Kenmore oven won't light

Common reasons your Kenmore oven won't light

The most common reasons your Kenmore oven won't light are a defective electronic control board, defective control panel or a cracked igniter.

  • 63%

    63% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 14%

    14% of the time it's the
    Control Panel

  • 9%

    9% of the time it's the
    Igniter

  • 14%

    14% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Kenmore oven

Electronic Control Board Replacement

An inoperative electronic control board can lead to various failures in an oven, including a lack of power or heating in the oven, or prevent the oven from turning off. This is because the board serves as the brain of the oven, controlling crucial operations such as regulating oven temperatures, running cooling fans, controlling cooking time and controlling the self-clean cycle of the oven. If the electronic control board malfunctions, it can disrupt communication between many different components. A failing board may prevent the oven door latch from engaging, or may cause a chattering or clicking noise from the oven or emit a burning odor. Due to the potential impact on multiple components, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.

Control Panel Replacement

A defective oven control panel can produce various symptoms affecting the appliance's performance. The control panel may be unresponsive, failing to register inputs or adjust oven mode and temperature settings. The display might show erratic readings or become entirely blank. Additionally, a malfunctioning control panel could lead to issues with the ovens heating, resulting in uneven cooking, failure to reach the desired temperature or the inability to heat at all.

Igniter Replacement

When an oven igniter is faulty, it can prevent a burner from igniting, resulting in no heat from the bake or broil burners in the oven. A failed igniter could also cause difficulty in lighting the burner, requiring multiple attempts to achieve ignition. The igniter may emit a clicking sound without successfully lighting the gas, indicating a malfunction. In some cases, the igniter may not produce any visible spark at all. An igniter failure can lead to delayed ignition, causing a noticeable delay between turning the knob and the burner lighting.

What to expect when you experience a Kenmore oven won't light issue

How is the won't light problem fixed?

Correcting most won't light problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, control panel or igniter. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for an oven that won't light

When the oven won't light it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of oven failures.

What to look out for with an oven won't light diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your oven problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

Gas-based Kenmore ovens depend on clean burners and effective igniters. If the flame never appears, debris or a worn igniter may block ignition. Don’t risk gas buildup—book gas range repair near me to clear blockages and restore a stable flame. Proper lighting keeps your cooking schedule seamless and your kitchen safe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my Kenmore oven light the burner?
A faulty igniter, bad gas valve, or defective control board could prevent the oven burner from turning on.
Could a broken igniter prevent my oven burner from lighting?
Yes, a malfunctioning igniter can prevent the oven from lighting its burner. Replacing the igniter should restore heating.
How can I fix my Kenmore oven if the burner won't light?
Check the igniter, control board, and gas valve for damage. Replacing faulty parts should fix the oven heating problem.
What should I do if the oven still doesn’t work after replacing the igniter?
If the issue continues, the control board or gas valve may need to be repaired or replaced.

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Glossary Terms

A thermocouple is a sensor used for measuring temperature, consisting of two different metal wires joined at one end, which generate a voltage proportional to temperature changes.

An oven bag is a heat-resistant, nylon or polyester bag designed for cooking a wide variety of foods in the oven, ensuring moist and flavorful meals by trapping moisture and flavor inside.

An oven rack is a removable shelving unit inside an oven that holds cookware, allowing air to circulate around the food for even cooking and baking.

A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.