Maytag Oven: gas smell

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a gas smell from your Maytag gas oven or range? This could indicate a serious issue, especially if the odor persists when the oven is off or if you're hearing hissing sounds. Common causes include gas leaks, delayed ignition, or improper combustion. It's crucial to address this odor immediately to ensure your safety.

Urgency: Critical

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag states that a faint gas smell during preheating or ignition can be normal and should only last the first few minutes. If gas is smelled when the oven is OFF, Maytag advises checking that stovetop burners were not accidentally switched ON and warns that faulty parts or gas supply issues may be involved; for suspected leaks, Maytag instructs leaving the house and calling 911 and not using anything electric that could spark.

Possible Causes

Normal brief ignition odor (gas released just before ignition)

How to Identify: Smell appears only for the first few minutes after starting bake/broil or lighting a burner, then disappears completely. No smell when appliance is OFF. No hissing.

Part: Ignition/burner startup process

Gas leak at supply connection, flexible gas line, fittings, or internal gas tube/connector

How to Identify: Gas odor present when the oven/range is OFF, or persistent odor even after burners are lit. Possible bubbling when leak detection solution (soapy water is applied to fittings. May also hear hissing.

Part: Gas supply line, flare fittings, connectors, internal gas tubing

Failing hot-surface igniter or weak spark ignition causing delayed ignition / unburned gas buildup

How to Identify: Oven takes longer than normal to ignite, you smell gas while trying to preheat, burner may light late or inconsistently, oven may not heat properly. In spark systems, repeated attempts with pauses can allow gas odor between attempts.

Part: Oven igniter (hot-surface igniter) or spark ignition system

Faulty gas valve assembly / oven safety valve not sealing fully (slow seep or improper regulation)

How to Identify: Persistent gas smell even when not using the range/oven, or gas smell continues after ignition and flame appears normal. Leak test may not show external bubbles if leak is internal.

Part: Oven gas valve assembly, safety valve, burner valve

Improper combustion / restricted airflow (blocked vents, aluminum foil on oven floor, or heavy spills/soils affecting combustion)

How to Identify: Odor is strongest during heating and may be accompanied by unusual flame behavior, excess soot, or stronger-than-usual odor. Foil lining the bottom of the oven, blocked vents, or heavy grease buildup may be present.

Part: Oven venting/airflow path, oven cavity floor, burner area

New oven burn-in / manufacturing residues (misinterpreted as gas odor)

How to Identify: Occurs mainly in the first few uses of a new oven; smell fades over several uses. Often more like 'new appliance' odor but can be perceived as gas. No smell when OFF after initial break-in period.

Part: Oven cavity coatings/residues from manufacturing/packaging

DIY Solutions

Immediate safety response for any persistent or strong gas smell (especially when OFF)

Easy 1-5 minutes
  1. Turn OFF all oven and burner knobs immediately.
  2. If the odor is strong, persistent, or you suspect a leak: leave the home immediately and call emergency services (911) from a safe distance.
  3. Do NOT operate light switches, appliances, fans, phones inside the home, or anything that could create a spark.
  4. If safe to do so without lingering in the area, shut off the gas supply valve to the range (typically behind the appliance).
⚠️ Safety First: Maytag explicitly instructs leaving the house and calling 911 if you suspect a gas leak and not using anything electric that could spark.

Verify no accidental burner/knob position causing gas flow

Easy 2-5 minutes
  1. Confirm every surface burner knob is fully turned to OFF (not slightly on).
  2. If the oven has electronic controls, ensure no bake/broil cycle is running.
  3. If smell disappears after confirming OFF positions and does not return, monitor closely.
⚠️ Safety First: If smell continues even with all knobs OFF, treat as a potential leak and follow emergency steps.

Soapy-water leak test on accessible external fittings (ONLY if odor is mild and you are not in an emergency situation)

Moderate 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Dish soap, Water, Spray bottle or sponge, Flashlight (battery-powered), Wrench (optional if tightening is required)
  1. Turn OFF all burners/oven and ensure the area is ventilated.
  2. Mix dish soap and water (or use a commercial leak-detection solution).
  3. Apply the solution to accessible gas line connection points and fittings behind/under the range (do not disassemble sealed gas components).
  4. Watch for growing bubbles, which indicate a leak.
  5. If bubbles form or the odor persists: turn off the gas supply and contact a certified technician.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not test if the smell is strong or you suspect an active leak—evacuate instead.

Remove foil/obstructions and clean spills to restore airflow and proper combustion (after ruling out leaks)

Easy 20-45 minutes
Tools Needed: Warm soapy water, Non-abrasive sponge/cloth, Gloves
  1. Ensure the oven is OFF and fully cooled.
  2. Remove any aluminum foil lining the oven bottom or blocking vents.
  3. Clean heavy spills/grease inside the oven and around the burner area as accessible.
  4. Verify oven vents are not blocked by bakeware or oven mats.
  5. Run a short bake cycle and confirm whether odor improves.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not ignore persistent gas odor after cleaning—seek professional service.

New oven odor burn-off procedure (only for new installations with no leak indicators)

Easy 60-90 minutes
Tools Needed: Warm soapy water, Vent fan
  1. Clean the oven interior with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly.
  2. Open windows and run the kitchen vent fan.
  3. Run an empty bake cycle at 350°F (about 1 hour).
  4. Allow to cool and repeat once if odor persists but is improving.
⚠️ Safety First: If odor is strong, persistent, or present when OFF, do not continue—treat as a leak and seek help.

Professional Repairs

Diagnose and repair gas leak in supply line, fittings, or internal gas tubing

Estimated Cost: $150 - $500+

Replace hot-surface igniter / repair spark ignition system (delayed ignition causing gas odor)

Estimated Cost: $200 - $450

Replace gas valve assembly / oven safety valve (valve not sealing or regulating correctly)

Estimated Cost: $250 - $700+

Adjust/inspect burner and combustion setup (flame quality, air shutter, venting issues)

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Gas smell is present when the oven/range is OFF (Maytag notes this may indicate faulty parts or gas supply issues).
Gas smell is strong, persistent, or lasts beyond a few minutes after ignition/preheat.
You hear a hissing sound near the appliance or gas line.
You experience headaches, dizziness, or nausea alongside the odor (possible gas exposure).
The oven does not ignite promptly, takes a long time to heat, or repeatedly attempts ignition while gas odor accumulates.
Soapy-water leak test shows bubbling at any fitting or connector.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Keep the oven interior clean and promptly remove baked-on spills/grease to reduce odors during heating cycles.: Odors during operation that can be mistaken for gas smell; improves combustion environment after leaks are ruled out.
    Frequency: monthly or as spills occur
  • Do not use aluminum foil on the oven bottom; keep vents clear of oven mats and bakeware.: Restricted airflow and improper combustion that Maytag links to unpleasant odors.
    Frequency: every use
  • Periodically inspect accessible gas line connections for corrosion, looseness, or damage (and have them serviced if any issues are found).: Gas leaks at connectors or fittings.
    Frequency: annually (or after moving the appliance)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Oven (gas range / gas oven) gas smell?
Common causes include gas leaks, normal ignition odors, or delayed ignition from a failing igniter.
How do I fix Maytag Oven (gas range / gas oven) gas smell myself?
Turn off all knobs, check for leaks with soapy water, and clean spills or obstructions.
How much does it cost to fix gas smell?
Repair costs range from $150 for a gas leak diagnosis to $700+ for replacing the gas valve assembly.
When should I call a technician for gas smell?
Call immediately if the gas smell is strong, persistent, or if you hear hissing sounds, as this indicates a potential leak.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty gas ignitor not igniting gas properly
  • Gas leak from the supply line or connections
  • Improperly adjusted burner or oven settings

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check for gas leaks by applying soapy water to connections; if bubbles form, there's a leak. Ensure the oven is off and ventilated. If a leak is detected, turn off the gas supply and call a professional.

  2. Inspect the ignitor for any visible damage or wear. If damaged, replace the ignitor. This involves disconnecting the power, removing the oven bottom panel, and replacing the ignitor with a new one.

  3. Adjust the burner settings according to the manufacturer's specifications. Refer to the user manual for proper settings and make adjustments as needed.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Gas smell from oven

Community Discussions

smell gas when oven is turned on

Possible ignitor issue; leave oven off until checked.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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