The igniter is essential to a functioning oven, so a problematic one can be a real headache. Fortunately, however, a broken igniter doesn’t mean that the whole oven needs to be replaced. So, what should you do if your oven igniter isn’t working properly?
Find the igniter at the bottom of the oven and use a multimeter to test if it has continuity. Where there is no continuity, it needs to be replaced. It’s possible to replace the igniter yourself by unscrewing it from the bracket mount and putting a new one in, but it’s often better to get a professional’s help.
Let’s take a closer look at how to inspect an oven igniter that isn’t working and what you can do if it needs to be replaced.
How to quickly Inspect an Oven Igniter That Isn’t Working
To inspect an oven igniter that isn’t working, start by unplugging the oven or turning off the power to the oven at the breaker box.
Note: whilst I have an electric stove, I have worked on many gas stoves and most of them have a similar build, so the below instructions should help most people.
Remove the oven racks or anything else that might block access to the bottom of the oven. Finally, locate the igniter, which is usually found near the burner at the bottom of the oven.
With some ovens, you’ll need to remove the bottom oven cover in order to expose the igniter.
Troubleshooting Possible Issues
Inspect the igniter closely. The first thing you should check is if the igniter has any visible damage. You’ll be able to see if it looks cracked or broken. If the igniter does have any visible damage, it will likely have to be replaced.
However, if the igniter looks intact, you can use a multimeter (on Amazon) to test for continuity. If there’s no continuity, the igniter will need to be replaced.
If the igniter does have continuity, the problem usually lies somewhere else in the oven.
I found this useful video on Youtube which takes you through the steps of testing an igniter using a multimeter:
the quick and easy way to swap out an oven igniter
If you do need to replace an igniter, you can follow these steps. It’s important to also consider the safety precautions, as this is a process that comes with a fair amount of hazards, and being aware of them all is key to success and safety.
Safety first
The first precaution to take is to ensure that all power to the oven is turned off. This is critical because it’s a serious hazard to proceed in an oven that has power running to it.
The safest and surest way to eliminate the power supply is to turn off the breaker that supplies power to the room, ensuring no electricity can possibly get to the oven.
You should wear safety goggles at the very least to protect yourself from any flying debris. If you’re careful, there shouldn’t be too much of a mess, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Keep an eye out for the smell of gas. If you’re working on the oven at any point and think you might smell some, this is indicative of a gas leak, and you should abandon the project immediately and seek professional help with the job.
You should also make sure you consult the oven’s manufacturing instructions before you go ahead.
Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, it’s important to assess your own knowledge and skill level before you go ahead with the replacement on your own. Dealing with ovens can be pretty dangerous because of the heat and electrical components, so repairs should not be taken lightly.
For someone with a decent skill level and experience, this might be a reasonable DIY job; however, if you have any doubt at all, you should pass it on to a professional.
Materials Needed
You will need the following materials on hand to replace an oven igniter:
- A new oven igniter (on Amazon) Note this example igniter has a model number, and you’ll need to research your oven and make sure you’re getting a compatible replacement igniter. They aren’t all interchangeable.
- A Phillips screwdriver (which you can buy on Amazon)
- Pliers
- Safety goggles (on Amazon)
Make sure you have these on hand before you begin the process. You should make sure the igniter works for the specific oven model that you have.
step-by-step Process
The exact process needed to replace your igniter will depend on your oven, but you should be able to follow these general steps:
- Turn off the power to the oven by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker.
- Carefully remove the old igniter by unplugging it or unscrewing it from its mounting bracket.
- Install the new igniter by plugging it in or screwing it into its mounting bracket.
- Turn the power back on and test the oven to make sure the new igniter is working properly.
Should I Hire a Professional?
If you do need to troubleshoot and potentially replace the oven igniter, you might be wondering if you should DIY the job yourself or if it’s best to hire a professional.
To come to the right conclusion for you, there are a few things you need to consider. This includes the cost and the time it’ll take, but the most important thing to evaluate is your confidence and experience.
This can be a hazardous job, so if you’re having any doubts whatsoever, it’s usually best to hire a professional to do the job. They should be able to complete it in a relatively quick timeframe, and you won’t have to worry about complications.
other articles on ovens you might find useful
Double Ovens: Why The Bottom Oven Isn’t Working But Top Is
Why Your Oven Light Won’t Turn On
Oven Door Hinge Stuck? Easy Fix
Oven Display Not Working? Here’s How To Troubleshoot And Fix It Fast
