How to tell if a gas stove igniter is bad?
On our Kenmore gas range model 79074333311, a bad igniter typically shows up as delayed ignition, no ignition, or a weak glow or spark that never lights the gas. If you smell gas without ignition, stop and follow the safety steps in the 79074333311 owner’s manual.
Quick signs the igniter is failing
- Surface burner: you hear clicking but the burner does not light within about 4 seconds after air is purged from the line.
- Oven bake/broil: the igniter glows but the burner does not light within about 60 seconds.
- Ignition is intermittent (works sometimes, fails other times).
- You see a dim glow (oven-style igniter) or weak/erratic sparking (surface electrode).
- You smell gas but do not get ignition (treat this as a safety issue).
What “normal” ignition timing looks like on this model
The installation instructions describe these normal timeframes after the range is connected to power and gas:
| Burner type | What you should see/hear | Typical time to light |
|---|---|---|
| Surface burner | Sparking at LITE, then flame | About 4 seconds (after air is purged) |
| Oven bake/broil | Igniter glows, then burner lights | 30 to 60 seconds |
Checks that often fix “bad igniter” symptoms
Before replacing parts, we check these common causes:
- Confirm the burner cap is centered and seated; an off-center cap can prevent lighting.
- Clean and dry the burner head area; spills can block gas flow.
- Try lighting each surface burner separately; each has its own electrode.
- If the range is newly installed or the gas was shut off, purge air by holding the knob at LITE until it lights.
When a part replacement is likely
If the oven will not light on bake (or takes far longer than 60 seconds), the oven igniter is a top suspect. For this model, a common replacement is the tappan range oven burner igniter 316489403.
Why it matters
Slow or failed ignition can lead to unburned gas and unreliable cooking temperatures. Restoring strong, consistent ignition protects performance and helps the range operate as designed.
Last updated: February 2026
How to take the top off a Kenmore gas range?
On the Kenmore gas range model 79074333311, the cooktop is not removable, so we do not take the top off as a service step. For access, we remove surface parts (grates, burner caps, and burner heads) and then service from the front, back, or inside the oven as outlined in the 79074333311 installation guide.
What you can remove safely from the cooktop area
These steps handle most cleaning and many surface-burner issues without lifting the cooktop.
- Turn all burner knobs to OFF and let everything cool.
- Remove the grates.
- Lift off the burner caps.
- Lift off the burner heads (keep each head with its matching burner location).
- If you are troubleshooting ignition, inspect the igniter area for spills and debris.
When you need deeper access (common service approaches)
Instead of removing the top, we typically access components by moving the range out or opening panels.
| Goal | Typical access point | Examples of parts involved |
|---|---|---|
| Check gas supply or regulator | Rear, after pulling range forward | Pressure regulator, gas line connection |
| Diagnose “clicking” or no spark | Rear or lower access area | Range spark module 5304508269, switch/harness |
| Oven won’t heat (bake) | Inside oven cavity and rear | Igniter, gas valve, temperature sensor |
Safety steps that matter before servicing
Gas ranges combine electricity and fuel; we follow these basics every time.
- Shut off the gas supply at the manual shut-off valve.
- Disconnect power at the breaker (or unplug if accessible).
- Pull the range out only as far as needed; avoid stressing the gas line.
- After any gas connection is disturbed, check for leaks before using.
- Keep the anti-tip protection engaged when reinstalling.
Why it matters
Trying to lift a non-removable cooktop can bend the main top, damage burner alignment, or pinch wiring. Using the correct access points protects the igniter wiring, gas fittings, and burner flame performance.
Last updated: February 2026
How long should a Kenmore gas stove last?
A Kenmore gas range like model 79074333311 typically lasts 15 years with normal household use. Keeping burners clean, using correct flame size, and fixing ignition problems early helps you get the full service life; see the 79074333311 owner's manual for care and operating guidance.
What affects lifespan most
- Daily cooking volume and high-heat use (frequent broiling, long bakes)
- Cleaning habits (spillovers, grease buildup, clogged burner ports)
- Ignition health (slow or inconsistent lighting strains components)
- Gas supply quality and correct fuel setup (natural gas vs LP conversion)
- Ventilation and heat management around the range
Quick maintenance checklist (high impact)
- Wipe up boilovers quickly; baked-on spills trap heat and odors.
- Keep surface burner heads and caps seated correctly after cleaning.
- Use a flame that fits the pan bottom; oversized flames waste heat and soil the cooktop.
- If the oven takes longer than about a minute to light, inspect the igniter system.
- Replace worn lighting components when symptoms start (clicking, delayed ignition).
Common “wear” items vs. long-life parts
| Item | Typical role | When it usually needs attention |
|---|---|---|
| Oven igniter | Lights the bake burner | Slow ignition, no glow, or no flame |
| Oven temperature sensor | Helps regulate oven temperature | Temperature swings, under/overheating |
| Light bulb | Oven cavity light | Burned out or dim |
If your oven is slow to ignite or won’t light reliably, the tappan range oven burner igniter 316489403 is a common replacement part for this model family.
Why it matters
A gas range can run for many years, but delayed ignition, poor flame quality, and overheating from heavy soil can shorten its life. Addressing small symptoms early helps protect major components like the gas valve, control board, and wiring.
Last updated: February 2026
Does Kenmore make gas ranges?
Yes. Kenmore makes gas ranges, and the Kenmore 79074333311 is a gas range model with standard gas-range features like surface burners and an oven that uses an electric ignitor for lighting. For model-specific operation and safety details, use the 79074333311 use and care guide.
What “Kenmore gas range” means for this model
Kenmore gas ranges like model 79074333311 use gas for cooking heat and rely on proper airflow for safe combustion.
- Keep the oven vent and airflow openings clear during use.
- Avoid blocking air passages in the oven bottom (including covering racks with foil).
- Use a properly sized flame for the pan you are heating.
- Expect the surface burners to be usable during a power outage (with careful manual lighting).
- Do not try to operate the electric-ignition oven during an electrical power failure.
Power outage basics (important for gas ranges)
This Kenmore gas range uses electric ignition for the oven. During a power failure, the oven should stay off; when power returns, the ignitor can re-light if controls were left on.
| Cooking area | Works during power outage? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Surface burners | Yes | Light carefully with a match and turn the knob to LITE |
| Oven burner | No | Keep oven controls set to OFF until power returns |
Why it matters
Knowing you have a true gas range helps you troubleshoot correctly (ignition, flame color, airflow) and use safe practices around gas and heat.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the igniter located on a Kenmore gas stove?
On the Kenmore 79074333311 gas range, the igniters are located at the burners: each surface burner has its own spark electrode at the burner head, and the oven has a glow-bar igniter mounted next to the oven burner inside the oven cavity. See the 79074333311 owner's manual for diagrams and access notes.
Where to look (by burner type)
- Surface burners (cooktop): Lift off the burner cap; the igniter electrode sits beside the burner head and sparks when you turn the knob to LITE.
- Oven bake burner: Inside the oven, the igniter is positioned along the bake burner tube near the rear or side; it glows like a light bulb before the gas valve opens.
- Broil burner (if equipped): The broil burner also uses an igniter near the broil burner assembly.
Quick checks that confirm you found the igniter
- Turn a surface knob to LITE; you should hear rapid clicking and see a spark at that burner’s electrode.
- Set oven to Bake 300°F; the igniter should glow, then the burner should light after about 30 to 60 seconds.
- If the igniter glows but the burner does not light, the igniter can be weak and may need replacement.
- If no clicking on any surface burner, check power to the range (spark ignition needs electricity).
Common igniter-related parts for this model
| Symptom | Most likely area | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Oven will not heat, no glow | Bake igniter circuit | Tappan range oven burner igniter 316489403 |
| Oven heats poorly or erratic temps | Temperature sensing | Frigidaire range oven temperature sensor 316490000 |
| No surface clicking or intermittent spark | Spark system | Range spark module 5304508269 |
Why it matters
Finding the correct igniter location helps you diagnose the right system: surface burners use a spark electrode, while the oven uses a glow igniter that must draw enough current to open the gas valve. That difference changes what you test and which part you replace.
Last updated: February 2026
Where to find Kenmore gas range model number?
On the Kenmore gas range model 79074333311, the model and serial number identification plate is on the right-hand surface of the oven front frame. You access it by opening the storage drawer, warmer drawer, or broiler drawer (depending on your configuration); see the installation guide.
Where to look on model 79074333311
Check these spots in this order:
- Pull out and open the bottom drawer (storage, warmer, or broiler drawer)
- Look at the right-hand side of the oven front frame (the front frame behind the drawer opening)
- Find the identification plate with the model and serial numbers
- Write down the model number, serial number, and lot number/letter
- Keep the information with your paperwork for future parts lookups
What the identification plate tells you (and why it matters)
The identification plate is more than a label; it helps us match the correct Kenmore range parts and setup details.
| On the plate | Why we use it |
|---|---|
| Model number | Ensures parts fit your exact range version |
| Serial number | Helps confirm production run details |
| Lot number/letter | Useful for narrowing down compatible part revisions |
| Fuel and pressure info | Confirms how the range was adjusted when it left the factory |
Tips for ordering the right parts
When you contact us or shop for replacement parts, using the exact model number prevents mismatches.
- Match the model number exactly: 79074333311
- Use the model number when selecting common repair parts like an igniter or sensor
- If you are replacing an oven igniter, confirm whether you need the bake or broil style; a common option is the tappan range oven burner igniter 316489403
Why it matters
Kenmore ranges often have multiple versions that look similar. Using the identification plate information is the fastest way to get the correct parts, installation specs, and service guidance for your exact range.
Last updated: February 2026




