How to Replace the Igniter in Your Gas Oven

If your gas oven isn’t heating properly or won’t ignite at all, a faulty igniter is often the culprit. The igniter’s job is to spark and light the gas, allowing your oven to heat. When it fails, your oven may stay cold, take too long to heat, or produce inconsistent baking results.

Fortunately, replacing the igniter is a repair many homeowners can do themselves with a few tools and some careful steps.

Signs Your Oven Igniter Needs Replacing

• Oven won’t heat, even when the stove burners work fine.
• Oven takes much longer than usual to preheat.
• You smell gas when trying to start the oven (turn it off immediately and do not attempt to relight).
• No visible glow from the igniter when the oven is turned on.

Tools You’ll Need

• Screwdriver (usually Phillips)
• Nut driver or socket wrench
• Needle-nose pliers
• Replacement gas oven igniter (OEM recommended)

Safety First

Before you begin, disconnect the oven from power and shut off the gas supply. This ensures your safety during the replacement process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing a Gas Oven Igniter

1. Access the Igniter: Remove the oven racks and unscrew the bottom panel to expose the igniter, located near the burner tube.
2. Disconnect the Igniter: Use pliers or your fingers to disconnect the igniter’s wire harness.
3. Remove the Old Igniter: Unscrew the mounting screws holding the igniter in place and carefully remove it.
4. Install the New Igniter: Position the new igniter where the old one was, secure it with screws, and reconnect the wire harness.
5. Reassemble: Replace the oven’s bottom panel and racks. Restore power and gas, then test your oven by turning it on.

When to Call a Professional

If you notice gas odors that persist after replacement or if your oven still doesn’t ignite, contact a licensed technician. While igniters are a common DIY fix, gas leaks and deeper electrical issues should be handled by professionals.