What model is my Kenmore gas range?
Your Kenmore gas range model number is printed on the appliance’s rating label. For Kenmore model 79077433900, the label is commonly found in the oven door jamb area or behind the lower storage drawer, and sometimes on the back panel near the vent.
Where to look on a Kenmore gas range
Check these spots in order (they are the most common locations):
- Open the oven door and look along the door frame (door jamb) on the front of the range
- Pull out the storage drawer (or warmer drawer, if equipped) and look on the frame behind it
- Look on the rear panel of the range near the vent area
- Check the side frame behind the lower front panel (if your model has a removable panel)
What the model number label looks like
Most Kenmore ranges use a paper or foil label that includes the model number and serial number.
- Model number: usually starts with 790 on many Kenmore ranges
- Serial number: a longer code used for manufacturing date and service history
- Electrical and gas information: may be listed on the same label
Quick checklist: model number vs. serial number
| Item | What it’s used for | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the exact design so you get the right parts | 79077433900 |
| Serial number | Identifies your specific unit for service and warranty | Letters and numbers |
Why it matters
We use the model number to match the correct parts and diagrams for your exact Kenmore gas range. That is especially important for fit-critical items like an oven igniter, oven temperature sensor, burner head, or pressure regulator.
If the label is hard to read
- Wipe gently with a damp cloth (do not scrub hard; the print can smear)
- Take a phone photo and zoom in
- If the label is missing, use the installation and feature information in the 79077433900 installation guide to help confirm the range style and configuration
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my Kenmore oven not igniting?
If your Kenmore gas range model 79077433900 isn’t igniting, the most common cause is a weak or failed oven igniter that glows but does not get hot enough to open the gas valve. A power interruption or a gas supply issue can also prevent ignition.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Confirm the range has electrical power (electric ignition needs power to light the oven).
- If there was a power outage, make sure all oven controls were turned OFF, then reset and try again.
- Set the oven to BAKE and watch for the igniter glow; normal ignition typically happens after a 30 to 60 second delay.
- If the igniter glows for over a minute but no flame appears, the igniter is usually too weak to open the oven safety valve.
- If you smell gas without ignition, turn the oven OFF and ventilate the area.
What “normal” ignition looks like on this model
The oven burner uses an electric igniter and an electrically controlled oven valve. When you turn the oven on, the igniter should glow like a light bulb; once it reaches ignition temperature, the oven valve opens and the burner lights.
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| No glow at all | No power to igniter, wiring issue, or control issue | Check power, then inspect wiring and connections |
| Glows, but no flame after 60+ seconds | Weak igniter (most common) | Replace the igniter |
| Lights sometimes, then fails | Igniter weakening or loose connection | Check harness connections; replace igniter if needed |
Parts that commonly fix “won’t ignite”
For model 79077433900, these are common ignition-related replacements:
- Tappan range oven burner igniter 316489403
- Range oven igniter 5304506545
- Range igniter wire harness 316526901
Why it matters
A weak igniter can prevent the oven valve from opening, so the burner never lights even though the igniter glows. Fixing ignition quickly restores safe, consistent baking and helps prevent repeated failed-start cycles.
Safety notes for electric ignition
- Do not attempt to operate the electric ignition oven during an electrical power failure.
- Surface burners can be lit with a match during an outage, but use extreme caution.
For operating steps and safety guidance specific to this range, use the 79077433900 owner’s manual and the 79077433900 installation guide.
Last updated: January 2026
How long should a Kenmore gas stove last?
A Kenmore gas range like model 79077433900 typically lasts 15 years with normal household use. Regular cleaning to prevent grease buildup and prompt repair of ignition or temperature issues helps you get the full service life from the oven and surface burners.
What affects lifespan the most
- Cleaning habits: Keeping the cooktop, burner heads, and oven cavity free of grease reduces overheating and flare-ups.
- Ignition performance: Weak or delayed ignition makes the oven work harder and can lead to no-heat complaints.
- Temperature accuracy: A drifting sensor can cause overbaking, underbaking, and longer run times.
- Gas supply stability: Proper gas pressure and correct burner flame help the range heat efficiently.
- Door seal condition: A worn gasket leaks heat, increasing bake times and stress on components.
Quick maintenance checklist (high impact)
Use these as your routine “keep it running” steps:
- Wipe spills promptly; baked-on spills can smoke and stain during cooking.
- Clean around and under surface burners so ports stay clear.
- Keep the oven door closing tightly; replace the gasket if it is torn or flattened.
- If a burner flame is too low and goes out, adjust the low setting as described in the 79077433900 installation guide.
- Replace common wear items as needed, such as the oven light bulb.
Common wear items and what they do
| Symptom | Likely area | Example part for 79077433900 |
|---|---|---|
| Oven will not heat or takes too long to ignite | Oven ignition | Tappan range oven burner igniter 316489403 |
| Oven temperature swings or bakes unevenly | Temperature sensing | Frigidaire range oven temperature sensor 316490000 |
| Oven light out | Lighting | Appliance light bulb, 40-watt (typical) |
Why it matters
A 15-year lifespan assumes the range is kept clean and operating efficiently. Small issues like a weak igniter, inaccurate sensor, or leaking door seal can increase cooking times, waste fuel, and shorten the useful life of the appliance.
Last updated: January 2026
Where is the igniter located on a Kenmore gas stove?
On the Kenmore gas range model 79077433900, the igniters are located at each surface burner (a small electrode next to the burner head) and at the oven burner inside the oven cavity (a glow-bar style igniter mounted beside the bake burner). See the 79077433900 installation guide for burner-top igniter placement and burner identification.
Where to look (surface vs. oven)
Surface burner igniter (cooktop)
The surface igniter is a separate electrode for each burner. It sits right beside the burner head and must be positioned correctly in its slot so it can spark and light the gas.
Oven igniter (bake and sometimes broil)
Inside the oven, the bake burner uses an electric igniter that glows like a light bulb. When it gets hot enough, the oven gas valve opens and the burner lights (typically after a short 30 to 60 second delay).
Quick access steps
- Turn power off at the breaker (igniters are electric).
- For surface burners: remove the grate, then lift off the burner cap and burner head to see the electrode.
- For oven bake: remove oven racks, then remove the oven bottom panel to access the bake burner area.
- Watch for a glow at the oven igniter when BAKE is turned on; no glow usually points to an igniter or wiring issue.
- If the igniter glows but the burner will not light, the igniter can be weak and not drawing enough current to open the gas valve.
What you should observe
| Location | What the igniter does | Normal behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Surface burner | Sparks at the electrode | Burner lights when gas is available; you hear clicking/sparking |
| Oven bake burner | Glows hot to open the oven valve | Flame appears after about 30 to 60 seconds |
Common parts related to “no heat” symptoms
If the oven will not light or takes a long time to light, these model-matched parts are common checks:
- Tappan range oven burner igniter 316489403 (bake igniter)
- Range oven gas valve 316404901 (opens to feed gas to the oven burner)
Why it matters
Igniter location matters because surface igniters spark at the burner head, while the oven igniter must heat up enough to open the oven safety valve. Knowing which igniter you are dealing with helps you troubleshoot correctly and order the right replacement part.
Last updated: January 2026




