Where Is The Igniter On A Whirlpool Gas Oven

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If your Whirlpool gas oven won’t light, the igniter is usually the first part to check. So where is the igniter on a whirlpool gas oven? Gas oven igniters on Whirlpool models sit in specific locations that vary between bake and broil functions. Finding it takes just a few minutes once you know what to look for.

This guide shows you exactly where the igniter sits on common Whirlpool gas ranges and wall ovens. You’ll also learn how to reach it safely and what signs point to a failing part.

Where Is The Igniter On A Whirlpool Gas Oven

The igniter location depends on which burner you’re using. Whirlpool gas ovens have two main igniters: one for baking and one for broiling. Some newer models use a spark ignition system instead of a glow bar, and those parts sit in different spots.

Most Whirlpool gas ovens made in the last 20 years use a hot surface igniter, also called a glow bar. It glows orange when the oven calls for heat. That glow is your best clue for tracking it down.

Bake Igniter Location

The bake igniter sits inside the oven cavity, near the bottom. Here’s how to find it:

  • Open the oven door and look at the floor of the oven.
  • Find the burner tube, a metal pipe with small holes running along the bottom.
  • The igniter is mounted right next to the burner, usually at the front or back end.
  • It looks like a small ceramic block with two wires attached.

On many Whirlpool models, the bake igniter is held by a metal bracket and one or two screws. You may need to remove the oven racks and the bottom panel to see it clearly. On some models, the igniter hides behind a small cover at the rear of the oven floor.

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Broil Igniter Location

The broil igniter lives at the top of the oven cavity. Look up when you open the door.

  • Find the broil burner tube near the oven ceiling.
  • The igniter is mounted beside it, facing down toward the oven floor.
  • It’s often protected by a metal shield you can unclip or unscrew.

Broil igniters fail less often than bake igniters because they get less use. Still, they can wear out over time.

Spark Igniter Location On Newer Models

Some newer Whirlpool gas ranges use spark ignition instead of a glow bar. These models have a spark module and electrode near each burner.

  • On the stovetop, the spark electrode sits next to each surface burner.
  • In the oven, the spark electrode is near the bake and broil burner tubes.
  • You’ll hear a clicking sound when it tries to light.

If you hear clicking but no flame, the electrode or its wire may be the problem.

How To Access The Igniter Safely

Before you touch anything, cut the power and gas. Safety comes first with any gas appliance.

  1. Unplug the oven or flip the circuit breaker off.
  2. Shut off the gas supply valve behind the oven.
  3. Pull the oven away from the wall if you need rear access.
  4. Remove the oven racks and any bottom or back panels.
  5. Locate the igniter using the steps above.

Wear gloves. The igniter is made of ceramic and breaks easily. A cracked igniter won’t work, even if it still glows.

Signs The Igniter Is Failing

A bad igniter usually gives you warning signs before it quits completely. Watch for these:

  • The oven takes a long time to light, sometimes 30 seconds or more.
  • The igniter glows but the gas never ignites.
  • You smell gas without a flame.
  • The oven heats unevenly or shuts off mid-bake.
  • The igniter looks cracked, white, or burnt.
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If you smell gas and the oven won’t light, turn off the gas valve right away. Open a window and don’t try to relight it until the smell clears.

Testing A Whirlpool Oven Igniter

You can test a glow bar igniter with a multimeter. Here’s the short version:

  1. Turn off power and gas.
  2. Disconnect the two wires from the igniter.
  3. Set your multimeter to measure ohms.
  4. Touch the probes to each igniter wire terminal.
  5. Compare the reading to your model’s spec, often between 50 and 500 ohms.

A reading of zero or infinity means the igniter is dead. Even a reading in range doesn’t always mean it’s good. Weak igniters can still show correct ohms but fail to draw enough current to open the gas valve.

Replacing The Igniter

Replacing a Whirlpool oven igniter is a common DIY repair. The part usually costs between $30 and $80.

  1. Note which wire goes where before you remove anything.
  2. Remove the mounting screws and pull the igniter free.
  3. Disconnect the wire harness or wire nuts.
  4. Install the new igniter in the same spot.
  5. Reconnect the wires and secure the bracket.
  6. Restore gas and power, then test the oven.

Be gentle with the new igniter. It’s fragile and can crack if you overtighten the screws.

When To Call A Technician

Some jobs are better left to a pro. Call a licensed technician if:

  • You can’t find the igniter after checking both the top and bottom of the oven.
  • The new igniter still won’t light the burner.
  • You smell gas at any point during the repair.
  • Your model has a sealed burner system you’re not comfortable opening.
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Gas repairs carry real risk. If anything feels off, stop and get help.

Quick Tips To Remember

  • The bake igniter sits at the bottom of the oven near the burner tube.
  • The broil igniter sits at the top near the broil burner.
  • Newer Whirlpool models may use spark electrodes instead of glow bars.
  • Always shut off gas and power before you start.
  • A cracked or weak igniter is the most common cause of a no-light oven.

Knowing where the igniter sits saves you time and money. Check the bake igniter first, since it fails most often. With the right location and a simple multimeter test, you can pinpoint the problem and decide whether to replace it yourself or call for backup.