How do I know if my igniter is bad on my gas stove?
On the Kenmore 79078733406 gas range, an igniter problem shows up as a burner that will not light within a few seconds, repeated clicking/sparking with no flame, or an oven that takes longer than about 60 seconds to ignite after you start BAKE. Use the 79078733406 installation guide for the correct ignition checks and timing.
- Surface burner: you hear sparking but the burner does not light within about 4 seconds (after air is purged from the gas line).
- Surface burner: burner lights only after a long delay, or only if you keep turning the knob back to LITE.
- Oven bake: igniter glows but the burner flame does not appear within 30 to 60 seconds.
- Oven bake: burner cycles oddly (short on time, long off time) and temperature performance is poor.
- Any burner: you smell gas without ignition; turn the control OFF and ventilate the area.
- Confirm power: electric igniters need household power; make sure the range is plugged in and the outlet works.
- Watch and listen: for surface burners, you should hear sparking at LITE and see the burner light quickly.
- Clean and reseat burner parts: keep burner caps and heads properly positioned; spills and cleaners must not enter the gas orifice holder opening.
- Purge air after a gas interruption: if gas was shut off, leave the knob at LITE until the burner ignites.
- Oven timing check: set BAKE to 300°F; ignition should occur within about a minute.
| Location | What you should see/hear | Typical normal time |
|---|---|---|
| Surface burner | Sparking at LITE, then steady flame | About 4 seconds (after air is purged) |
| Oven bake burner | Igniter glows like a light bulb, then burner lights | 30 to 60 seconds |
If the oven will not ignite on BAKE and you have confirmed power and gas supply, the ignition system components are common suspects. For this model, a related part you may see listed is the igniter 316489401 (broil igniter); match the failure to the correct burner circuit before ordering.
A weak or failing igniter can prevent the gas valve from opening at the right time, causing delayed ignition, poor heating, and inconsistent cooking results.
Last updated: February 2026
How long should a Kenmore gas stove last?
A Kenmore gas range like model 79078733406 typically lasts 15 years with normal residential use. Regular cleaning to prevent grease buildup and prompt repair of ignition or burner issues are the biggest factors in reaching that lifespan; see the 79078733406 owner's manual for care guidance.
Most gas ranges reach their full service life when heat, gas flow, and ventilation stay consistent.
- Cleaning habits: grease and food soils accelerate wear on burners, igniters, and controls
- Ventilation: using a hood or fan reduces heat and grease accumulation around the range
- Usage level: heavy daily cooking shortens life compared to average household use
- Maintenance timing: replacing small wear parts early prevents bigger failures
- Proper installation: correct gas and electrical setup reduces nuisance problems (see the 79078733406 installation guide)
Use these habits to reduce common gas range failures (weak ignition, uneven flames, overheating, and control issues).
- Wipe spills after cooking; do not let grease accumulate on the cooktop or around burners
- Keep burner heads seated correctly and ports clear
- Avoid excess cleaner residue near heat sources (residue can ignite)
- Ventilate well during the first self-clean cycle and follow the recommended self-clean duration
- If the oven light fails, replace it with the correct part for this model (example: range oven light bulb 316538904)
| Item | Typical expectation | What to do if it’s not happening |
|---|---|---|
| Burner ignition | Clicks and lights within a few seconds | Clean burner head and check igniter condition |
| Flame pattern | Even, steady blue flame | Clean ports; verify burner head alignment |
| Oven performance | Reaches set temp and holds it | Check bake burner and gas valve operation |
| Self-clean | 2 to 4 hours depending on soil level | Use the cycle length recommended in the manual |
A 15-year lifespan assumes the range stays free of grease buildup and is operated as intended. Grease accumulation and delayed repairs are two of the fastest ways to shorten the life of a gas range.
Last updated: February 2026
How to change Kenmore spark electrode igniter?
To change a spark electrode igniter on your Kenmore gas range model 79078733406, we remove the burner parts, disconnect the electrode wire, swap in the new electrode, then reassemble and test ignition. Keep spills and cleaners out of the orifice holder opening during the repair.
- Turn all burner knobs to OFF and let the cooktop cool.
- Shut off the gas supply at the range shutoff valve.
- Unplug the range (or switch off the breaker) so the igniters cannot spark.
- Work in good light; avoid dropping screws into the burner box.
- Do not allow spills, food, or cleaning agents to enter the orifice holder opening (this can cause ignition problems).
- Remove the grate, then lift off the burner cap and burner head.
- Locate the ceramic spark electrode next to the burner.
- Remove the mounting screw holding the electrode.
- Disconnect the electrode wire connector.
- Install the new electrode:
- Push the connector fully onto the electrode terminal.
- Seat the electrode in the holder and secure it with the screw.
- Reinstall the burner head and cap (make sure they sit flat and aligned).
- Restore power and gas, then test.
Your 79078733406 uses electronic ignition; when you turn a knob to LITE, you should hear sparking and the selected burner should light quickly once gas is present.
| What you see | Most likely cause | What we do next |
|---|---|---|
| Sparks but no flame | Gas not reaching burner, cap/head misaligned | Re-seat cap/head; confirm gas is on |
| Delayed ignition “whoosh” | Electrode bumped, dirty burner parts | Clean and align; verify electrode position |
| No spark at any burner | No power to range | Check outlet/breaker; restore power |
A correctly installed electrode and properly seated burner head/cap help the burner light within a few seconds and prevent delayed ignition, uneven flames, and repeated clicking.
For diagrams and model-specific access steps, follow the 79078733406 installation guide.
Last updated: February 2026
How to remove the top of a Kenmore gas range?
On Kenmore gas range model 79078733406, the cooktop (top) is not removable, so we do not remove the entire top panel for service. For cleaning and most burner access, we remove the grates and burner pieces only; follow the steps in the installation guide.
- Remove the surface grates.
- Lift off the burner caps.
- Lift off the burner heads (where applicable) and clean ports.
- Wipe the cooktop surface with hot, soapy water; avoid harsh cleaners on stainless.
- Reinstall parts dry and seated correctly so the burner lights evenly.
If you are trying to reach wiring, igniters, or gas components, we service this range from the front, back, or inside the oven cavity, not by lifting the cooktop.
- Turn all controls to OFF.
- Shut off the gas supply valve.
- Unplug the range (or switch off the breaker).
- Pull the range forward only as far as needed to access the rear (protect the floor).
- After service, reconnect and check for gas leaks per the 79078733406 owner's manual.
| Task | What you do on 79078733406 | What you do on some other ranges |
|---|---|---|
| Clean spills | Remove grates/caps; wipe surface | Lift cooktop (if designed to lift) |
| Access surface burners | Remove caps/heads; clean ports | Lift cooktop for full access |
| Access wiring/gas parts | Pull range out; remove panels as needed | Often lift cooktop first |
Trying to force a non-removable cooktop can bend the top, damage burner alignment, or create ignition and gas-leak problems. Using the correct access points keeps the burner flame stable and the range safe to operate.
Last updated: February 2026
What causes a Kenmore oven to stop working?
On the Kenmore gas range model 79078733406, an oven that “stops working” is usually caused by a loss of electrical power to the ignition/control system, a failed oven ignition component, or an electronic control fault (often shown as an F-code). Start by resetting controls to OFF and checking power.
- Confirm the range has power (clock/display on, outlet and breaker OK).
- Press STOP/CLEAR to cancel a stuck cycle or clear beeping.
- If an F-code appears, write it down; clear it with STOP/CLEAR and see if it returns.
- Make sure the oven door is fully closed (some functions will not run with the door open).
- If the issue started during an outage, keep the oven OFF until power is stable (electric ignition models should not be operated during a power failure).
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| No heat, no ignition sound | No power to controls or control not set | Verify power; reset controls; reprogram bake per the 79078733406 owner's manual |
| Beeping with an F-code (example: F11) | Electronic control detected a fault | Clear with STOP/CLEAR; if it recurs, use the recorded code for diagnosis per the 79078733406 owner's manual |
| Oven won’t start after outage | Controls left ON during power loss | Turn oven OFF; once power returns, reset clock and function settings |
| Oven light out but oven otherwise works | Burned-out bulb or socket issue | Replace the range oven light bulb 316538904 (and inspect the socket if the new bulb does not light) |
This model uses electric ignition for the oven. That means the oven depends on household power for safe ignition and control operation; power interruptions and control faults can make the oven appear “dead” even when gas is available.
Last updated: February 2026
What model is my Kenmore gas range?
Your Kenmore gas range model number is printed on the appliance’s rating label; on model 79078733406, it’s most often found in the oven door jamb (around the frame when you open the door) or on the back of the range near the vent area. Confirm the full number exactly as shown.
Check these common label locations in this order:
- Oven door jamb: open the oven door and look along the frame edges
- Behind the storage drawer: pull the bottom drawer out and look on the frame
- Back panel: look near the vent area or rear panel
- Lower rear area: sometimes near the left lower rear section of the range
For diagrams and model identification details, use the 79078733406 owner's manual.
Kenmore range model numbers are typically a long numeric string. For your appliance, the correct format is:
| Item | Example for your range | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 79078733406 | Finding the right parts and manuals |
| Product type | Gas range | Matching troubleshooting steps |
| Brand | Kenmore | Ensuring correct fit and finish |
When you find the label, match every digit before buying parts like an igniter, burner head, or oven light bulb.
- Write the model number down exactly (no missing digits)
- Take a clear photo of the label for reference
- Use the model number to match parts by description and ID
- If the label is worn, check a second location (door jamb and behind drawer are most reliable)
Kenmore ranges often share similar styling across model families, but parts like a surface burner head, pressure regulator, or oven door seal can vary by model. Using the exact model number keeps repairs accurate and safe.
Last updated: February 2026




