Warning: Disconnect power before servicing.
ErrBase

Gas Oven Igniter Replacement Guide

Quick Answer

To replace a gas oven igniter, turn off gas and power, remove the oven bottom panel, unscrew the old igniter, disconnect its wire harness, and install the new one. The whole job takes 20 to 45 minutes and the part costs $20 to $50.

Most igniters don't just quit overnight. You'll notice longer preheat times first, sometimes weeks before it fully stops working. Ignore it and you're looking at a $200+ service call for what's basically a $25 part. I've replaced probably three of these just this week. Heavy oven users, people who bake daily or do marathon holiday cooking sessions, tend to see these go bad way sooner than the average household.

GenericOvenSeverity: moderateDifficulty: intermediate92% DIY Success
Time to Fix
20–45 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
$18 – $45
Tools Needed
Phillips #2 screwdriver, 1/4 inch nut driver or 1/4 inch hex head screwdriver

Gas Oven Igniter Replacement Guide

OK so here's the deal: the igniter is hands-down the most common gas oven repair there is. I probably replace two or three a week. The part's cheap, the job's pretty forgiving, and you don't need any special skills. The only thing that trips people up is ordering the wrong style. There's flat igniters and round ones and they're not interchangeable, so grab your model number off the label inside the door frame before you order anything.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Weak igniter (draws under 3.0 amps)70%
Cracked igniter element15%
Corroded wire connections at igniter10%
Gas valve solenoid failure5%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Oven takes 15 or 20 minutes to get to temp, or it climbs halfway and just stops there
  • The igniter glows a weak red or dull orange instead of that bright white-orange it should be. Kind of like the difference between a birthday candle and a blowtorch, honestly.
  • Gas smell when the oven tries to ignite but no flame ever appears. Turn it off immediately if this happens and ventilate the kitchen.
  • You hear the oven trying to fire up, maybe even see a brief flash, but no sustained flame comes on and the oven stays cold
  • Stovetop burners work fine but the bake function is dead. Broil might still work too, because the broil burner has a separate igniter.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriver1/4 inch nut driver or 1/4 inch hex head screwdriverClamp meter or multimeter (optional, for amp draw test)Work gloves (igniter contains silicon carbide, wear these)Flashlight or headlamp to see into the oven cavityNeedle-nose pliers (if wire connector is corroded or stuck)

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range2.5–5 amps
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Flat Igniter (Rectangle Style)WB13K21 · $18–$35
Round Igniter (Norton Style)WB2X9998 · $20–$45

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my gas oven igniter is bad?
Watch the igniter when you turn the oven on. If it takes longer than 90 seconds to glow, glows dim red instead of bright orange, or never ignites the gas at all, it needs replacing. You can also test amp draw with a clamp meter. A healthy igniter pulls 3.0 to 3.6 amps. Anything below 2.5 amps and the gas valve probably won't open reliably. I've actually had igniters read fine on a basic resistance test but still fail the amp draw test, so if you've got a clamp meter use it, it's the more accurate check.
What's the difference between flat and round igniters?
Flat or rectangular igniters are the newer style and you'll find them in basically every oven made after 2000. Round igniters, sometimes called Norton igniters, are older but still show up in certain Frigidaire and older GE and Whirlpool models. They're not interchangeable at all. The amp draw is different, the mounting holes are different, the wire connector is often different. Always pull your oven's model number off the label inside the door frame before you order. Takes 10 seconds and saves you the hassle of returning a wrong part and waiting another week.
Can I replace a gas oven igniter myself?
Yeah, honestly this is one of the more beginner-friendly gas appliance repairs out there. You're not touching any actual gas lines, just disconnecting and reconnecting a wire plug and swapping a part held by two screws. The main things to get right are: gas off before you start, right igniter style for your model, and don't overtighten those mounting screws. I've walked people with zero appliance experience through this in under 30 minutes. The only time I'd say call a pro is if you smell gas during the repair or the wiring going to the igniter looks burned or melted.
How long does a gas oven igniter last?
Most igniters last somewhere between 5 and 10 years with regular use. Heavy users, people baking every day or running the oven for long stretches during the holidays, might see one fail in 3 to 4 years. Light users might get 15 years out of one. The thing that kills igniters is repeated heat cycling, not total hours of operation. An oven that preheats and shuts off 10 times a day is actually harder on the igniter than one that runs for two hours straight once a day. So if you bake a lot, budget for this repair every 5 years or so.
Do I need to buy an OEM igniter or will aftermarket work?
Aftermarket igniters work fine for most ovens. The main thing is matching the style, flat versus round, and making sure the amp draw spec is correct for your model. OEM parts from the manufacturer are basically the same component with a brand sticker, often made by the same supplier. I use aftermarket igniters probably 80% of the time and they last just as long. Universal igniters cover a huge range of models. Just cross-reference your model number on the parts site before you buy to confirm compatibility, don't just go by looks.

Models Known to Experience HOW-TO Errors

This repair applies to most Generic ovens with this error code. Common model numbers include:

JGB700SEJ, JGBS66REK, RGB526DET, DGEF3045RF, NX60A6511SS, JGBS10DEK, RGB508PPHCT, NX58H9500WS, JGBS86SPSS, FGGF3047TF

MS

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 16, 2026