From About This Project
A one-minute cleaning will solve 75 percent of burner problems. To get at the ignition system, lift the lid of your stove. Give it a rap with the heel of your hand if it’s stuck. If your stove has sealed burners, identified by the igniter or little nub at the back of each burner, the lid won’t lift. But you can clean the igniter the same way.
Identify a standing pilot by a small gas tube running to a tip with a hole at the center of two burners.
Identify spark ignition by the ceramic nub either under the top or beside the burner in a sealed burner range. It clicks when it’s working.
Tips for Buying Replacement Parts
Before you go to purchase a part, write down the brand name, model number and serial number of the range. The range will have an engraved plate with this information usually located under the cooktop lid or on the back. Look in the Yellow Pages under “Appliances, Parts” for a supplier. Call first to be sure the part you need is in stock. Three Internet parts sources are listed below.
Before you open your wallet and call a professional to repair your oven:
-
Reset your “time cook” function if your oven has one. They are often set wrong and prevent the stove from coming on. Service pros see this problem often, much to the homeowner’s embarrassment!
-
Make sure the stove is plugged in and you have power to the outlet. Electronic ignition systems and some standing pilots need electricity to operate.
-
Check the oven ignition fuse. You’ll need your owner’s manual to locate it.
-
Check the pilot, if your oven has one. If it’s out, clean and relight it according to the manufacturer’s directions. If you’re unsure how, call a service pro.