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August 13, 2025
An igniter issue often shows up in gas-powered appliances such as ovens, stoves, or dryers. It’s a common problem that can silently disrupt daily routines. When your appliance no longer heats properly or refuses to turn on, it’s often because the igniter isn’t working as it should. This small yet critical component creates the initial spark or heat needed to ignite gas. Without it, your appliance can’t start its cycle or reach the right temperature, leaving you frustrated and dinner undone.
Many people turn to the internet with questions like Why is my gas stove not clicking?, Oven not heating but gas is working?, or Is a broken igniter dangerous? These concerns reflect the real-life confusion homeowners face when something just doesn’t feel right. Some even ask, “Can I replace an igniter myself?” or “How much does it cost to fix an oven igniter?” The reality is that a failed igniter is one of the most frequent reasons a gas appliance stops performing, and knowing how to recognize it saves time and stress.
There are several reasons behind a faulty igniter. Over time, normal wear and tear degrade the component especially in appliances used daily like ovens or dryers. Power surges and overheating are also common culprits. In some homes, grease or moisture buildup inside the appliance can cause the igniter to short circuit. We’ve seen units where food spills during baking corroded the oven’s igniter coil. Other times, incorrect installation or low gas pressure interferes with the spark or glow cycle.
In laundry rooms, dryer igniters fail when lint clogs the ventilation or when the machine overheats repeatedly. In all these cases, the issue often starts subtly until it causes a complete shutdown.
Recognizing the symptoms early can make all the difference. In gas stoves, one clear sign is the absence of the clicking sound or visible spark. For ovens, the igniter may glow but fail to light the flame this delay often means the part is too weak to complete the process. A working igniter typically lights the flame within 90 seconds; anything longer may indicate failure. In dryers, you might notice the appliance runs but never heats up, or it stops mid-cycle. Unusual smells or small gas leaks also signal that the ignition process isn’t completing safely.
If you hear clicking but no ignition, or see glowing without flame, don’t wait. These warning signs point directly to an igniter issue.
Delaying service on a faulty igniter isn’t just inconvenient it’s potentially hazardous. A malfunctioning igniter can lead to gas buildup, which creates a fire risk. Appliances may overwork to compensate, leading to wear on other components like thermostats and valves. We’ve handled cases where a simple igniter replacement was postponed, resulting in cracked burners or melted wiring. What could’ve been a minor fix turned into a major repair bill.
In dryers, lack of heat increases moisture, risking mold or mildew in clothes. For stoves and ovens, the biggest cost is often hidden: wasted energy and unsafe operation.
At Swift Appliance Repair, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing igniter issues across a wide range of brands and models. Our technicians know the subtle differences between a glow-bar igniter, spark module, or sensor coil and we carry replacement parts to every appointment. With years of field experience, we’ve helped thousands of customers get their homes back on track quickly and safely.
We also offer something most others don’t: end-to-end support. From your first call to final testing, you’re covered. You won’t wait on hold, guess what's wrong, or deal with confusing instructions. We provide clear answers, fast diagnostics, and repairs that last. Brands we service include Whirlpool, GE, Maytag, Samsung, LG, Bosch, and more.
A failed igniter doesn’t mean you have to replace your entire appliance. It’s a solvable issue if caught early. Watch for the signs, and when in doubt, call professionals who understand how these systems work from the inside out. At Swift Appliance Repair, we’re here not just to fix problems but to help your appliance work smarter, longer, and safer.
