If your Maytag oven igniter is on the fritz, don’t despair. This common problem is often easy to fix with a few simple tools and a little bit of know-how. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to repair a Maytag oven igniter, so you can get your oven back up and running in no time.
Before you start, be sure to unplug your oven from the power outlet. This will help to prevent any electrical shocks. Also, allow the oven to cool completely before you begin working on it. Once the oven is cool, you can remove the access panel to the igniter. This panel is typically located at the bottom of the oven, behind the kickplate. Once you’ve located the access panel, remove the screws that hold it in place and set it aside.
With the access panel removed, you’ll be able to see the igniter. The igniter is a small, metal rod that is located near the burner. To test the igniter, simply press the ignition button. If the igniter is working properly, you’ll see a spark. If you don’t see a spark, the igniter may need to be replaced. To replace the igniter, simply unscrew the old igniter and screw in the new one. Once the new igniter is in place, reattach the access panel and plug the oven back into the power outlet. Your oven should now be working properly.
Identifying a Faulty Oven Igniter
Determing if your oven igniter is malfunctioning can be crucial in diagnosing oven problems. Here’s a detailed guide on identifying a faulty oven igniter:
| Signs of a Faulty Igniter | Possible Causes |
|---|---|
| No heat or ignition when the oven is turned on | Igniter not generating a spark |
| The igniter glows but fails to ignite the gas | Gas valve not opening properly, clogged gas line |
| The igniter sparks continuously without igniting the gas | Defective igniter or faulty gas valve |
| The oven lights but then turns off after a few seconds | Flame sensor malfunction |
| The oven ignites weakly or produces a weak flame | Igniter not positioned correctly |
Disconnecting Gas and Power Supply
Disconnecting the Gas Supply
- Locate the gas shut-off valve. It is usually located near the bottom of the oven, behind the access panel or under the cooktop.
- Turn off the gas supply. Use a wrench or pliers to turn the valve clockwise until it stops.
- Check for any gas leaks. Apply a small amount of soapy water to the gas line and connections. If bubbles appear, you have a leak and should call a qualified professional to repair it.
Disconnecting the Power Supply
- Locate the circuit breaker panel. It is usually located in the basement, utility room, or garage.
- Identify the circuit breaker for the oven. It will be labeled "Oven" or "Range."
- Turn off the circuit breaker. Flip the breaker to the "OFF" position.
- Unplug the oven from the electrical outlet. This is an additional safety measure to ensure that no power is flowing to the oven.
Removing the Oven Igniter
1. Turn Off Power and Gas Supply
Disconnect the oven from the power supply by turning off the circuit breaker or removing the fuse. Shut off the gas supply by turning the valve on the gas line. Allow the oven to cool completely before proceeding.
2. Remove the Oven Racks and Bottom Panel
Pull out the oven racks and locate the screws securing the bottom panel. Remove the screws and carefully lift off the panel.
3. Location of the Igniter
The oven igniter is typically located on the bottom of the oven cavity, near the burner. It is composed of a ceramic insulator with a metal coil and a wire lead. The ceramic insulator protects the coil from coming into direct contact with the heat.
To access the igniter, you may need to move the burner and its supporting brackets out of the way. Refer to the user manual for your specific Maytag oven model for detailed instructions on removing the burner.
Once you have located the igniter, disconnect the wire lead by pulling it straight off the terminal.
4. Remove the Igniter
Using a screwdriver or wrench, loosen the mounting screw that secures the igniter to the oven cavity. Carefully lift the igniter out of the cavity.
5. Check the Igniter
Inspect the igniter for damage or corrosion. The ceramic insulator should be intact, and the coil should not be broken or burnt. If the igniter appears damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Inspecting and Testing the Igniter
Visual Inspection
Begin by visually inspecting the igniter for any visible damage, such as cracks or burnt wires. Check if it is properly connected to the gas valve and electrical terminals. Loose or damaged connections can prevent the igniter from functioning correctly.
Continuity Test
Use a multimeter set to the continuity setting to test the igniter’s continuity. Touch one probe to the igniter’s terminal and the other probe to the metal base of the oven. If the multimeter displays a reading of zero or close to zero, the igniter has continuity and is likely functional.
Resistance Test
If the igniter fails the continuity test, perform a resistance test to determine the extent of damage. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the igniter’s terminals. A reading of around 100-200 ohms indicates a good igniter. Readings significantly higher or lower suggest a problem that requires replacement.
Table: Igniter Resistance Values
| Resistance (Ohms) | Condition |
|---|---|
| 100-200 | Good igniter |
| >200 | Partially damaged igniter |
| <100 | Severely damaged igniter |
Spark Test
If the igniter passes the continuity and resistance tests, perform a spark test to verify its ability to produce a spark. Turn off the gas supply and carefully remove the igniter from the oven. Connect a jumper wire between the igniter’s terminals and touch the other end of the jumper wire to a metal surface. If the igniter is functioning properly, it will produce a spark when you turn on the power at the breaker panel.
Replacing the Faulty Igniter
Replacing the faulty igniter will require you to follow these detailed steps:
1. Safety Precautions
Before starting any repairs, disconnect the oven from the power supply. This can be done by unplugging the cord or turning off the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the Old Igniter
Locate the igniter, usually positioned on the bottom of the oven. Unscrew the mounting screws that hold the igniter in place and carefully pull it out.
3. Inspect the Wiring
Examine the wiring connected to the igniter for any damage or loose connections. If there are any issues, repair or replace the affected wires.
4. Install the New Igniter
Slide the new igniter into place and secure it with the mounting screws. Ensure the wires are properly connected and tucked away safely.
5. Detailed Troubleshooting Steps for Different Igniter Issues
| Igniter Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No Spark | Faulty igniter or wiring | Replace the igniter or repair the wiring. |
| Sparks but No Flame | Gas valve malfunction | Inspect the gas valve and replace it if necessary. |
| Continuous Sparking | Faulty flame sensor | Clean or replace the flame sensor. |
6. Test the Oven
Reconnect the oven to the power supply and turn it on. Observe if the igniter sparks and lights the burner properly. If there are any further issues, you may need to seek professional assistance.
Reinstalling the Oven Igniter
Now that you have a new igniter, it’s time to reinstall it. This process is relatively simple, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to avoid any damage to the igniter or the oven.
Here are the steps on how to reinstall the oven igniter:
- Locate the igniter terminals on the oven’s control board. These terminals are usually labeled “Igniter” or “Ign.”
- Remove the wires from the old igniter and connect them to the new igniter. Be sure to connect the wires to the correct terminals.
- Insert the new igniter into the oven’s burner assembly. The igniter should fit snugly into the assembly.
- Secure the igniter in place with the screws that you removed earlier.
- Reinstall the burner assembly into the oven.
- Turn on the oven and test the igniter. The igniter should glow red and ignite the gas burner within a few seconds.
- Check if the power is on.
- Inspect the igniter for visible damage or corrosion.
- Test the igniter with a multimeter to ensure it’s receiving power.
- Clean the igniter terminal with a wire brush or sandpaper.
- Ensure the gas valve is open and the gas supply is adequate.
- Replace the igniter if it’s still not producing sparks.
- Check if the gas burner is clogged or obstructed.
- Inspect the gas lines for leaks or blockages.
- Clean the flame sensor to ensure it detects the flame correctly.
- Adjust the gas pressure to the correct setting.
- Check the flame sensor for proper positioning and cleanliness.
- Ensure the oven is well-ventilated to prevent flame extinction.
- Check the temperature sensor for accuracy and calibration.
- Inspect the door seal for any gaps or leaks.
- Clean the exhaust system to remove any blockages.
- Refer to the oven manual to determine the specific error code.
- Troubleshoot the issue based on the instructions provided in the manual.
- Contact a qualified appliance repair technician if the code persists.
- Shut off the gas supply immediately.
- Open windows and ventilate the area.
- Call a qualified appliance repair technician to investigate and fix the gas leak.
- Check the oven racks for proper positioning.
- Adjust the temperature setting to ensure even heat distribution.
- Clean the oven cavity to remove any debris or spills that may affect airflow.
- Test the oven element with a multimeter to check for continuity.
- Inspect the wiring connections to the element for any loose or damaged wires.
- Replace the oven element if it’s not heating properly.
- The oven does not heat up
- The oven takes a long time to heat up
- The oven cycles on and off
- The oven makes a clicking noise when you try to turn it on
Reconnect Gas and Power Lines
Once the igniter or the wires are replaced, you can proceed with reconnecting the gas and power lines.
1. Gas Line
Inspect the gas line for leaks using soapy water. If no leaks are detected, reconnect the gas line to the oven.
2. Power Line
Reconnect the power line by plugging it into the appropriate outlet. Make sure the power is turned off before handling the power line.
3. Test the Oven
Turn on the oven to check if the igniter is working properly. If the igniter fails to ignite the burner, repeat the troubleshooting steps or contact a qualified technician.
Testing the Igniter Functionality
Visual Inspection
Examine the igniter to check for any visible damage or corrosion. Ensure that the igniter is securely fastened and not loose.
Continuity Test
Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the igniter. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the terminals of the igniter. A reading of 0 ohms indicates continuity, while a reading of infinity indicates a broken circuit.
Resistance Test
Measure the resistance of the igniter using a multimeter. The resistance value should typically be between 50 and 200 ohms. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact resistance range for your igniter.
Voltage Test
Connect a voltmeter to the terminals of the igniter. Turn on the oven and set it to ignite. The voltmeter should read approximately 120 volts when the igniter is functioning properly.
Spark Test
Remove the igniter from the oven and connect it to a power source using alligator clips. Hold the igniter over a non-flammable surface and observe if it produces a spark. If you do not see a spark, the igniter is faulty.
Gas Line Test
Ensure that the gas line is unobstructed and free of leaks. Apply a small amount of soapy water to the gas line and check for bubbles. If bubbles appear, there is a leak that needs to be repaired.
Igniter Location
Locate the igniter in the oven. The igniter is typically situated behind the burner or near the gas valve.
Replacement
If the igniter is faulty, it needs to be replaced. Disconnect the power and gas line before attempting to remove the igniter. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific replacement steps.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Igniter Not Clicking
2. Igniter Clicking but No Spark
3. Igniter Sparking but No Flame
4. Flame Ignites but Goes Out
5. Oven Shuts Off Prematurely
6. Error Code Displayed
7. Gas Smell Detected
8. Oven Not Heating Evenly
9. Oven Element Not Heating
| Symptom | Possible Causes |
|---|---|
| Igniter not clicking | Power not on, igniter damage, lack of power to igniter |
| Igniter clicking but no spark | Dirty igniter terminal, closed gas valve, faulty igniter |
| Igniter sparking but no flame | Clogged gas burner, leaky gas line, dirty flame sensor |
| Flame ignites but goes out | Incorrect gas pressure, dirty flame sensor, poor ventilation |
| Oven shuts off prematurely | Inaccurate temperature sensor, faulty door seal, blocked exhaust |
Safety Precautions for Igniter Repair
1. Disconnect the Oven from Power
Before performing any repairs, it’s crucial to disconnect the oven from its power source. Locate the oven’s electrical cord and unplug it from the wall outlet. For added safety, turn off the circuit breaker or fuse associated with the oven.
2. Allow the Oven to Cool
Once the oven is disconnected, allow it to cool down completely. This is essential since you’ll be working near potentially hot surfaces. Give the oven ample time to cool to room temperature before proceeding.
3. Wear Safety Gear
When repairing the igniter, it’s advisable to wear appropriate safety gear. This includes gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges, a face mask to prevent inhalation of gases, and safety glasses to shield your eyes from potential sparks.
4. Use Proper Tools
For igniter repair, it’s important to use the right tools. Gather a set of screwdrivers, pliers, and a multimeter for testing electrical components. Ensure that your tools are in good condition and insulated for electrical safety.
5. Inspect the Igniter
Before removing the igniter, visually inspect it for any obvious damage, such as cracks, broken wires, or discoloration. This initial inspection can help you determine the extent of the repair needed.
6. Test the Igniter with a Multimeter
Using a multimeter, test the igniter’s resistance. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific oven model to determine the normal resistance range. If the resistance falls outside of the recommended values, it indicates a faulty igniter.
7. Check the Continuity of the Igniter Wires
Examine the igniter wires for any breaks or damage. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the wires by touching the probes to each end. If the multimeter indicates no continuity, the wires need to be replaced.
8. Clean the Igniter and Igniter Base
Accumulated grease and debris can interfere with proper igniter function. Carefully clean the igniter and its base using a soft cloth and mild detergent. Ensure that all surfaces are free of any dirt or residue.
9. Reinstall the Igniter
Once you’ve cleaned and inspected the igniter, reinstall it into its designated position. Connect the igniter wires securely and ensure that they are properly insulated.
10. Test the Oven Ignition
After reinstalling the igniter, reconnect the oven to power and attempt to ignite the burners. If the burners ignite successfully and maintain a stable flame, the repair was successful. However, if the burners still fail to ignite or exhibit unstable flames, further troubleshooting may be necessary.
How to Repair Oven Igniter on Maytag
The oven igniter is a small but essential component of your Maytag oven. It is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the gas and starts the oven heating process. If the igniter is not working, your oven will not be able to heat up. Fortunately, replacing an oven igniter is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair that you can do yourself with a few basic tools.
Before you begin, be sure to disconnect the power to your oven at the circuit breaker. Once the power is off, you can remove the oven racks and the bottom panel of the oven. The igniter is typically located at the back of the oven, near the gas burner. It is usually held in place by one or two screws.
Once you have located the igniter, disconnect the wires that are connected to it. Then, remove the screws that are holding it in place and pull the igniter straight out. To install the new igniter, simply reverse the steps that you used to remove the old one. Be sure to tighten the screws securely and reconnect the wires.
Once the new igniter is installed, you can turn the power back on to your oven and test it out. If the igniter is working properly, the oven should heat up quickly and evenly.
People Also Ask About How to Repair Oven Igniter on Maytag
What are the symptoms of a bad oven igniter?
There are several symptoms that may indicate a bad oven igniter, including:
Can I replace an oven igniter myself?
Yes, you can replace an oven igniter yourself with a few basic tools. However, it is important to be careful when working with gas appliances. If you are not comfortable working with gas, it is best to call a qualified appliance repair technician.
How much does it cost to replace an oven igniter?
The cost of replacing an oven igniter will vary depending on the make and model of your oven. However, the average cost is between $50 and $150.
