Replacing a gas oven igniter requires shutting off the gas supply first, then accessing the burner assembly behind the oven’s bottom panel. If you want to know how to change an igniter on a gas oven, this guide walks you through each step safely and clearly.
A broken igniter is one of the most common reasons a gas oven stops heating. The good news is that this is a repair most homeowners can handle with basic tools. You do not need to be a pro. You just need to be careful and take your time.
Below you will find the tools you need, the safety steps, and a full walkthrough from start to finish.
Tools And Materials You Will Need
Gather everything before you start. This saves you trips back and forth to the garage.
- New igniter that matches your oven model
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Nut driver set (usually 1/4 inch or 5/16 inch)
- Wire strippers or a small knife
- Ceramic wire nuts (often included with the new igniter)
- Work gloves
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Multimeter (optional, for testing)
Make sure the replacement igniter is the correct part number for your oven. Check your model number plate, usually located on the door frame or back panel.
How To Change An Igniter On A Gas Oven
This is the main process. Follow the steps in order and do not skip the safety parts.
Step 1: Shut Off The Gas And Power
Turn the gas shutoff valve behind the oven to the off position. If you cannot reach it, shut off the main gas line to the house.
Next, unplug the oven from the wall outlet. If it is hardwired, flip the breaker that controls the oven.
Wait a few minutes. This lets any residual gas clear out and lets the oven cool if it was recently used.
Step 2: Pull The Oven Out And Remove The Bottom Panel
Slide the oven forward gently. Be careful not to kink the gas line. You only need enough room to work behind and above it.
Open the oven door and remove the oven racks. Look for the screws holding the bottom panel in place. They are usually at the back or along the sides.
Remove the screws and lift the panel out. Set it aside where it will not get scratched.
Step 3: Locate The Igniter
The igniter sits next to the gas burner tube, usually at the back of the oven cavity. It looks like a small ceramic block with two wires coming out of it.
On some models, you may need to remove a metal flame spreader or a burner cover to see it clearly. Use your flashlight to get a good look.
Step 4: Test The Old Igniter (Optional)
If you have a multimeter, you can test the igniter before replacing it. Set the meter to ohms and touch the probes to the igniter’s two wire terminals.
A good igniter usually reads between 50 and 400 ohms, depending on the model. A reading of zero or infinity means the igniter is bad. Check your oven’s service manual for the exact range.
Step 5: Remove The Old Igniter
Take out the screws holding the igniter to the burner assembly. There are usually two.
Pull the igniter out carefully. Do not yank it, because the wires may be attached to a harness behind the oven wall.
Trace the wires back to where they connect. On many ovens, you will find a quick-disconnect plug. On others, the wires are joined with ceramic wire nuts.
Disconnect the wires. If they are joined with wire nuts, unscrew them and separate the wires.
Step 6: Install The New Igniter
Connect the new igniter’s wires to the oven’s wiring. Use the ceramic wire nuts that came with the new part. Regular plastic wire nuts can melt at oven temperatures.
If your oven uses a plug connector, simply snap the new igniter into place.
Mount the new igniter to the burner assembly with the screws you removed earlier. Make sure it sits in the same position as the old one. The igniter must be close to the gas ports to light the burner.
Step 7: Reassemble And Test
Put the bottom panel back in place and tighten the screws. Slide the oven back toward the wall, but leave it slightly out for the first test.
Plug the oven back in or restore the breaker. Turn the gas valve back on.
Set the oven to bake at 350 degrees. Watch through the door or the bottom panel opening. The igniter should glow bright orange within 30 to 60 seconds, and the burner should light shortly after.
If the burner lights and stays on, you are done. Slide the oven fully back into position.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Forgetting to shut off the gas before starting any work
- Using plastic wire nuts instead of ceramic ones
- Buying the wrong igniter for your model
- Bending or damaging the new igniter during installation
- Not testing the oven before pushing it back into the cabinet
When To Call A Professional
If you smell gas at any point, stop and leave the house. Call your gas company or a licensed technician right away.
If the new igniter glows but the burner still will not light, the problem may be with the gas valve, the safety valve, or the control board. These repairs are more complex and often need a pro.
Also call a technician if your oven is hardwired, if the gas line is difficult to reach, or if you are not comfortable working around gas appliances.
Final Thoughts
Changing a gas oven igniter is a manageable repair for most homeowners. The key steps are shutting off the gas, removing the bottom panel, swapping the igniter, and testing the oven before you push it back.
Take your time, use the right parts, and always put safety first. With the right tools and a little patience, you can get your oven heating again in under an hour.