How do I tell if my gas oven igniter is bad?
If your Magic Chef range model CGR1420BDW won’t bake, takes a long time to heat, or the burner never lights, the oven igniter is a top suspect. A weak igniter can glow but still fail to pull enough current to open the gas valve, so the burner won’t ignite reliably.
Quick checks you can do (no meter)
- Set the oven to Bake and watch through the broiler opening or by removing the bottom oven panel (after cooling).
- Look for the igniter to glow bright and steady.
- Listen for the gas valve to click and the burner to light shortly after the igniter heats.
- If you smell gas without ignition, stop and shut off the oven; ventilate the area.
- If the igniter never glows, check power supply and wiring connections.
What “bad igniter” symptoms look like
- Igniter glows but the burner does not light.
- Burner lights only after a long delay (often 60 to 90 seconds or more).
- Oven temperature is inconsistent because the burner cycles poorly.
- You see a dull orange glow instead of a bright glow.
Best confirmation: amp draw test (most accurate)
A hot surface igniter is usually confirmed with an amp draw test using a clamp meter.
| Test result | What it usually means | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| No glow | Open igniter, no power, or wiring issue | Inspect wiring; replace igniter if open |
| Glows, no flame | Weak igniter not opening gas valve | Replace igniter |
| Flame lights fast | Igniter likely OK | Check gas valve, burner, orifice, controls |
For this model, the common replacement is the igniter 74007498.
Why it matters
A weak igniter can prevent the oven gas valve from opening fully, which leads to no-heat complaints and long preheat times. Replacing the igniter is one of the most common fixes for “oven won’t heat” on gas ranges.
Last updated: January 2026
Can I replace a gas stove igniter myself?
Yes. On the Magic Chef CGR1420BDW gas range, many customers can replace a failed igniter themselves if they are comfortable working around gas and electricity. The job is usually straightforward: access the igniter, swap the part, then reassemble and test for proper ignition.
Before you start (safety and prep)
- Turn off power to the range at the breaker (igniters use household voltage).
- Shut off the gas supply valve to the range.
- Let all burners and the oven cool completely.
- Take a quick photo of wire routing and connector positions before disconnecting anything.
- Use a magnetic tray for screws so nothing drops into the burner box.
Which igniter do you mean?
Your range can use different igniters depending on the symptom.
| Symptom | Most likely area | Common part to check |
|---|---|---|
| Surface burner clicks but will not light | Cooktop burner | Range surface burner igniter 74004053 |
| Oven will not heat, or takes a long time to ignite | Oven burner | Igniter 74007498 |
Basic replacement steps (surface burner igniter)
- Remove the burner grate and burner cap/head.
- Lift the cooktop as needed to access the igniter and wiring.
- Disconnect the igniter wire connector (do not pull on the wire itself).
- Remove the mounting screw(s), swap in the new igniter, and reinstall screws.
- Reconnect wiring, reassemble the burner parts, restore gas and power, then test.
Why it matters
A weak or cracked igniter can cause delayed ignition, uneven flame, or repeated clicking. Replacing the correct igniter restores reliable lighting and helps prevent unburned gas from lingering before ignition.
Last updated: January 2026
How long do gas oven igniters last?
On the Magic Chef CGR1420BDW gas range, a gas oven igniter typically lasts 3 to 5 years. Heavy baking, long preheat times, and frequent cycling can shorten igniter life; light use and clean burner operation can help it last longer.
What affects igniter lifespan
- How often the oven is used (daily cooking wears it faster than occasional use)
- Long preheats and high-heat baking (more on-time for the igniter)
- Grease and food spills (can disrupt burner ignition and increase cycling)
- Low gas flow or restricted burner ports (can delay ignition and stress the igniter)
- Electrical issues (loose wiring connections or weak power supply)
Signs the igniter is wearing out
- Oven takes longer than normal to light
- You smell gas briefly before ignition (shut the oven off and ventilate)
- Burner lights inconsistently or shuts off after lighting
- Oven will not heat even though the control is set to bake
Quick checks before replacing the igniter
- Turn off power to the range at the breaker.
- Confirm the oven is set correctly (bake vs. broil) and the temperature knob/control responds normally.
- Look for heavy debris around the burner area; clean carefully once the oven is cool.
- If the igniter glows but the burner does not light within about 60 to 90 seconds, the igniter is commonly the cause.
Common fix and what to replace
If the oven will not ignite or takes too long to ignite, replacing the oven burner igniter is a common repair for CGR1420BDW. The correct replacement part listed for this model is the igniter 74007498.
| Symptom | Most likely part | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Slow ignition | Oven igniter | Weak igniters can glow but not pull enough current to open the gas valve |
| No glow at all | Igniter or wiring | Check connections and harness condition |
| Surface burners click but do not light | Surface burner igniter or spark module | Different system than the oven burner |
Why it matters
A weak igniter can cause delayed ignition and uneven heating, which affects baking results and can put extra strain on the gas valve and ignition system.
Last updated: January 2026
How much does it cost to replace a gas oven igniter?
For the Magic Chef CGR1420BDW gas freestanding range, replacing a gas oven igniter typically costs about $150 to $325 when a technician supplies the part and labor. If you do it yourself, the part is often the main cost; for this model, an igniter 74007498 is a common oven-ignition replacement part.
Typical cost breakdown
Costs vary by service call minimums, access time, and whether wiring or a gas valve issue is found.
- DIY parts-only: commonly $20 to $100+ depending on design and brand
- Professional labor: commonly $100 to $250 (often includes a trip/service fee)
- Total installed: commonly $150 to $325 for a straightforward igniter swap
- Higher totals happen when: brittle wiring, seized screws, or additional diagnosis is needed
| Repair approach | What you pay for | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| DIY | Part (and basic tools) | $20 to $100+ |
| Pro repair | Part + labor + service call | $150 to $325 |
| Complex visit | Extra diagnosis/repairs | $300+ |
What usually makes the price go up
These are the most common reasons an igniter replacement costs more than expected:
- The igniter is hard to access (more disassembly time)
- Mounting screws are stripped or rusted
- Wire connectors are heat-damaged and need repair
- The burner is dirty or misaligned and needs cleaning/adjustment
- The problem is not the igniter (for example, a control, thermostat, or gas valve issue)
Why it matters
A weak igniter can draw too little current to open the oven safety gas valve, so the oven may take a long time to light, light intermittently, or not heat at all. Replacing the igniter restores reliable ignition and normal preheat times.
Before you schedule service (quick checks)
- Confirm the bake burner does not light, or lights after a long delay
- Watch for a glow from the igniter during bake (if visible)
- Shut off power and gas before any inspection or repair
- If you smell gas, stop and have the range checked immediately
Last updated: January 2026




