Kenmore Oven: not igniting

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing issues with your Kenmore oven not igniting? You may notice that the burner fails to light, and the igniter doesn't glow or shows weak activity. While your stovetop burners might still work, the oven remains cold. This issue can stem from a faulty igniter, electrical connection problems, or gas supply interruptions.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore gas ovens commonly fail to ignite due to a weak/broken igniter; models often share similar igniter designs.

Possible Causes

Faulty oven igniter

How to Identify: No glowing or weak/glowing but never achieving bright white/orange heat; burner never ignites after 60–90 seconds of igniter glow.

Part: Oven igniter

Electrical connection issues to igniter

How to Identify: Loose or damaged wires to the igniter, intermittent power, or poor connection inhibiting proper igniter function.

Part: Wiring/harness to igniter

Gas supply interruption

How to Identify: Gas valve shut off or blocked, no gas flow to burner; no sound of gas or flame even if igniter glows.

Part: Gas valve/line

Thermostat/safety valve malfunction

How to Identify: Thermostat not calling for heat or valve not opening despite ignition attempt; oven won’t heat though igniter appears functional.

Part: Thermostat or safety gas valve

DIY Solutions

Inspect and test the igniter

Moderate 20–45 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver
  1. Turn off gas supply and disconnect power to the oven.
  2. Remove oven racks and bottom panel to access the igniter assembly.
  3. Visually inspect the igniter for cracks or damage.
  4. With power on (gas still off), observe whether the igniter glows bright when the oven is set to bake.
  5. Use a multimeter to check continuity of the igniter; no continuity suggests failure.
⚠️ Safety First: Always shut off gas and power before internal inspection.

Check and secure electrical connections

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter
  1. Disconnect power and shut off gas to the oven.
  2. Locate the igniter wiring harness and inspect for loose or burnt connections.
  3. Tighten or replace damaged wire connectors.
  4. Restore power and test oven ignition.
  5. If no improvement, proceed to igniter replacement.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before handling electrical wires.

Professional Repairs

Replace oven igniter

Estimated Cost: $40 - $120 for part

Inspect and repair gas valve or thermostat

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

When to Call a Professional

Gas smell present when attempting ignition or persistent ignition failure after DIY checks
Igniter tests good but oven still won’t ignite (possible valve or control issue)
Uncertain about safely handling gas/electrical components

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean oven interior and igniter area: Grease and debris buildup that can affect igniter performance
    Frequency: monthly
  • Annual inspection of gas line and igniter: Early detection of wear or connection issues
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Oven not igniting?
Common causes include a faulty igniter, electrical connection issues, or gas supply interruptions.
How do I fix Kenmore Oven not igniting myself?
Inspect the igniter and check electrical connections by following DIY steps for safety.
How much does it cost to fix not igniting?
Professional repairs for a faulty igniter range from $40 to $120, while gas valve inspections cost between $80 and $250.
When should I call a technician for not igniting?
If you're unable to identify the issue or if it involves complex repairs, it's best to consult a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

33%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Igniter failure (3 mentions)
  • Gas supply issues (2 mentions)
  • Thermostat sensor malfunction (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace igniter with aftermarket igniter

    Success rate: 25.0%

  2. Check gas supply valve

    Success rate: 0.0%

  3. Inspect oven thermostat sensor

    Success rate: 0.0%
Analysis based on 3 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Gas oven won't ignite, already replaced igniter.
  2. Kenmore Oven Not Igniting
  3. Cost to Repair Gas Oven Igniter

Community Discussions

burner not working, blinking red light

Connector on the burner was ripped and unable to connect.

DIY View on Reddit →

gas smell and slow igniting

Aftermarket igniters are effective and can be replaced easily; professional repair costs can be high.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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