When your oven suddenly won’t heat up, it’s often the igniter to blame. But waiting until it completely fails can ruin dinner plans or delay meal prep for days. Spotting signs of a failing igniter early gives you time to fix it before you’re stuck with a cold oven. This guide breaks down what to watch for, what each symptom means, and how to handle the issue safely.
What Does an Oven Igniter Actually Do?
The oven igniter is responsible for starting the burner flame when you set the temperature. It works by drawing electrical current, heating up, and triggering the gas valve to open. Therefore, when it’s weak or slow to heat, the burner won’t light properly. In other words, the igniter must work efficiently to ensure the oven heats up consistently.
Most gas ovens use either a glow bar igniter or a spark igniter. Both serve the same purpose, but they operate slightly differently. However, the warning signs of failure are quite similar. Spotting them early means you can plan ahead, instead of scrambling when your oven won’t start.
Signs Your Oven Igniter Is Failing
1. Delay in Ignition
One of the most common early signs is a noticeable delay between turning on the oven and hearing the familiar whoosh of the flame. For example, if you normally hear ignition within 20 seconds and it suddenly takes longer, it may be struggling to reach the required temperature to open the gas valve.
This delay is more than just annoying. That is to say, it means your igniter may not be drawing enough current to start properly. Over time, the delay grows longer until it fails completely. If this happens more than once, it’s not a fluke.
2. Oven Takes Too Long to Preheat
If your oven seems to be taking forever to reach temperature, the igniter might be weakening. It still works, but not as quickly or powerfully as it should. Consequently, this can throw off your cooking times and leave meals undercooked.
Some people may blame the heating element or temperature sensor. However, a failing igniter is often the actual issue, especially in gas ovens. A trained technician performing appliance repair in Airdrie can run a quick amperage test to confirm this without dismantling the oven entirely.
3. Weak or No Glow
For glow bar igniters, one easy check is to simply look inside the oven when it tries to start. You should see a strong orange glow within a few seconds. If the glow is faint or not visible at all, the igniter is likely at the end of its life. In addition, the absence of glow means no gas will be released either, so the oven remains cold.
A weak glow is especially easy to overlook during the day. Therefore, check under lower lighting or listen for gas release to help diagnose the issue.
4. Oven Shuts Off Mid-Cycle
An intermittent igniter may start the cooking process but fail to maintain a consistent flame. This means your oven might randomly shut off or struggle to stay at the right temperature. For instance, you may notice baking takes longer or food comes out unevenly cooked.
This is often misattributed to poor insulation or the control board. However, if your burner isn’t reigniting mid-cycle, the igniter is likely to blame. Consistency in ignition is just as important as the initial startup.
5. The Burner Doesn’t Light at All
If the oven is completely unresponsive when turned on, that’s often the final stage of igniter failure. There’s no click, no glow, no sound of gas flow. That is to say, the igniter has stopped functioning altogether. At this point, the fix is replacement.
However, by the time you reach this stage, it’s too late to plan around it. Therefore, watching for the earlier symptoms can help you avoid a cold oven at the worst time.
Why Igniters Fail Over Time
Oven igniters wear out from regular use. They are under constant stress each time you use the appliance. Most manufacturers design them to last between three and five years, depending on frequency and quality. But grease buildup, power surges, and high usage can reduce that lifespan significantly.
Additionally, cleaning chemicals and accidental moisture exposure can also shorten the igniter’s performance. For example, wiping down the oven floor while it’s still warm may introduce condensation. This moisture settles in sensitive components and reduces lifespan without you realizing it.
Safety Concerns and Misconceptions
Some people mistakenly assume a weak igniter is harmless as long as the oven still starts. However, this delay can allow gas to accumulate before ignition. Although modern ovens have safety valves, the risk of a small flare or puff of unburnt gas is real. Above all, an unstable ignition sequence should never be ignored.
On the other hand, replacing an igniter is often quicker and more affordable than letting it escalate into a gas valve or burner repair. Therefore, acting early is not only safer but also cheaper in the long run.
Can You Replace an Igniter Yourself?
It is possible for someone handy with basic tools to replace a worn igniter. However, because this part involves gas and electrical systems, professional service is usually the safer route. Moreover, diagnosing the exact model and getting the right replacement can be tricky without expert guidance.
Before touching anything, always unplug the oven and shut off the gas. After that, you’ll need to access the igniter mounting area, usually at the back of the oven interior or under the floor panel. Testing for continuity with a multimeter can help confirm the fault. Still, for many, calling for stove repair in Airdrie is more reliable than guessing and hoping it works.
What to Expect from a Technician Visit
A qualified technician will start with a simple visual and electrical test. In addition, they’ll measure the igniter’s amp draw to confirm if it’s strong enough. If it fails the test, the part is swapped out quickly, sometimes on the first visit.
They’ll also inspect nearby wiring and burner ports to ensure there’s no secondary issue. That is to say, a full diagnosis is more than just looking at the igniter. If the flame sensor or gas valve also looks worn, they might recommend additional repairs to avoid another failure soon after.
Once the new igniter is installed, the oven should light instantly and hold temperature properly. This returns it to full working order and removes the risk of further delay or shutdown.
An Extra Tip Most People Miss
Here’s a small trick: run a test bake once a week, even if you don’t plan to cook. For instance, turning your oven to 375°F for 5 minutes can show whether ignition is still smooth and fast. Likewise, it keeps the system active, which may help extend the igniter’s life by preventing inactivity buildup or dust interference.
This routine is especially useful for people who use their ovens rarely. In those cases, parts wear more from sitting unused than from being overworked. A brief weekly cycle can make a difference over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes an oven igniter to wear out early?
Frequent use, moisture exposure, grease buildup, and power surges are common causes. Over time, these factors weaken the part’s ability to reach the needed temperature.
How long does an oven igniter usually last?
Most igniters last three to five years under normal conditions. However, poor maintenance or heavy use can reduce that to two years or less.
Can I test my oven igniter at home?
Yes, you can check if it glows and listen for gas flow. But to test it properly, you need a multimeter to measure continuity or amp draw.
Why does my oven take forever to heat up now?
A slow preheat often points to a failing igniter. It may still be functioning but too weak to open the gas valve efficiently.
Is it worth repairing a bad igniter or just replacing the oven?
Replacing the igniter is usually affordable and much cheaper than buying a new oven. In most cases, it’s a simple fix when caught early.
