Can I replace the oven igniter myself?
Yes, many homeowners can replace the oven igniter on a Kenmore gas range model 79071513402 with basic tools, but it requires strict safety steps because you are working around gas and live electrical circuits. We recommend following the step-by-step procedure in the 79071513402 installation guide.
Safety first (gas and electricity)
Before you touch the igniter or wiring:
- Shut off power to the range at the breaker (or unplug it).
- Shut off the gas supply valve.
- Let the oven cool completely.
- Never try to operate the electric ignition oven during a power failure; reset oven controls to OFF if power goes out.
- Do not attempt to remove the cooktop on this model; it is not removable.
What the igniter does (and what “normal” looks like)
On this model type, the igniter should glow like a light bulb; once it gets hot enough, the oven gas valve opens and the burner lights. A normal ignition delay is typically 30 to 60 seconds after you turn the oven on.
| What you see | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Igniter glows, no flame after ~60 seconds | Weak igniter or gas valve issue |
| No glow at all | Power, wiring, control, or igniter failure |
| Flame lights, then cycles off and on | Normal temperature control cycling |
DIY replacement overview (typical steps)
Exact access varies by design, but most Kenmore gas ranges follow this general process:
- Remove oven racks and the oven bottom panel to reach the bake burner.
- Disconnect the igniter wiring (often through a connector or with ceramic wire nuts).
- Remove the igniter mounting screws.
- Install the replacement igniter, route wires away from heat, and reassemble.
- Restore gas and power, then test bake ignition.
If you need the correct replacement part for this model, match by model number and use the exact igniter listing, such as the frigidaire range oven burner igniter 5303935066.
Why it matters
A weak or failed igniter is one of the most common reasons a gas oven will not heat; the igniter must draw enough current to open the oven gas valve, so replacing it often restores normal bake and broil operation.
Last updated: January 2026
Where to find Kenmore gas range model number?
On Kenmore gas range model 79071513402, the model and serial number are printed on the serial plate located on the right side of the oven front frame inside the storage drawer or warmer drawer compartment. Use the 79071513402 owner's manual illustration to confirm the exact spot.
Where to look on the range
Check these locations in this order:
- Open the storage drawer (or warmer drawer, depending on your version).
- Look on the right-hand side of the oven front frame for the identification plate.
- If your range has a lower panel instead of a drawer, remove the lower panel and look in that same lower-front frame area.
- Record the model number, serial number, and any lot number/letter shown.
Why the model number matters for parts
We use the model number to match the correct Kenmore parts list for your exact burner system, oven controls, and gas setup. The identification plate can also list details such as burner ratings and the fuel pressure the range was adjusted for at the factory.
Quick reference: common label locations
| Range style | Most common label location | What you may need to do |
|---|---|---|
| Free-standing gas range (like 79071513402) | Right side of oven front frame | Pull out storage/warmer drawer |
| Models with lower front panel | Lower-front frame area | Remove lower panel |
| Some ranges | Drawer compartment frame | Use a flashlight to read plate |
Tips to read the plate clearly
- Use a flashlight and take a photo to zoom in.
- Wipe grease or dust off the plate gently with a damp cloth.
- Write the numbers down exactly as shown (including any letters).
Last updated: January 2026
How to tell if a gas stove igniter is bad?
On a Kenmore gas range model 79071513402, a bad oven igniter usually shows up as an oven that will not heat or takes much longer than normal to light. In normal operation, the igniter should glow and the oven burner should light within about 30 to 60 seconds after you turn the oven on (often within 60 seconds on a test bake). See the 79071513402 owner's manual for the normal ignition sequence.
What you should see in normal operation
When you set BAKE, current flows to the igniter; it glows like a light bulb, then the oven gas valve opens and the burner lights.
- Igniter begins glowing soon after BAKE is selected
- Burner lights after a short delay (typically 30 to 60 seconds)
- Heat is steady once lit (no repeated long delays)
- No raw gas smell lingering without ignition
Signs the igniter is failing
These symptoms point to a weak or failed igniter (or a related gas/ignition issue):
- No glow at all when BAKE is selected
- Glow is present but the burner does not light
- Burner lights, but only after an unusually long delay
- Oven temperature is inconsistent because ignition is unreliable
- You smell gas but the burner does not ignite promptly (turn the oven OFF and ventilate)
Quick checks before replacing parts
Start with safe, simple checks that often explain “no heat” complaints.
- Confirm the range has power (igniters need electricity)
- Make sure the gas supply is on
- Watch the igniter through the oven bottom openings (if visible) during a bake start
- If surface burners are also acting up, review ignition and burner setup in the 79071513402 installation guide
Common replacement part for “won’t ignite” bake complaints
If the igniter glows weakly or will not light the burner reliably, replacing the igniter is a common fix for this model family.
| Symptom | Most common cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| No glow | Open igniter or wiring issue | Test circuit, replace igniter if open |
| Glows, no flame | Weak igniter (not drawing enough current) | Replace igniter |
| Long time to light | Weak igniter or gas flow issue | Replace igniter, then verify gas flow |
For a direct-match part option, use the frigidaire range oven burner igniter 5303935066.
Why it matters
A weak igniter can prevent the oven gas valve from opening on time, so the burner never lights or lights late. That leads to no-heat complaints, long preheat times, and unreliable baking performance.
Last updated: January 2026
Are all stove igniters universal?
No. Stove igniters are not universal; on the Kenmore 79071513402 gas range, the igniter must match the original style and electrical characteristics so the gas valve opens reliably and the burner lights on time. Use the 79071513402 installation guide to confirm the correct ignition setup and burner configuration.
What “not universal” means for igniters
Igniters can look similar but differ in ways that matter for safe, consistent ignition:
- Mounting style and length: bracket shape, hole spacing, and tip position vary.
- Electrical load (current draw): the oven safety valve depends on the igniter drawing the right amperage.
- Connector type: some are plug-in, others require splicing with high-temp connectors.
- Application: surface burner electrodes are different from oven burner igniters.
Model-specific clues from the installation instructions
For this Kenmore 79071513402 range, the installation instructions describe separate electrodes (igniters) for each surface burner and note that each burner should light within about 4 seconds in normal operation after air is purged from the gas line. That points to a system where correct electrode placement and correct parts matter.
Quick expectations (normal operation)
| Location | What you should see | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| Surface burner | Spark at the electrode and burner lights | About 4 seconds |
| Oven burner | Igniter glows, then burner lights | About 30 to 60 seconds |
When a “universal” igniter can work (and when it should not)
A universal kit can be a good option only if it can be installed to match the original:
- It fits the original bracket location without shifting the igniter away from the burner.
- It matches the required current draw for the oven safety valve.
- It uses proper high-temperature wiring connections.
If you are replacing the oven igniter on this model, we recommend matching the exact replacement part whenever possible, such as the frigidaire range oven burner igniter 5303935066.
Why it matters
An igniter that is “close enough” can cause delayed ignition, no-heat, weak heating, or repeated clicking and failed lighting. Correct fit and correct electrical load help the gas valve and ignition system operate as designed.
Last updated: January 2026




