Oven Ignitor Not Working – What Part Fixes This Problem?
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Understanding the Problem
The oven ignitor (sometimes called the igniter or glow bar) is the component that heats until it glows and allows the gas valve to open so the burner lights. When the ignitor fails it may not glow at all, glow weakly, or take too long to ignite — any of these can stop your gas oven from lighting, cause repeated clicking, or make the burner flame sputter. Ignitor failure is one of the most common causes of an oven that won't heat. Causes include normal wear (the glowing element becomes thin or cracked), electrical issues (open or intermittent element), or a bad connection/harness. Because a failing ignitor can allow gas to flow without ignition in some failure modes, addressing it promptly is a safety priority.
Common Symptoms
Oven won’t light or takes a long time to light, weak or intermittent glow from the ignitor, repeated clicking, burner lights then goes out, or oven won’t reach set temperature.
Common Causes
- Worn or cracked hot-surface ignitor (glow bar) that no longer reaches sufficient temperature
- Open or intermittent ignitor element or bad wiring/connector between the control and ignitor
- Faulty gas safety valve or control board that doesn't open the gas valve even when ignitor is hot
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 PartsDiscount.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
Visually check: when you set the oven to bake, the ignitor should glow bright orange within a few seconds. If it does not glow or only glows dimly, remove power and test the ignitor with a multimeter for continuity; an open circuit means the ignitor needs replacing. If it glows strongly but the oven still won't light, the gas safety valve or wiring may be at fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I test the oven ignitor myself?
With power off and the oven unplugged, locate the ignitor and disconnect its connector. Use a multimeter set to ohms/continuity to test the element; an open reading (infinite resistance) indicates a failed element needing replacement. Additionally, with the oven powered on (and taking safety precautions), observe whether the ignitor glows bright orange quickly when set to bake; a weak or no glow is a clear sign of failure.
How much does it cost to replace an oven ignitor?
Parts alone for an oven ignitor typically range from about $30 to $120 depending on make and quality. Labor (if you hire a technician) commonly adds $100–$250 depending on your area and how difficult the model is to service. Always verify the correct replacement part for your exact oven model before purchasing.
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