Whirlpool Oven Igniter 12400035 — What Part Fixes This Problem?

Understanding the Problem

What this part is and why it matters: The Whirlpool part 12400035 is a flat-style hot surface oven igniter used on many gas ovens. It heats until it glows and draws current that allows the oven gas valve to open and the burner to ignite. When the igniter is weak or fails, the gas valve won't open reliably (or at all), so the oven won't heat or takes a very long time to light. Step-by-step diagnosis and repair: 1) Safety first: shut off the oven power at the breaker and turn off the gas supply to the appliance. Ventilate the area if you smell gas. Use a non-contact gas leak detector or soapy water only after reassembly and turning gas back on. 2) Confirm symptom: set the oven to Bake at 350°F and observe. A working igniter should begin to glow within 20–30 seconds and the burner should ignite within 60–90 seconds. If the igniter never glows, glows very dimly, or glows but the burner never opens after 90+ seconds, suspect the igniter. 3) Visual inspection: remove oven racks and the bottom panel (broiler plate) to access the igniter. Look for cracks, breaks in the ceramic, or a heavily blackened/heated element. Also inspect wiring and connector for damage or burn marks. 4) Continuity test: disconnect the igniter wiring harness and test the element with a multimeter. You should see continuity (a low resistance). A completely open circuit (OL) means a failed igniter and it needs replacement. Typical resistance varies by model; many hot-surface igniters measure in the low tens to a few hundred ohms. If you get an extremely high reading or OL, replace. 5) Current draw (advanced test): if you have a clamp meter and know safe procedures, measure the amp draw during startup. A weak igniter will draw noticeably less current than a healthy one and may fail to open the gas valve. If amp draw is low, replace the igniter. 6) Replace the igniter (if faulty): a. Turn off power and gas again. Remove oven racks and the bottom panel for access. b. Unplug or detach the igniter's electrical connector. Unscrew the mounting screws holding the igniter assembly to the burner box. c. Carefully remove the igniter — the ceramic is fragile. Do not twist or pry on the ceramic element. d. Install the new 12400035 igniter: position it in the same orientation, secure with mounting screws, and reconnect the electrical connector. e. Reinstall the bottom panel and racks. Restore power and gas. f. Test: set oven to Bake 350°F. The new igniter should glow and the burner should ignite within about 60–90 seconds. 7) If new igniter still won’t light the burner: check wiring, connections, the safety gas valve, the oven control (electronic board or thermostat), and the safety thermistors/limit switches. A fully working igniter plus good wiring should open the gas valve; otherwise a valve or control may be at fault. Safety note: always disconnect power and gas before working on a gas appliance. If you smell strong gas at any time, stop, ventilate the area, and call your gas utility or a qualified technician.

Common Symptoms

Oven won't heat; bake takes very long to ignite; igniter doesn't glow or glows weakly; intermittent heating; visible cracks or heavy blackening on the igniter.

Common Causes

• Hot-surface igniter element has burned out or become weak with age
• Damaged wiring or loose/charred connector between igniter and harness
• Failure of gas valve or control board (if igniter glows strongly but burner doesn't open)

Popular Parts That Fix This Problem

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Frequently Asked Questions