Does a Kenmore Elite have a reset button?
Kenmore Elite gas ranges like model 79078303012 do not use a single, dedicated reset button. For most control glitches, we reset the range by power-cycling it (turning the breaker off, then back on) and making sure all oven controls are set to OFF, especially after a power failure.
- Turn all oven and surface burner knobs to OFF.
- Switch the range circuit breaker OFF for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Switch the breaker ON.
- Set Bake 300°F and confirm the oven ignites within about 60 seconds.
- If the oven does not ignite, stop and troubleshoot the ignition system (see below).
For model-specific operating steps and control behavior, use the 79078303012 owner's manual.
The installation guidance for this range is clear: do not attempt to operate the electric ignition oven during a power failure; when power is interrupted, reset oven controls to OFF. When power returns, the oven igniter can re-ignite if the thermostat/control was left ON.
| Situation | What we recommend | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Control panel acting “stuck” | Breaker reset (3 to 5 minutes) | Reboots the electronic control |
| Power outage occurred | Set controls to OFF; wait for power | Prevents unexpected re-ignition |
| Surface burner won’t light | Purge air; try LITE up to a few seconds | Air in the line delays ignition |
- Weak or failed oven igniter (bake or broil)
- Loose wiring connection at the igniter or gas valve
- Faulty oven temperature sensor
- Gas supply issue (shutoff valve, regulator, low pressure)
- Ignition timing issue (normal bake ignition can take 30 to 60 seconds)
If the oven is not lighting reliably, the most common repair is replacing the igniter, such as the tappan range oven burner igniter 316489403.
On a gas range, “reset” usually means restoring safe, predictable control operation. Power-cycling clears minor electronic faults, but ignition problems often point to parts like the igniter, sensor, or gas valve that need diagnosis.
Last updated: February 2026
How long should a Kenmore gas stove last?
A Kenmore gas range like model 79078303012 typically lasts 15 years with normal household use. Keeping burners clean, ensuring proper ignition, and avoiding overheating helps reduce wear on key components such as igniters, gas valves, and the oven control.
- Cooking frequency and high-heat use (daily use shortens life)
- Grease buildup around burners and inside the oven cavity
- Power quality (surges can stress the oven control board)
- Proper installation clearances and ventilation
- Prompt repair of weak ignition or uneven flames
Use these habits as your baseline, then follow the model-specific care steps in the 79078303012 owner's manual.
- Wipe spills quickly to prevent baked-on residue and corrosion
- Keep burner ports clear so flames stay even and blue
- If a burner takes longer than about 4 seconds to light, clean and inspect the igniter area
- Avoid sealing the range to side cabinets; allow airflow around the unit
- Verify the range stays level so heat and cooking results stay consistent
If performance drops, these parts are frequent culprits on gas ranges:
| Symptom | Most common cause | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Oven will not heat or heats slowly | Weak oven igniter | Tappan range oven burner igniter 316489403 |
| Oven temperature swings | Temperature sensor drifting | Frigidaire range oven temperature sensor 316490000 |
| Surface burners click but do not light reliably | Spark/ignition issue | Range spark module 5304508269 |
A gas range can run for years with minor issues, but weak ignition and poor flame quality increase cooking time and stress components. Catching ignition delays early helps protect the oven gas valve, burner, and electronic controls.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I find my Kenmore Elite oven model number?
For Kenmore Elite gas range model 79078303012, the model and serial number label is on the right-hand surface of the oven front frame. Open the storage drawer, warmer drawer, or broiler drawer (depending on your range) to see the identification plate.
Use these common access points:
- Pull out and open the storage drawer (some models)
- Pull out and open the warmer drawer (some models)
- Pull out and open the broiler drawer (some models)
- Look for the identification plate on the right-hand side of the oven front frame
- Write down the model number and serial number exactly as shown
For the exact location illustration and wording for this model, check the 79078303012 installation guide.
The label typically includes details that help us match the correct Kenmore parts and specs:
| Label item | What it helps with |
|---|---|
| Model number | Ensures parts diagrams match your exact range |
| Serial number | Helps confirm production series for certain parts |
| Fuel type and pressure | Confirms the range setup (natural gas vs LP conversion status) |
| Burner ratings | Helps verify correct burner-related parts |
Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong igniter, temperature sensor, or control board. Even small model-number differences can change which parts fit and how the range is wired.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Kenmore 79078303012?
Kenmore is a brand name, and the Kenmore Elite gas range model 79078303012 is made for Kenmore by a major appliance manufacturer (Kenmore does not build ranges itself). The most reliable way to confirm the exact manufacturer for your unit is to match the model and serial information on the range to the details in the 79078303012 installation guide.
We recommend using the model number prefix and the identification plate on the appliance.
- Open the storage drawer, warmer drawer, or broiler drawer to access the ID plate area
- Look for the identification plate on the right-hand surface of the oven front frame
- Write down the model number, serial number, and lot number/letter
- Use the model number prefix (790) as a key identifier when cross-referencing manufacturer information
- Keep the documentation with the range for future reference (it helps when ordering parts)
The ID plate is more than a label; it also lists key configuration details that can differ by manufacturer build.
| Item on ID plate | Why it matters when identifying the maker or ordering parts |
|---|---|
| Model number (79078303012) | Confirms the exact Kenmore Elite range version |
| Serial number | Helps match production run and component revisions |
| Lot number/letter | Useful for narrowing down factory build details |
| Fuel type and pressure setting | Confirms how the range was adjusted when it left the factory |
Kenmore ranges can be produced by different manufacturers across different model series. Confirming the maker for 79078303012 helps ensure you select the correct oven igniter, temperature sensor, control board, and gas valve for your exact build.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Kenmore oven not igniting?
On the Kenmore Elite gas range model 79078303012, the oven typically won’t ignite when the hot-surface igniter is weak, the range is not getting electrical power, or airflow around the oven vent and lower front area is restricted. In normal operation, ignition can take 30 to 60 seconds after you set Bake or Broil.
- Confirm the range has power (the oven’s electric igniter and gas valve control need electricity).
- Wait a full 60 seconds after selecting Bake or Broil; a short delay is normal.
- Make sure nothing is blocking combustion air at the oven vent or around the base and beneath the lower front panel.
- Reset the oven control to OFF, then try Bake again.
- If there was a power outage, keep oven controls OFF until power is stable (do not try to operate the electric ignition oven during a power failure).
Per the installation instructions, when you set the oven to operate, current flows to the igniter and it glows; once it’s hot enough, the oven valve opens and the burner lights.
| What you observe | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Igniter glows, but no flame after 60 seconds | Weak igniter or gas valve not opening | Inspect/replace the igniter first |
| No glow at all | No power to igniter, wiring issue, or control issue | Check power, then wiring and controls |
| Flame lights but is uneven or delayed | Airflow restriction or burner issue | Clear obstructions; inspect burner area |
If the igniter glows but the burner never lights (or takes longer than about a minute), the igniter is the first part we replace most often.
- Tappan range oven burner igniter 316489403
- Range bake burner 316404400 (if the burner ports are damaged or heavily blocked)
- Range oven gas valve 316404901 (less common than an igniter)
A weak igniter can glow but still fail to draw enough current to open the gas valve, so the oven never gets gas to light. Keeping the vent and base area clear helps the burner get the fresh air it needs for proper combustion.
For operating steps and the bake/broil ignition check procedure, use the 79078303012 installation guide.
Last updated: February 2026




