Gas Oven Igniter (Glow Bar) Guide – Pros, Cons, Costs & “Glowing but Not Lighting” Problems
A practical, technical guide to understanding your gas oven’s glow bar igniter: how it works, why it can glow but still fail to light the burner, typical replacement costs, and when it’s time to call a professional gas appliance technician for oven and stove repair in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, and nearby areas.
What Is a Gas Oven Glow Bar Igniter?
A gas oven glow bar igniter is a ceramic heating element that sits near the burner. When you turn on the oven:
- The control sends power to the igniter.
- The igniter heats up and starts glowing bright orange.
- As it heats, it draws a specific amount of current (amps).
- Once current is high enough, the gas safety valve opens and gas flows to the burner.
- The hot igniter lights the gas, and the main flame starts.
The glow bar does two jobs at once: it is both the ignition source and a safety control that helps prove the igniter is hot enough before gas is released.
Common Glow Bar Types & Key Safety Notes
- Flat-style igniter – very common in many bake and broil burners.
- Round / “cartridge” igniter – often used on older or specific model designs.
- Both are very fragile ceramic elements – they break easily if bumped or over-tightened.
Even if an igniter glows, it may not be drawing enough current to open the valve. This is the classic “glows but no flame” scenario.
Pros and Cons of Glow Bar Igniter Systems
Most modern gas ovens use hot-surface (glow bar) igniters instead of standing pilot lights. Here’s how they compare.
Pros of Glow Bar Igniters
- No standing pilot flame – no constant gas usage between cycles.
- Automatic ignition – oven lights itself when heat is needed.
- Integrated safety – gas valve only opens when current draw from igniter is high enough.
- Clean combustion when working properly, with stable flame and consistent bake temps.
- Common parts readily available for many brands and models.
Cons of Glow Bar Igniters
- Wear item – igniters weaken over time, even if they still glow.
- Relatively fragile – can crack or break if bumped during cleaning or installation.
- Slow ignition compared with spark systems (you must wait for it to heat up).
- Higher electrical demand vs. a small spark igniter; draws several amps each cycle.
- When weak, they may cause slow heating, long preheat times, or no ignition at all.
Cost to Replace a Gas Oven Glow Bar Igniter
Actual prices depend on brand, model, and your local service rates, but this table gives a realistic typical range for most home gas ovens.
| Scenario | Parts Estimate (CAD) | Labor Estimate (CAD) | Typical Total (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard brand – DIY parts only | $70 – $150 | $0 | $70 – $150 | Part only; no warranty on installation, risk if misdiagnosed. |
| Standard brand – professional replacement | $90 – $180 | $150 – $280 | $240 – $460+ | Includes diagnosis, safe installation, and testing. |
| Premium / luxury models | $150 – $280 | $200 – $350 | $350 – $630+ | Some brands require specific OEM parts & extra disassembly time. |
| Igniter + additional issues (wiring, valve) | $150 – $350 | $250 – $450 | $400 – $800+ | When a weak igniter has been run a long time, gas valve or wiring may also be affected. |
These are general ranges. A proper technician visit should include a full diagnosis to confirm the igniter is the root cause, not just a guess based on “no heat.”
Why the Igniter Glows but the Burner Still Won’t Light
One of the most common gas oven complaints is: “The igniter is glowing, but the oven never lights.” This is usually a weak igniter problem, but there are other possibilities too.
1. Weak Igniter – Glows but Low Current Draw
As glow bar igniters age, their resistance changes. They may still glow orange, but they no longer draw enough current to open the gas safety valve.
- Igniter glows for a long time.
- No click or sound from the gas valve.
- No gas smell, no flame, oven stays cold or heats very slowly.
A trained technician uses an ammeter to measure igniter current draw. If it’s below the manufacturer’s spec (commonly in the 2.5–3.6 amp range depending on design), the igniter is considered weak and must be replaced.
2. Failed Gas Safety Valve
Less common, but possible: the gas valve itself can fail and refuse to open even when the igniter is drawing the correct current.
- Igniter glows normally.
- Current draw tests good, but valve does not open.
- No gas flow to the burner; no flame.
In this case, a technician will confirm proper voltage/current and then condemn the gas valve if all other checks pass.
3. Wiring, Connectors, or Control Issues
- Loose or burnt connectors between igniter, valve, and control board.
- Damaged harness from past overheating or spills inside the oven cavity.
- Electronic control not sending stable power to the igniter circuit.
4. Gas Supply Problems
- Shut-off valve partly closed or disturbed during cleaning or moving the range.
- Low gas pressure or regulator issues (especially if multiple burners misbehave).
- Gas supply issues elsewhere in the home.
If you ever smell raw gas without ignition, turn the oven off immediately, ventilate the area, and contact a professional. Do not keep trying to light it.
Common Symptoms of a Bad or Weak Oven Igniter
These symptoms often point to an igniter reaching the end of its life:
- Oven takes a very long time to preheat, or never reaches set temperature.
- Burner lights sometimes, but not every time the oven cycles.
- Igniter glows for 30–60 seconds or more with no flame appearing.
- Visible cracks or white, crumbly spots on the igniter surface.
- Oven works intermittently – especially worse after long usage or high temperature baking.
Intermittent issues are common as igniters weaken; replacing the igniter early can prevent nuisance shutdowns and improve temperature consistency.
FAQ – Gas Oven Glow Bar Igniters
Is it safe to use my oven if the igniter is slow or weak?
A slow or weak igniter usually means your oven may take longer to heat and can shut off early. If the oven eventually lights and there is no raw gas smell, it’s typically a performance issue more than a direct emergency – but it should still be repaired to avoid incomplete combustion or nuisance failures. If you ever smell gas without ignition, turn it off and call a technician immediately.
Can I fix a weak igniter by cleaning it?
Light surface debris can sometimes be brushed away carefully, but a weak or cracked igniter cannot be “restored” by cleaning. If it is not drawing enough current or is physically damaged, the correct fix is replacement.
Should both bake and broil igniters be replaced together?
Not always. Many ovens use separate igniters for bake and broil. If only one is weak or failed, only that one may need replacement. On older units where both are original, some homeowners choose to replace both proactively during service.
When Should I Call a Professional?
- You’re not comfortable working around gas or live electrical parts.
- You have repeated “glows but no flame” issues even after resetting power.
- You suspect the gas valve, control board, or wiring may also be involved.
- You own a premium, built-in, or high-end range where access is complex.
A professional will perform amp-draw testing, safety checks, and full combustion tests to ensure your oven is operating safely after repair. You can also explore our appliance repair services in Edmonton for full home kitchen support.
You can hire an expert gas appliance technician from Advance Appliance Ltd for safe, professional diagnosis and glow bar igniter replacement in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, and nearby areas.
Oven Preventive Maintenance Before the Holiday Season
Holiday cooking places the heaviest workload on your oven all year. A quick preventive check before hosting can prevent slow preheating, ignition failures, temperature drops, and last-minute breakdowns. If you already suspect an issue, consider a full oven and stove repair service before the holiday rush.
Essential Holiday Oven Maintenance Checklist
- Verify igniter performance – slow or weak glow bars cause long preheat times or no flame during heavy use.
- Check oven temperature accuracy – older units run 15–40°F off without calibration.
- Inspect door gasket – damaged seals leak heat and extend cooking time.
- Clean sensor probe – residue affects temperature readings.
- Run a short test bake – confirm proper ignition, stable flame, and cycle consistency.
- Check gas smell or unusual clicks – could indicate ignition delay or weak igniter.
- Test broil function – high heat cycles often reveal weak igniters early.
These quick checks prevent a large portion of the “oven not heating” calls we receive during Thanksgiving and Christmas week. For deeper cleaning tips, see our proper oven cleaning guide.
Common Oven Problems Right Before the Holidays
- Oven takes too long to preheat – often a weak igniter or temperature sensor issue.
- Burner lights intermittently – igniter amperage dropping below safe valve threshold.
- Oven shuts off early – dirty sensor or failing control board.
- Uneven baking – failing fan motor or obstructed airflow.
- Broil not working – broil igniter failure, common in older ranges.
- Error codes when oven gets hot under heavy load.
If your oven shows any of these symptoms, service it before the holiday rush—not the day before your family arrives.
Book a professional diagnostic with Advance Appliance Ltd. We service Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, and surrounding areas with fast response times during peak season. For full-home coverage, explore our appliance repair services in Edmonton and area.