Troubleshooting a Gas Oven That Won’t Light

Gas oven won’t start? We’ll get you cooking in no time.

A malfunctioning oven could have a number of causes, from faulty parts to a tripped breaker, but some basic troubleshooting can help you narrow down the culprit quickly. In many cases, you may be able to resolve the problem by yourself too.

This article will run through some gas oven troubleshooting tips to get your kitchen back in working order in time for dinner. 

 

Safety Tips Before Beginning Repairs

As always, safety first. Never be careless with a gas appliance. Before you start troubleshooting, ensure that the gas on your oven, stove, or range is turned off, and only turn the knob to release the gas when you are testing ignition. If your troubleshooting requires adjustments to pipe fittings, hoses, or parts inside the oven, shut the gas off at the source and unplug the oven from the wall.

It is also important to keep your kitchen well ventilated while you troubleshoot your oven. If you are letting out gas from the stove or oven but failing to ignite it, you want the gas to escape via an open window quickly. Always avoid triggering the igniter or lighting a flame from another source if you notice a powerful odor of gas.

How to Fix Common Gas Oven Problems

Lack of ignition and poor heating are among the most common problems that affect gas ovens, but it might help to think of these issues as symptoms of other root problems. Below are some root causes to rule out.

• Check that your oven is drawing power.

Your first step in troubleshooting any major home appliance should be to confirm that the equipment is actually drawing power. Gas ovens and electric ovens may have many differences, but the need for electricity is not typically one of them. Modern gas stoves still rely on a power source for ignition. Check that your oven is plugged into the wall and that the circuit is live before you move ahead in the troubleshooting process.

• Confirm that your gas lines are open.

It’s possible that your gas has been shut off, especially if you have recently had your oven or other gas-powered appliances serviced. Confirm that your gas valve is open and supplying the oven with fuel. You can also turn on the gas to your range and listen for the hiss of gas or await its odor. If you can confirm your oven is being adequately supplied with gas, you can troubleshoot other components. 

• Inspect the igniter or ignition system.

If your gas oven is drawing power and is supplied with gas but still not turning on, the problem is most often with the igniter. If the igniter is faulty, it may not draw enough power to open the gas valve, thereby failing to ignite the stove.

To check the igniter, first disconnect the oven from its power source by tripping the breaker and unplugging the oven from the wall as an additional precaution. If your igniter is in the rear of the oven, take out the racks so you can reach the igniter in the back. You may have to access the igniter through the broiler or drawer at the base of the oven instead. Use a screwdriver or other appropriate tool to remove the plate covering the igniter and gas valve. Take out the igniter and first examine it for any visible signs of damage. These can include excess residue or discoloration. To confirm that you are dealing with a gas oven igniter not working, however, you should test it for continuity with a multimeter. If your igniter isn’t drawing enough power, you will need to replace it. Fortunately, igniters are not particularly expensive. 

• Examine the thermostat and temperature sensor.

If your oven ignites but fails to come to temperature or fluctuates in temperature, there could be a problem with the thermostat or temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is often a long rod-shaped sensor that hangs in the rear of the oven. Sometimes, the sensor is jostled out of position and touches the wall of the oven, confusing its readings and making it less reliable. The sensor can also fail after years of exposure to high heat, so you may need to eventually replace it.

To check your oven’s temperature sensor, disconnect your oven from its power source before removing the sensor with an appropriate tool. Use a multimeter to check its resistance, and refer to the manufacturer’s specifications to determine what the ideal resistance should be. Reinstall or replace the sensor as needed.

For gas oven thermostat troubleshooting, try placing an oven-safe thermometer in the oven and turning the oven on. If there is a discrepancy between the thermometer and thermostat readings, your thermostat is likely fried and needs to be replaced.

• Check the safety valve.

A malfunctioning safety valve in your oven could also be responsible for a lack of ignition. It is possible to check the resistance of the valve with a multimeter to confirm it is functioning properly, but the valve is connected to the gas line and typically requires the help of a professional. Unless you are especially experienced or confident in your abilities, it is best to have a pro sort this one out.

Addressing Common Gas Oven Maintenance Needs

Some basic preventative oven maintenance can help you get ahead of problems such as those outlined above. Here are a few tips for general oven upkeep:

1. Clean your oven regularly.

Oven interiors take a beating. They are routinely subject to high heat and all sorts of splatters and spills from the foods we cook. When you are done cooking and the oven has thoroughly cooled, wipe down the interior surfaces, especially if there are spots of grease and scorched food residue. 

Also take advantage of your oven’s self-cleaning feature. Run the auto-clean cycle every few months to once or twice a year, depending on how often you use your oven.

1. Clean and inspect interior components a few times per year.

It’s also a good idea to clean oven components like the igniter, temperature sensor, burners, and so on. Disconnect the oven from its power source and inspect these components for grime, food residue, soot, discoloration, or other signs of wear and tear. Gently clean the component parts as needed, and consider testing relevant electrical parts with a multimeter to confirm continued functionality. 

1. Examine burners, gaskets, vents, and gas connections.

Take the time to study the door gaskets and seals for signs of deterioration. Check that the exhaust vents are free from obstructions or debris. Ensure that the burners are clean and gas fittings are tightly secured. Any loose components or the odor of gas are sure signs that your gas oven needs professional maintenance.

Staying on top of your oven’s maintenance will extend its lifetime and minimize the possibility of safety hazards, inadequate heating or other malfunctions, off odors, and so on. Maintenance doesn’t have to take up much of your time. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

When to Contact a Professional

When you’re cooking with gas, you need to know when it’s time to call in the pros. Certainly, if you notice the smell of gas and cannot stop it at its source, immediately remove yourself and your family from the home and get a professional on the phone to sort it out.

Non-emergency situations that will require professional help include anything related to gas lines, particularly main gas lines that come from outside your home. You’ll also want professional assistance for any electrical trouble. 

Otherwise, trust your own instincts. If you’re unsure of next steps, or if you’re stymied after troubleshooting, get the help from someone who services ovens for a living.

Oven Warranty Coverage with Liberty Home Guard

When it is time to reach out to a professional tech, a home warranty can help in many ways. You stand to save money, for one. If the appliance problem requires an expensive repair or even a full-on replacement, your warranty can shield you from paying the full cost out of pocket. And a Liberty Home Guard warranty can do the legwork of finding a reliable technician for you. We have a national network of licensed and insured pros who can respond to your claim within 48 hours. 

Reach out to our team to learn more about how our plans can support you and your home. Call (833)-545-5590.