Kenmore NP 36275701001 Igniter — What It Is and How to Replace It
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
Brief explanation: The igniter (often called a glow bar or hot surface igniter) is the component that heats and opens the gas valve in a gas oven. When it fails you may get no heat, long preheat times, or the igniter may not glow at all. Step-by-step diagnostics and repair: 1. Confirm the symptom: Note whether the oven won’t heat at all, takes a very long time to reach temperature, the bake burner never lights even though you hear the gas valve click/cycle, or the igniter doesn’t glow. Record exactly what happens when you start a bake cycle. 2. Visual inspection: Open the oven and slide out the racks. Look at the igniter (visible through the bottom panel or rear of the burner). A working glow-bar igniter will glow bright orange when powered. If it’s cracked, broken, or does not glow, it’s suspect. 3. Safety preparations: Turn the oven power off at the breaker and shut off the gas supply before doing any internal work. Wait for the oven to cool completely. 4. Access the igniter: Remove the oven racks and the bottom oven panel or burner access panel (typically secured with screws). On many Kenmore models the igniter is mounted to the burner assembly and attached with two screws and a two-wire connector. 5. Test for continuity: With power off and igniter disconnected, use a multimeter set to ohms. A healthy hot surface igniter usually shows low resistance (varies by model); an open circuit (infinite/OL) means the igniter is failed. If you prefer, you can also test the igniter by measuring for voltage during a bake cycle (requires caution) to confirm the control is sending power. If the control sends voltage but the igniter doesn’t glow, replace the igniter. 6. Replace the igniter: Remove the mounting screws holding the igniter to the burner, carefully disconnect the wire connector (note orientation), and pull the old igniter out. Install the new igniter by reversing the steps: connect the wires (ensure secure crimp or connector), secure the mounting screws, replace the access panel and racks. 7. Restore service and test: Turn the gas and power back on. Start a bake cycle and watch the igniter — it should glow within a few seconds and the burner should light shortly after (typical sequence: igniter glows → gas valve opens → flame lights). If you smell gas or the burner does not light, shut off power and gas immediately and re-check connections and part compatibility. 8. If oven still doesn't light: Verify harness and connector condition, check for voltage to the igniter during a call-for-heat, and consider the gas safety valve if the igniter glows but the valve never opens. If unsure, contact a qualified technician. Safety note: Working on gas appliances carries risk. Always shut off power and gas before servicing, use soapy water to test for gas leaks at fittings after reconnecting, and if you ever smell a strong gas odor or suspect a leak, leave the house and call your gas utility or a licensed technician.
Common Symptoms
Oven won’t heat, extremely long preheat, igniter doesn’t glow or glows weakly, clicking without flame, or intermittent heating.
Common Causes
- Failed hot-surface/glow-bar igniter (wear or internal break)
- Worn/damaged igniter wiring or connector preventing proper power
- Faulty oven control or gas safety valve (less common if igniter never glows)
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
If the igniter glows very dim or slowly and your oven never reaches temperature, the igniter is almost always the culprit. A multimeter reading of open or extremely high resistance confirms a bad igniter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I test the igniter to make sure it's bad?
With power off and the igniter disconnected, measure resistance across the two igniter leads with a multimeter. An open circuit (infinite resistance) indicates a failed igniter. For a live test, with caution: start a bake cycle and check visually — a working igniter will glow bright orange; if it never glows yet the control is trying to call for heat (you can check for voltage to the igniter), the igniter is bad. If the igniter glows but the burner never lights, suspect the gas safety valve.
Can I replace the igniter myself or do I need a pro?
Yes — many homeowners can replace an igniter themselves if they are comfortable turning off power and gas, using basic hand tools, and following safety steps. The job typically takes 20–45 minutes. If you detect a gas leak, smell strong gas, or the repair requires gas-valve or control replacement, call a licensed technician.
Real DIY Repair Stories
Be the first to share your repair story!
Share Your Repair Story
Your experience helps other homeowners fix their appliances. Tell us how it went!
Can't Fix It Yourself? Find a Local Technician
It's perfectly okay to call a professional. Some repairs require specialized tools, deep teardowns, or dealing with complex systems that are better left to the pros.
Find the Right Part for Your Appliance
Don't guess — search your exact appliance model number at ProsourceParts.com to find the correct OEM compatible replacement part. They offer fast free shipping, guaranteed fit, and thousands of parts in stock.
Your Free Parts Videos
Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to ProsourceParts.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.