Tappan Oven Igniter – What It Does and How to Replace It
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
The oven igniter in a Tappan gas oven is the part that heats up and lights the gas at the bake or broil burner. When it fails the oven won’t light, takes a long time to reach temperature, or clicks without ignition. Below are practical diagnostic checks and step-by-step replacement instructions. 1) Confirm the symptom and safety first - Symptom check: does the oven click but not light, or does the igniter fail to glow? Note whether the broil or bake burner behaves the same. - Safety: turn OFF the house gas supply (if accessible) and disconnect electrical power at the breaker before opening the oven. Work in a well-ventilated area and do not smell or ignore gas. 2) Visual inspection - Remove the oven racks and visually inspect the igniter (usually located on the burner tube at the back or side of the oven). Look for cracks, white or cloudy coating, or physical damage. - Inspect wiring and connectors for burning, loose connection, or corrosion. 3) Resistance (continuity) test — cold, with power removed - Remove power. Unplug the igniter harness or access via the oven’s back panel. Use a multimeter set to ohms. - A typical hot surface igniter (HSI) will show a finite resistance (commonly tens to a few hundred ohms). An open (infinite) reading means the element is broken and must be replaced. 4) Live voltage test (advanced, use caution) - With the oven set to Bake and the door closed, restore power and measure AC voltage at the igniter harness (one lead to the igniter wire, the other to neutral/ground). The control should send ~120 VAC during the start of a bake cycle. If voltage is present but the igniter does not glow, the igniter is bad. - If the igniter glows but gas does not ignite, the igniter may be weak (not drawing enough current to open the gas safety valve) and should be replaced, or the gas valve may be bad. 5) Replace the igniter (how to fix) Tools: multimeter, nut driver or screwdriver set, needle-nose pliers, replacement igniter/harness, safety gloves. - Turn off power at breaker and shut off gas supply if you can. Wait for the oven to cool. - Access the igniter: usually remove the oven bottom/inner panel (and sometimes the oven door for easier access). On ranges you may remove the storage drawer or back panel. - Disconnect the igniter connector (careful — ceramic igniter elements are fragile). Remove mounting screws and withdraw the old igniter. - Transfer the mounting bracket/gasket to the new igniter if required. Connect new igniter to the original harness; if the connector is damaged, replace the harness. - Reinstall the igniter and panels, restore power and gas, and test: set to Bake and observe that the igniter glows and the burner lights within 30–90 seconds. 6) If ignition still fails after new igniter - Verify gas supply and that the gas shutoff valve is open. - Check for 120 VAC at the igniter harness during the start of a bake cycle — if voltage is absent, suspect the oven control board or safety gas valve wiring. - If voltage is present and a good new igniter still does not light the gas, the safety gas valve may be faulty and should be tested/replaced by a qualified technician. Safety note: measuring live voltage and working on gas components carries risk. If you are not comfortable with electricity or gas, stop and hire a qualified appliance technician. Always shut off power and gas before disassembly.
Common Symptoms
Oven won’t light or takes a long time to light; igniter does not glow; oven clicks but no ignition; oven reaches lower-than-expected temperature.
Common Causes
- Worn or cracked hot surface igniter (no heat or insufficient current draw)
- Damaged wiring or connector between control and igniter
- Faulty oven control or gas safety valve (not supplying voltage or not opening)
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
First confirm the igniter is faulty by checking for visible glow during a bake cycle and measuring its cold resistance; an open circuit or no glow with 120 VAC present almost always means replace the igniter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I repair a Tappan oven igniter or should I replace it?
Igniters (hot surface elements) are not repairable — they wear out or crack and must be replaced. You can replace the igniter assembly and, if needed, the harness. Always buy the correct part for your oven model and handle the new igniter carefully — the ceramic/glass element is fragile.
How much does replacing a Tappan oven igniter typically cost?
Parts alone for a replacement igniter typically range from about $30 to $120 depending on OEM vs aftermarket and model. Labor (if you hire a technician) commonly adds $100–$200 depending on service rates and access difficulty. Costs vary by region and model — verify by searching your model number for an exact replacement part price.
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.