How to Replace the Igniter on a Gas Oven in 5 Steps

A malfunctioning gas oven igniter is one of the most common reasons your oven won’t heat properly. If you’ve turned on your oven only to hear clicking without the gas igniting, or if it takes an unusually long time to heat up, a faulty igniter is likely the culprit.

Replacing the igniter on a gas oven is a repair you can likely handle yourself. The process takes about an hour, requires only basic tools, and involves five straightforward steps we’ll walk through together in this guide.

Common Signs Your Igniter Needs Replacement

Before we dive into the replacement process, here are the telltale signs that your igniter has failed:

• Oven won’t heat at all, even though you hear clicking
• Takes longer than two minutes for the oven to ignite
• Igniter glows but gas doesn’t light
• Visible cracks or damage on the igniter element
• Intermittent heating issues

Why Igniters Fail

The igniter serves two crucial functions in your gas oven: first, it draws electrical current and heats up to glow, which ignites the gas. Second, as it heats, it opens a safety valve that allows gas to flow to the burner.

When an igniter weakens over time, it may still glow but won’t draw enough current to open the gas valve fully, resulting in delayed ignition or no ignition at all.

Step 1: Prepare Safely and Gather Tools

Safety is essential when working with gas appliances. Begin by turning off the gas supply to your oven. Locate the gas shut-off valve behind or beneath the oven. You may need to pull the oven away from the wall. Turn the valve to the closed position; the handle should be perpendicular to the gas line.

Next, disconnect electrical power by unplugging the oven or switching off the circuit breaker. Even though you’re working with gas, the igniter uses electricity, so eliminating all power sources is essential.

WARNING: Never attempt this repair if you smell gas. Evacuate your home and call your gas company immediately.

Gather all the tools and materials you’ll need:

• Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead)
• Nut driver or socket wrench
• Work gloves
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Smartphone for reference photos
• Replacement igniter (matched to your oven model)

Check your oven’s model number inside the oven door, on the back of the unit, or in the storage drawer beneath the oven. Oven igniters vary between brands and models, so a matching replacement is essential.

Step 2: Access the Igniter

Remove all oven racks to give yourself unobstructed access. Set them aside safely. Next, remove the oven floor panel. Depending on the model, this metal plate may lift out, slide under a lip, or be secured with screws. Lift the back first if needed, then angle it out carefully. Set the panel aside.

With the floor panel removed, you’ll see the burner assembly and igniter. The igniter is typically a small rectangular or round ceramic component, often white or beige, positioned close to the burner ports. Take a moment to observe its position and connections. Use your smartphone to take photos from multiple angles; these will be invaluable during reassembly.

Step 3: Remove the Old Igniter

Locate the wire harness connecting the igniter to the oven’s electrical system. This usually features a plug-style connector with a small release tab. Carefully disconnect it by pulling gently. You may need to press or squeeze the release mechanism. Avoid pulling on the wires themselves, as they can be fragile.

Next, locate the screws or brackets securing the igniter. Most igniters use two screws through a mounting bracket, though some have a single screw or metal clips. Remove the screws carefully and store them in a safe place. Slide the old igniter out of its bracket gently. Handle it with care; the ceramic material is brittle and may shatter unexpectedly. If it resists removal, check for additional mounting points, but never force it.

Step 4: Install the New Igniter

When handling the new igniter, avoid touching the ceramic heating element with your bare hands. Oils can create hot spots that cause premature failure. If you touch it, clean it with rubbing alcohol on a lint-free cloth and let it dry completely.

Position the igniter in the same location as the old one, aligning it with the mounting bracket. It should sit near the burner ports but not touch any metal surfaces other than the bracket.

Insert and tighten the mounting screws carefully; about finger-tight plus a quarter turn is sufficient. Connect the wire harness, ensuring it clicks firmly into place. Give it a gentle tug to confirm security. Route the wires the same way they were with the old igniter. Ensure they have some slack and won’t be pinched when replacing the oven floor panel.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Replace the oven floor panel and return the racks to their original positions. Inspect inside the oven to ensure no tools or parts were left behind.

Turn the gas supply back on and restore electrical power. Set the oven to a moderate temperature, around 350°F. Within 30-90 seconds, the igniter should glow bright orange or white. Shortly after, the gas should ignite with a soft whooshing sound. The igniter will continue to glow as the oven heats, maintaining the gas valve in the open position. 

If the new igniter doesn’t work as expected, try these simple checks:

• If the new igniter doesn’t glow, check the wire harness and power supply.
• If it glows but gas doesn’t ignite, there may be a gas supply or burner issue.

Call a professional if you’re unsure or uncomfortable at any step. Once the new igniter is working properly, your oven should provide reliable heating for years to come.