Kenmore Gas Oven Igniter Replacement – Fix Long Preheat or No Heat

Understanding the Problem

Brief explanation: A failing hot-surface (bake) igniter is the most common cause of a Kenmore gas oven that takes a very long time to preheat or doesn’t heat at all. The igniter must glow hot enough and draw enough current to open the gas safety valve. When it weakens it may glow dim/orange, take forever to heat, or not glow at all—resulting in long preheat times or no ignition. Step-by-step diagnostic and repair steps: 1) Confirm symptom and isolate: Try a normal bake cycle. Note whether the igniter glows (bright orange/white) and whether gas actually lights. Also verify other burners (if range) work to confirm gas supply exists. 2) Visual check: Remove the oven bottom (or access panel) and visually inspect the igniter. Look for cracks, white/flake deposits, or a dim orange glow when calling for heat. A very dim or no glow suggests failure. 3) Continuity test (cold): Unplug the oven or cut power at the breaker. Disconnect the igniter’s wiring harness. Use a multimeter set to ohms. A healthy igniter usually shows continuity (low to moderate resistance). If it shows infinite resistance (open), the igniter is bad and needs replacement. 4) Current draw test (best diagnostic): Restore power, set oven to bake, and measure amp draw to the igniter with a clamp meter on the hot lead while it is trying to light. A good igniter normally draws about 3.0–3.6 amps when hot. If the igniter is glowing but draws significantly less (for example under ~2.5–3.0 amps), it’s weak and won’t open the gas valve reliably. 5) Check wiring and control: If the igniter has continuity and the amp draw is correct but no gas flows, the gas valve or control circuit may be the issue. Inspect wiring and connectors for burn or corrosion. 6) Order the correct replacement part: Identify your Kenmore model number ( usually on the frame behind the oven door or on the broiler drawer). Buy an exact OEM igniter or a direct-fit replacement. Common igniter part numbers used on many Kenmore/Whirlpool-style ranges: 5303935069, WB13K21, 74010658. Verify with your model number before ordering. 7) Remove old igniter and install new one: a) Turn off electrical power at the breaker and turn off the gas supply at the shutoff valve (recommended). b) Open the oven door, remove the oven racks, and remove the oven bottom panel to access the igniter (or remove the broiler drawer and bottom panel depending on model). c) Locate the igniter (mounted near the bake burner). Disconnect the igniter wiring harness or carefully cut and note wire colors if no harness. d) Remove the mounting screws that secure the igniter to the burner assembly. Be careful—the old igniter is fragile. e) Transfer any mounting brackets to the new igniter if required and secure the new igniter with screws. f) Reconnect the wiring harness (or wire-nut or reconnect pigtail connectors). Make sure connections are tight and insulated. g) Reassemble oven bottom and racks. 8) Test the repair: Restore power and gas, set to bake and observe. The new igniter should glow bright white/orange within a few seconds and the gas should ignite shortly afterward. Preheat time should return to normal. 9) If still no heat: If the new igniter glows properly and draws sufficient amps but the burner still doesn’t light, the gas safety valve or oven control board may be faulty—stop and consult a qualified gas appliance technician. Safety note: Always cut electrical power before touching wiring. Turn off the gas supply when working on gas fittings. If you ever smell gas strongly, stop, leave the area, ventilate if safe, and call your gas company or emergency services. If you are not comfortable working with gas or mains voltage, hire a licensed technician.

Common Symptoms

Very long preheat times, oven never reaches set temperature, igniter either doesn’t glow or glows dim/orange, sometimes a clicking or no ignition sound.

Common Causes

• Worn or weakened hot-surface igniter (most common)
• Broken or corroded igniter wiring or connector
• Faulty gas safety valve or control board (if igniter good)
• Incorrect replacement part or poor installation

Popular Parts That Fix This Problem

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Frequently Asked Questions