What You Need to Know Before You Start

An oven igniter is a small heating element that lights the gas burner inside your oven. When it fails, your oven won't heat at all — the burner clicks but never catches flame. Replacing it yourself takes about 30 minutes and costs $15 to $40 for the part, versus $200 to $300 if you call a repair technician.

The job is straightforward: you remove the oven bottom, unscrew the old igniter, and snap in the new one. No special tools are needed beyond a screwdriver. The hardest part is finding the right replacement part for your exact oven model — that number is printed on a sticker inside your oven.

Before you begin, turn off the gas at the wall valve and let the oven cool completely. If you smell gas at any point during the work, stop, close the valve, and call your gas company. Do not attempt this repair if you are uncomfortable working with gas appliances.

Key Takeaways

  • Write down your oven's model number from the sticker inside the unit before you order a replacement igniter.
  • Turn off the gas supply at the wall valve and wait for the oven to cool completely before starting work.
  • The igniter sits at the bottom of the oven chamber and is held in place by one or two screws; you do not need to remove the entire bottom panel on most models.
  • The new igniter straightforward pushes into the same socket and screws down — there are no wires to connect or gas lines to touch.
  • If the oven still does not heat after you install the new igniter, the problem may be the gas valve or thermostat, not the igniter.

Finding Your Model Number and Ordering the Right Part

Open your oven door and look for a white or silver sticker on the inside wall, usually on the left side near the top. It will show a model number that looks like "WB13K10035" or "316489602" — this is what you need. Write it down or take a photo.

Search that model number plus the word "igniter" on a parts website like AppliancePartsPros, PartSelect, or Sears Parts Direct. The igniter will cost between $15 and $40. Order the exact match for your model; igniter designs vary by manufacturer and even by year, and the wrong one will not fit.

If you cannot find a sticker, look at your oven's front panel for a model number there, or check your purchase paperwork or warranty card. If you are still stuck, call the manufacturer's customer service line with your oven's brand and approximate age — they can often identify the model over the phone.

Turning Off the Gas and Preparing the Oven

Locate the gas shut-off valve on the line that runs to your oven. It is usually a small lever on the pipe behind or below the oven. Turn the lever 90 degrees so it is perpendicular to the pipe — this closes the valve. If you cannot find it, the main gas shut-off for your home is usually in the basement or outside; turn that instead.

Turn on the oven to confirm the gas is off. You should hear clicking but see no flame. Let the oven sit for at least 30 minutes so any residual heat dissipates. The igniter gets very hot during normal operation, and you do not want to burn yourself.

Open all windows in the kitchen and turn on the range hood or a fan. Even though the gas is off, working with gas appliances requires good ventilation. Do not light any candles or use any open flame in the room while you work.

Removing the Old Igniter

Open the oven door fully. On most models, you can see the igniter at the bottom center of the oven chamber — it looks like a small ceramic rod or a thin metal tube about 2 to 3 inches long. If you cannot see it, check your oven's manual or search online for a diagram of your model.

Some ovens require you to remove the bottom panel first. Look underneath the oven bottom for screws or clips holding it in place. If there are any, remove them and slide or lift the panel out. On other models, the igniter is accessible without removing the panel.

Once you can see the igniter clearly, locate the screw or screws holding it in place. Most have one screw on top or one on each side. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws — they are usually small Phillips head. Keep the screws in a cup so you do not lose them.

Gently pull the igniter straight out of its socket. It may be tight; do not force it or you risk breaking the ceramic. If it is stuck, wiggle it slightly side to side as you pull. Once it is free, set it aside.

Installing the New Igniter

Take the new igniter out of its packaging and inspect it for any damage. The ceramic or metal rod should be intact and the base should be clean. Do not touch the ceramic tip with your bare hands — oils from your skin can cause it to fail prematurely.

Align the new igniter with the socket where the old one came out. The socket has a specific shape, so the igniter will only fit one way. Push it straight in until it seats fully in the socket. You should feel it click or settle into place.

Replace the screw or screws that held the old igniter. Tighten them firmly but do not over-tighten — you only need enough pressure to hold the igniter in place. If you removed the bottom panel, slide it back in and replace its screws.

Testing the New Igniter

Turn the gas valve back on by rotating the lever so it is parallel to the pipe. Open the oven door and set the temperature to 350 degrees. You should hear clicking at the igniter location, and within 10 to 15 seconds you should see a small flame appear at the burner.

Let the oven run for 5 minutes to confirm the flame stays lit and the oven begins to heat. Check that the temperature dial or digital display shows the oven is heating toward 350 degrees. If everything works, close the door and let it finish preheating.

If the oven still does not light, turn it off and the gas valve off again. The problem may be the gas valve itself, a broken thermostat, or a wiring issue — these are more complex repairs that usually require a technician. Do not attempt further work on the gas line or electrical components yourself.

When to Call a Technician Instead

If you smell gas at any point during this repair, stop when ready. Close the gas valve, open all windows, and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not try to find the source of the leak yourself.

If the oven clicks but the new igniter does not glow red or the burner does not light, the igniter may be defective or the problem may lie elsewhere. A faulty gas valve, broken thermostat, or electrical issue requires professional diagnosis. These repairs are beyond the scope of a DIY igniter replacement.

If you are uncomfortable working with gas appliances at any stage, or if you do not have a gas shut-off valve you can locate and operate safely, hire a technician. The cost of a service call is worth the safety and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my oven igniter is actually broken?

A broken igniter will not glow red when you turn on the oven, and the burner will not light. You may hear clicking at the igniter location but see no flame. If the oven heats normally, the igniter is working fine. Some ovens have a pilot light instead of an igniter; check your manual to confirm which type yours has.

Can I use an igniter from a different oven model?

No. Igniter designs vary by manufacturer and even by year within the same brand. Using the wrong igniter may not fit the socket, may not reach the burner properly, or may fail quickly. Always order the exact part for your model number.

What if the igniter glows but the burner still does not light?

The igniter may be working but positioned too far from the burner, or the gas valve may not be opening. This usually means the gas valve needs replacement or adjustment — a job for a technician. Do not attempt to bend or reposition the igniter yourself, as this can damage it.

Do I need to turn off the power to the oven before replacing the igniter?

Yes. Turn off the circuit breaker for the oven at your electrical panel before you start work. Even though you are not touching any wires, this is the safest practice when working inside any appliance. Turn the breaker back on only after you have finished and closed up the oven.

How long does a new igniter usually last?

A quality replacement igniter typically lasts 5 to 10 years with normal use. Igniter lifespan depends on how often you use the oven and the quality of the part. If your oven is very old, other components may fail before the igniter does.