Oven igniter glows but oven doesn't ignite

Symptoms

• Igniter glows orange for a long time
• You hear a faint gas hiss but no whoosh of ignition
• Oven eventually shuts off with an error or just stays cold
• Problem is consistent every time you try

Likely causes

• CommonWeak oven igniterIgniters degrade over time and can glow without getting hot enough to trip the safety valve.
• PossibleDirty or corroded igniterGrease and residue can insulate the igniter and reduce its output.
• Less commonFaulty gas valveThe valve itself can fail to open even with a good igniter.
• Less commonControl board issueElectronic timing or sensing problems can rarely prevent full ignition.

What to do

1. Turn off the oven and let it cool if it has been trying to ignite for a while.
2. Open the oven and locate the igniter at the back of the oven floor, usually near the broiler or bake burner.
3. Time how long it glows before either igniting or timing out; longer than about 90 seconds strongly suggests a weak igniter.
4. Turn off the oven, unplug it, and gently wipe visible dust or grease off the igniter with a dry cloth without bending it.
5. Retry a normal bake cycle and time the igniter again.
6. If it still glows too long without lighting, the igniter needs replacement, which is a common, moderately easy DIY job with the right part.

Tools and parts

• Dry cloth
• Flashlight

When to call a pro

If replacing the igniter doesn't fix it, or you're not comfortable working near the gas valve, call an appliance technician.

Safety