Error Codes
What model is my Kenmore gas range?
Your Kenmore gas range model number is printed on the appliance’s model and serial tag. On most Kenmore ranges, you can find that tag in the oven door jamb, behind the storage drawer, or on the back panel near the vent; once you locate it, match it to model 1197438810.
Where to look on a Kenmore gas range
Check these common locations in this order:
- Oven door jamb (open the oven door and look around the frame)
- Behind the bottom storage drawer (pull the drawer out and look on the frame)
- Back panel near the vent area
- Side panel near the lower front or rear edge
What the label looks like (and what to write down)
The tag usually includes multiple identifiers. Record these exactly as shown:
- Model (example: 1197438810)
- Serial (helps confirm the production run)
- Type or gas rating (sometimes listed)
- Electrical information (often 120V for ignition and lights)
| Label field | Why it matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Ensures correct part fit | 1197438810 |
| Serial number | Helps match revisions | Varies |
| Gas type/rating | Helps with fuel-related parts | Varies |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong Kenmore range parts (like an igniter, regulator, or door hinge) that may look similar but mount differently or have different electrical connectors.
If the oven will not ignite while you are checking the model tag
If you are troubleshooting at the same time, a weak igniter is a common cause of “no bake” on many gas ranges. For this model, the matching part is the oven igniter 5303935066.
- Turn off power at the breaker before inspecting wiring
- Turn off the gas supply valve before removing panels
- If you smell gas, stop and ventilate the area before continuing
Last updated: January 2026
How to tell if a gas stove igniter is bad?
A bad igniter on your Kenmore gas range model 1197438810 usually shows up as an oven that will not heat, takes a long time to light, or lights with a weak flame. The most reliable check is a continuity test and a visual inspection for damage on the igniter.
Quick signs the igniter is failing
- Oven burner will not ignite, but you can smell gas briefly
- Ignition takes longer than about 60 to 90 seconds
- Burner lights, but the flame is small or uneven
- Igniter glows dimly, flickers, or does not glow at all
- You see cracks, white spots, or burned areas on the igniter
How to test the igniter (safe, practical steps)
- Shut off power to the range (unplug or switch off the breaker). If you will remove gas components, also shut off the gas supply.
- Access the igniter near the oven burner.
- Disconnect the igniter wire connector.
- Use a multimeter set to ohms (Ω) and test across the igniter leads.
- Result:
- No continuity (open circuit): igniter is bad.
- Continuity present: the igniter may still be weak; a weak igniter can glow but not pull enough current to open the gas valve.
If you need the correct replacement for this model, match it by part ID: oven igniter 5303935066.
What the results mean
| What you see | What it usually indicates | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| No glow at all | No power to igniter, failed igniter, or wiring issue | Check wiring and test igniter for continuity |
| Glows but no flame | Weak igniter or gas valve not opening | Replace igniter first (most common) |
| Slow ignition | Weak igniter | Replace igniter |
Why it matters
A weak or failed igniter can let gas flow without immediate ignition, causing delayed ignition, poor baking performance, and extra wear on the gas safety valve circuit.
Last updated: January 2026
Do you need to turn off gas to replace an oven igniter?
Yes. For the Kenmore 1197438810 gas range, we turn off the gas supply before replacing the igniter because the repair puts you near gas tubing and burner components. We also unplug the range (or switch off the breaker) so the igniter circuit cannot energize while you work.
Safe shutoff steps (recommended)
- Turn the oven and all surface burners to OFF.
- Unplug the range or turn OFF the circuit breaker.
- Close the gas shutoff valve (typically on the supply line behind the range).
- Let the oven cool completely before touching the burner area.
- Ventilate the room; if you smell gas at any point, stop and keep the valve closed.
What you replace and where it sits
Most Kenmore gas ranges use a hot-surface igniter mounted at the oven burner. If your oven will not heat, heats slowly, or the burner will not light, the igniter is a common cause. The model-specific replacement part we see for this repair is the oven igniter 5303935066.
Quick troubleshooting before you order
- No glow at all from the igniter: check power supply, wiring connections, and controls.
- Igniter glows but burner will not light (or takes a long time): igniter is often weak and should be replaced.
- Intermittent ignition: inspect for loose connectors or heat-damaged wires.
| Symptom | Most common cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| No igniter glow | No power, wiring issue, failed igniter | Restore power, repair wiring, replace igniter |
| Glow but no flame | Weak igniter | Replace igniter |
| Slow preheat | Weak igniter or restricted burner | Replace igniter, clean burner ports |
Why it matters
Turning off gas and power reduces the risk of gas leakage and accidental ignition while your hands are in the burner compartment. It also helps protect the electronic controls and wiring during service.
Last updated: January 2026
How long do gas oven igniters last?
Most gas oven igniters last about 3 to 5 years in normal home use. On the Kenmore 1197438810 gas range, heavy baking, long preheats, and frequent cycling can shorten igniter life; light use and good airflow around the burner can help it last longer.
Typical lifespan and what changes it
- Average home cooking: 3 to 5 years
- Heavy daily use: often shorter because the igniter heats up more frequently
- Poor burner airflow or debris: can overheat the igniter and speed failure
- Weak gas flow or low voltage: can make the igniter work harder and fail sooner
Signs the igniter is wearing out
- Oven takes a long time to light (often over 60 to 90 seconds)
- You smell gas briefly before ignition
- Burner lights sometimes, but not every time
- Oven heats inconsistently or struggles to reach set temperature
- Igniter glows, but the burner does not light (common with weak igniters)
Quick checks before replacing the igniter
- Power off the range at the breaker before inspecting anything.
- Confirm the gas supply valve is fully open.
- Look for grease or food debris around the oven burner and igniter area.
- If you have a meter, test safely using guidance from how to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video.
Replacement part guidance for this model
If symptoms match a weak igniter, the correct replacement for this model is the oven igniter 5303935066.
| Situation | Most likely cause | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Igniter glows, burner never lights | Weak igniter (not drawing enough current) | Replace igniter |
| No glow at all | Power, wiring, control, or igniter open | Check wiring and test igniter |
| Lights after long delay | Igniter weakening | Replace igniter soon |
Why it matters
A weak igniter can delay ignition and cause poor baking performance. Replacing it early helps restore normal preheat times and steadier oven temperatures.
Last updated: January 2026
