How to Locate & Change Furnace Ignitor

The hot surface furnace ignitor has become a problem for many homeowners because they have a tendency to fail, causing a lack of heat. The failure of a hot surface ignitor may one day cause you to call a furnace repairman out on a freezing winter night, which can be costly. With a little know-how, you can replace the ignitor yourself and save the expense of a repairman.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Flashlight
• New ignitor

Instructions

1. Cut power to the furnace at the switch on the side or at the breaker. Remove the door to the burner compartment of the furnace, which is usually the upper door on a two-door furnace.

2. Locate the hot surface ignitor by tracing the gas manifold from the automatic gas valve. From the gas valve, the manifold feeds the burners in a line. The burners may be located inside a combustion box with screws attaching another door in place. Remove these screws and set aside door. The ignitor will be located in front of the first burner in line from the gas valve. It looks like a loop of gray rough metal on a white ceramic base. A metal bracket will hold the ignitor in place by means of a clip or screws. Two wires will protrude from the bottom of the base and attach via a clip.

3. Remove the wiring clip by squeezing the sides and pulling. Remove the old ignitor by removing the screw in the bracket.

4. Insert the new ignitor into the bracket and carefully put into place. The ignitor is very fragile and will shatter easily. Replace the bracket screw. Reconnect the wiring clip. If necessary, replace combustion box cover and screws. Replace the outer door. Reconnect power and set thermostat to heat and increase the temperature setting until the furnace comes on. Watch and listen at the furnace to ensure the gas fires and is lit by the ignitor.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unfamiliar with electrical and gas components, it would be better to contact a professional.

References

• Alpine Home Air: Goodman Gas Furnace Installation Manual