How to Replace an Igniter on a Gas Stove

You turn on your self-igniting oven one evening to make dinner, and nothing happens: No gas, no heat, nothing. You try the stovetop burners, and they self-light just fine, so you know your gas and electricity supplies are working. There's a good chance the problem is your igniter, a little part that heats up to light the internal flame of the oven. It can malfunction with age, making it impossible to start the stove. Now you can either call a professional and hope it doesn't cost too much--or you can invest as little as $30 and an hour or so and fix it yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• New gas-stove igniter
• 2 medium-sized threaded wire caps
• Electrician's tape
• Hand screwdriver with interchangable bite

1. Confirm that the igniter is damaged. Open the stove door and, using the screwdriver, remove the sheet metal plate at the floor of the oven to get to main oven gas burner. The igniter is a metal coiled piece about the size of a roll of quarters next to the burner, near the back. Turn on the oven and look at the igniter--if it doesn't quickly begin glowing red, it has malfunctioned and must be replaced.

2. Unplug the appliance from the electricity source. Remove the screw (or screws) that are holding the igniter next to the burner. Unplug the electrical wire running from the igniter to the back of the stove to completely remove the piece. (On some models, it will be two wires, and it might be necessary to cut them. If so, cut them near the igniter, leaving plenty of wire leading back to the stove, and cap and tape the exposed ends.)

3. Purchase a new igniter. Replacement igniters can start at around $30, depending on the model.

4. Install the new igniter in the same position the previous one was installed. Make sure to unplug the appliance first. If you had to cut the wires to get the igniter out, attach the wire leads to the new part using the wire caps and electrician's tape.

5. Plug the appliance back in, turn on the oven and (keeping your face away from the burner) confirm that the new igniter glows red and lights the burner. Put the oven floor back together.

Tips & Warnings

• When taking apart the floor of the oven and removing the old igniter, keep careful track of what goes where, especially the screws. Draw yourself a diagram if you have to.
• Never work on the inside of the oven without first unplugging the appliance.