How to Replace a Gas Stove Ignition

If your self-igniting oven won't light but your gas supply is working, you've likely got a bad igniter. The igniter is a small tubular metal coil under the oven, where the flames are produced. When you turn on the oven, the coils on the igniter heat up and glow, igniting the gas. One little break in the coil, and the igniter will no longer work. The good news is, a replacement is relatively cheap and not that difficult to install.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Universal screwdriver Small pair of pliers Replacement igniter (to be purchased after removing the old one)

Replacing the igniter

1. Unplug your oven. Get to the manifold (the metal tube with holes running along it, which delivers the flame underneath the oven box). If you're lucky, your model will allow you to access the manifold by taking out a bottom-front panel or boiler drawer and working from below. But on many models, you'll have to work from inside the oven itself. If so, remove the metal plate on the oven floor. It will likely be fastened by hexagonal sheet metal screws that can be removed with pliers. Remove the trough-shaped shield underneath the oven so that you can see the manifold.

2. Look under the manifold at the back of the oven unit. You should see a small tubular object about the size of a candy bar, either retangular or cylindrical, with metal coils around it and two wires connecting it to the oven. This is the igniter. Remove it by unfastening the screws holding it under the manifold (this will require either a screwdriver or pliers). To get the wires off it, either pull out the connector clips or unscrew the ceramic wire nuts, depending on the style. Either way, when you get the igniter out, it should have two wire leads coming off it.

3. You can take the igniter to your local hardware or appliance store to see if they've got the same model of replacement, but the parts are so varied and specific that you're likely better off finding an exact match online. Search by the make and model of your oven and the word "igniter." Some igniters will have model numbers printed on them, which can be used in your search.

4. Once you have the igniter, reinstall it in the same position as the previous one. Use the same screws and ceramic nuts, if that's how it was attached, or simply plug in the connector clips.

5. Put your oven back together, turn on the power and test the gas ignition.

Tips & Warnings

• Never work on any appliance without first unplugging it. If you smell a strong gas odor while working on the oven, leave the premises and call the gas company.

References

• More information is available here.