintenance & Tips