How to tell if a gas oven igniter is bad?
On the Maytag CRG9700CAE gas range, a bad oven igniter usually shows up as an oven that will not heat, heats very slowly, or never lights the bake burner even though the control is set to Bake. The most reliable sign is the igniter glows but the burner does not ignite within about a minute.
Common symptoms of a failing igniter
- Oven will not heat in Bake (no flame)
- Igniter glows, but the burner never lights
- Long preheat times or weak, inconsistent heating
- You smell gas briefly, then the oven shuts down without lighting
- Broil may work normally while Bake fails (or vice versa, depending on design)
Quick checks you can do safely
Before checking anything, make sure the range is cool and the controls are OFF. Our manual also stresses keeping vents and air intakes clear so the burner can operate correctly; blocked airflow can mimic ignition problems.
- Confirm the oven vent is not blocked and nothing is stored in or on the range that restricts airflow
- Start a Bake cycle and watch through the oven window or burner view area (if accessible): look for igniter glow and then flame
- If the igniter does not glow at all, suspect the igniter, wiring, control, or safety circuit
- If the igniter glows but there is no flame after about 60 to 90 seconds, the igniter is typically too weak to open the gas valve
- If you detect a strong gas odor, stop, ventilate the room, and do not keep retrying ignition
What “good” vs “bad” often looks like
| What you see | What it usually means | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| No glow, no flame | No power to igniter or open igniter | Wiring, connections, igniter continuity |
| Glow, no flame | Weak igniter not drawing enough current | Replace igniter |
| Flame lights, then goes out | Flame sensing or gas supply issue | Gas supply, burner condition |
Parts that commonly fix this on CRG9700CAE
If your symptoms match “glows but won’t light” or “no glow,” the most common repair is replacing the igniter: oven igniter 12400035. For model-specific access steps and safety notes, follow the CRG9700CAE owner's manual.
Why it matters
A weak igniter can prevent proper burner ignition, leading to no-heat complaints, long preheat times, and repeated ignition attempts. Getting ignition back to normal restores safe, consistent baking performance.
Last updated: January 2026
How much does it cost to fix a gas oven igniter?
For a Maytag CRG9700CAE gas freestanding range, fixing a failed oven igniter typically costs the price of the igniter plus labor. Many repairs land in the $150 to $400 range total, depending on service rates and whether the igniter is the only failed part. See the CRG9700CAE owner's manual for safety and service guidance.
Typical cost breakdown
Here is what usually makes up the total cost for an oven igniter repair:
- Replacement igniter part: often $30 to $120
- Service call / diagnostic fee: often $75 to $150
- Labor (install and test): often $75 to $200
- Optional add-ons: cleaning the burner area, replacing brittle wire connectors, or correcting a weak gas flame
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Igniter part | $30 to $120 | Model-specific part pricing varies |
| Labor + trip | $150 to $300 | Most of the total cost in many homes |
| Total typical | $150 to $400 | Higher if additional parts are needed |
What we check first (to avoid replacing the wrong part)
A weak igniter is common, but we recommend these quick checks before ordering parts:
- Confirm the oven is set to BAKE and you hear/see the ignition sequence start
- Watch for delayed ignition (gas smell before lighting) and stop the cycle if it happens
- Check that the range has power (most gas ovens still need electricity for ignition)
- Inspect the igniter area for heavy grease or debris that can interfere with ignition
- If the oven never lights, consider whether the issue could be the gas valve or control, not only the igniter
If you’re replacing the igniter for this model, the listed part is oven igniter 12400035.
Why it matters
A failing igniter can cause no-heat, slow preheat, or intermittent baking temperatures. Addressing it early helps restore normal oven performance and reduces the chance of repeated ignition attempts.
Safety notes for gas range service
The manual advises shutting off gas and disconnecting electrical power before servicing; gas disconnection and reconnection should be handled by a trained servicer. Use the CRG9700CAE owner's manual as your reference for safe handling steps.
Last updated: January 2026
Are Maytag gas ranges any good?
Yes. Maytag gas ranges like model CRG9700CAE are a solid choice for everyday cooking because they are built around straightforward, serviceable systems (surface burners and a pilotless oven ignition) and are designed to be maintained with routine cleaning and periodic part replacement. For operating and care details, use the CRG9700CAE owner's manual.
What “good” usually means for a gas range
A “good” range is one that heats consistently, lights reliably, and is practical to maintain. For a Maytag freestanding gas range, that typically comes down to:
- Reliable ignition and burner cycling during normal operation
- Predictable baking/roasting results once you learn its cooking characteristics
- Serviceability when wear items eventually need replacement (igniters, gaskets, bulbs)
- Clear safety guidance for lighting and operation
What to expect from the CRG9700CAE design
This Maytag range uses pilotless ignition, which is common on modern gas ovens. That means:
- The oven will not operate during a power failure
- You should not attempt to run the oven during an outage
- Surface burner lighting follows standard safety practices (confirm knobs are OFF before lighting)
Quick reality check: power and ignition
| Situation | What you’ll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Power outage | Oven will not heat | Wait for power to return |
| Weak oven heat or no ignition | Longer preheat, no flame | Check common wear parts (below) |
| Uneven baking | Hot spots or longer cook times | Adjust rack position and cookware; follow manual tips |
Common “wear items” that affect performance
Even a good range can act up when a few parts age. These are common on gas ranges and are available for this model:
- Oven igniter 12400035 (a frequent cause of “oven won’t heat” symptoms)
- Door gasket WPW10162384 (helps maintain stable oven temperature)
- Oven bulb 8009 and cover bulb WP9781049 (visibility and heat protection)
Why it matters
A range can be “good” on day one but frustrating later if it is hard to maintain. The CRG9700CAE is designed for routine care (cleaning charts, maintenance guidance) and practical repairs, which is what keeps real-world ownership positive over time.
Last updated: January 2026
Why does my Maytag oven smell like gas?
A gas smell from a Maytag CRG9700CAE oven usually happens when the burner is releasing gas but ignition is delayed, so unburned gas lingers briefly before lighting. Focus first on safe ventilation and then check ignition and burner condition using the CRG9700CAE owner's manual.
Safety first (what to do right now)
- Turn the oven off and do not keep trying to relight it.
- Open windows and run the range hood to ventilate the kitchen.
- If the odor is strong or persistent, shut off the gas supply valve to the range.
- Do not use matches to try to light the oven; this model uses pilotless ignition and should not be operated during a power failure.
Most common causes on a gas range
A brief whiff at ignition can be normal; a noticeable or ongoing gas smell points to an ignition or gas-delivery problem.
- Weak or failing oven igniter (slow to glow, delayed burner ignition)
- Dirty or restricted burner ports (uneven gas flow and delayed lighting)
- Burner not seated correctly after cleaning
- Gas valve sticking or not regulating properly
- Oven bottom not installed correctly after spillover cleaning (can affect airflow around the burner)
Parts that commonly fix delayed ignition
If the oven takes a long time to light, the igniter is the first part we check.
| Symptom | Likely issue | Common fix |
|---|---|---|
| Long preheat, burner lights late with a “whoosh” | Igniter weak | Replace oven igniter 12400035 |
| Smell is worse after cleaning | Burner ports blocked or burner shifted | Clean and reseat burner, verify oven bottom placement |
| Smell persists even when not trying to bake | Gas valve/regulator issue | Service gas valve/regulator (pro recommended) |
Checks you can do (no special tools)
- Watch the bake cycle: ignition should happen promptly after you start Bake.
- Inspect and clean: remove the oven bottom (once cool) and clear debris from burner openings.
- Confirm reassembly: make sure the oven bottom is locked back into place after cleaning.
- Verify power: pilotless ignition means the oven will not operate during a power failure.
Why it matters
Delayed ignition can allow unburned gas to accumulate, which increases odor and can cause a sudden ignition “whoosh.” Fixing the ignition system helps the CRG9700CAE heat more reliably and reduces gas odor.
Last updated: January 2026




