Stainless gas range with burner grates under white cabinets and a hood

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Field pattern: gas oven slow to preheat or won't light (weak igniter, not the gas valve)

On glow-bar (hot surface) ovens the igniter and the oven safety valve are wired in series: the valve only opens when enough current flows through the igniter. As igniters age they still glow but pass less current, so the valve opens late or never. Techs measure igniter current before touching the valve; replacing the valve first is the classic wrong turn (and valve work is for a licensed gas tech).

Cross-checked ~45 min moderateBrands: Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, Frigidaire, Kenmore, Amana, Samsung, LG

Before you start

If you smell gas (beyond a brief ignition odor): stop, turn the oven off, ventilate, leave and call the gas utility
Unplug the range and close the range gas shutoff before replacing the igniter
The igniter is fragile and very hot; do not touch the element surface
Gas valve, regulator, orifice and gas-line work: licensed gas technician only

Diagnostic steps

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OnCall Tech is a reference tool for trained technicians and can make mistakes. Always disconnect power and confirm with the manufacturer's documentation before you work.

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