The main function of the gas over the igniter is to provide heat to the oven system. That shows without your gas oven igniter you won’t be able to heat your food. However, if you turn on the gas oven using the igniter and it’s not turning on, it could mean that there is a problem with the igniter.
The igniter can get damaged when prone to wear and tear, it can also get burned out over a long period causing the oven not to work with the igniter.
Since the igniter is part of the burner assembly and if the burner assembly gets clogged with food particles over time this might prevent your gas oven from properly heating.
With the synopsis of the gas oven igniter, we would discuss the following the gas oven ignition system, pilot ignition system, and troubleshooting gas oven igniter.
Gas Oven Ignition System
Before we discuss the gas oven igniter I would want you to first understand the ignition system and how it works. There are 3 basic ignition systems which are pilot ignition, glow ignition system, and spark ignition system.
The glow ignition system is used by the electric oven while the pilot ignition is used by the gas oven and it requires manually lighting the oven. But since we are discussing the gas oven ignition system we would only be discussing the gas oven ignition system.
Glow Ignition System
The glow ignition system is the most popular in the oven and it is mostly used in electric ovens. Here in this type of ignition system the thermostat or electronic control switches power to the oven ignitor and gas valve circuit. As current flows through the system, the oven ignitor draws current and the oven valve opens to allow the flow of gas to the oven burner. The oven igniter glows hot and ignites the glow bar.
Spark Ignition System
In the spark ignition system when the oven thermostat is turned on, gas flows to the oven safety valve, then to the oven pilot. The oven pilot gets lit by a spark. The safety valve sensor will open up to allow the flow of gas and the pilot flame then ignites the oven burner.
Pilot Ignition System
The pilot ignition system uses a pilot light which is a small flame that keeps the oven lit. If you are trying to light your gas oven and you can’t after trying so many times then the pilot light is the problem.
How to Light The Gas Oven
Follow the steps below to learn how to light your gas oven with the igniter.
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- Push in and hold the oven knob then turn it n the correct direction to turn on the oven. Although every oven model differs, there is a temperature calibration starting from the middle of the dial.
- Push in the oven knob with one hand so you can turn it and keep holding it until you have lit the pilot light.
- Get a long match stick or lighter near the pilot light hole so you can light it. Light the long match stick with your free hand, or it’s better you use a long lighter. Carefully move the flame towards the pilot light hole until it ignites.
- Ensure you keep holding the oven knob for 10 seconds to allow the pilot light to heat up. You should allow the pilot light to heat up for about 10 seconds before adjusting the temperature. If you try to change the oven’s temperature too quickly the pilot light may go out.
- Now close the oven then adjust the temperature as desired. Shut the oven door once you confirm that the pilot light is staying lit.
Gas Oven Igniter
The ignitor is required to heat your gas oven, it works by sparkling and heating the gas being emitted from the oven. The ignitor glows red hot to ignite the gas which is then spread over to the bake and break element. The igniter can get damaged due to wear and tear. Without the ignitor, the heat won’t be produced in the gas oven.
When you determine your gas oven igniter not working, you should try to take troubleshooting steps to correctly check if your oven igniter is the problem.
How to Troubleshooting Gas Oven Igniter
If your gas oven igniter isn’t working as expected, check out the following troubleshooting tips.
Check the Gas Supply Line
If your gas oven does not light up, this could be an issue with the gas supply. Trace the gas hose from the oven to the gas supply, ensure it is properly connected and you have enough gas supply. If you are low on gas you should refill your gas supply. Also ensure the hose properly connects to the oven burner.
Check The Burner Assembly
If the burner assembly is clogged with food particles or debris, this will block the flow of gas in your gas oven burner assembly. A blocked burner assembly may not light up even if the igniter is working perfectly fine.
Check The Oven Ignitor
The ignitor is part of the burner assembly, if the ignitor gets burned out it may fail to ignite with the gas supply. A faulty ignition system is one of the most common problems your gas oven may encounter. When the igniter is weak, it may fail to properly open the safety valve. If the safety valve fails to open, it will lead to issues in the oven.
To check if the igniter is faulty:
- Switch on your gas oven.
- If the igniter glows for more than 90 seconds without igniting the gas flame, this means that the igniter is too weak to open the valve. When the igniter is weak, it needs to be replaced.
- When the igniter fails to glow at all, it also needs to be replaced.
General Troubleshooting Tips for your Gas Oven Igniter
Check out our recommended general gas oven igniter troubleshooting tips below if you are still facing issues with the system.
- Check the igniter and if it is covered in debris, this could cause issues, therefore ensure you carefully clean the igniter to improve sparking.
- Next check if the pilot hole is covered in grime, then clean the pilot hole or burner assembly with a needle carefully and try to remove any buildup.
- Finally check the hose connection from the gas oven to the gas supply, and ensure it is properly connected.
How to Replace Igniter on Gas Oven
Replacing the ignition system of your gas oven may require technical skills. But if you wish to improve your skill, these steps would probably help you.
- Shut off the gas supply to the oven. Trace out the gas line then turn the valve off to cut off the gas supply to the oven.
- Slide the oven racks out of your oven, and set them aside so you can reach every section of the oven.
- Loosen the screws that attach the panel to the floor of the oven using the appropriate type of screwdriver.
- Lift the rear section of the panel and push it back slightly so you can easily lift and pull the panel out of the oven. Depending on your oven model some oven has screws in the front panel that needs to be removed.
- The igniter is supported by brackets that are screwed, loosen the screws and separate the brackets from the oven to displace the igniter.
- Raise the igniter a little so you can have a good grip on the wires, and unplug the cords. Then pull out the igniter from the oven.
- Connect the new igniter with the wire harness and tighten the mounting screws. Ensure the wires are properly and firmly attached, then hold the igniter in place and tighten the screws.
- Replace the bottom panel and tighten the screws that were removed from the panel. Make sure you securely tighten the screws and ensure the panel is firm.
- Turn the valve on the gas supply to the On position. If you moved the gas oven while trying to replace the igniter, ensure you return it to its normal position.
- Test your gas oven to check its working conditions. Set the oven to a bake setting. Check if the oven is heating up to confirm that the replaced igniter is functioning properly.
In conclusion, we have been able to briefly summarize troubleshooting and replacing the gas oven igniter. If you are not a technician or you don’t have technical experience, you should call a professional. You can also request service from your gas oven manufacturer. Also, the warranty often covers most appliances for a period of 12 months after purchase.