Installation guide
Owner’s manual
Error Codes
How to tell if a gas stove igniter is bad?
On a Kenmore gas range model 79073239311, a bad igniter typically shows up as a burner that clicks but won’t light, lights inconsistently, or takes longer than normal to ignite. For the oven, the igniter should glow and the burner should light within about 60 seconds in normal operation.
- Confirm the range has electrical power (ignition needs power even though it’s a gas appliance).
- For surface burners, turn a knob to LITE and listen for steady sparking; the burner should light within about 4 seconds after air is purged from the gas line.
- Make sure the burner cap is centered and seated correctly; a mis-seated cap can prevent ignition.
- For the oven, set Bake to 300°F and watch for the igniter glow; the burner should ignite within 60 seconds.
- If you smell gas without ignition, turn all knobs OFF, ventilate the area, and stop troubleshooting until the gas clears.
| Location | What you should see/hear | Typical timing | What points to an igniter problem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface burner | Rapid clicking spark at the electrode, then flame | ~4 seconds (after purge) | Clicking but no flame, weak/no spark, lights only after many tries |
| Oven burner | Igniter glows like a light bulb, then burner lights | 30 to 60 seconds | No glow, very slow ignition, repeated cycling without lighting |
If your oven burner is slow to light or won’t light but you see other functions working normally, the oven igniter is a common fix for this model: range oven burner igniter 5304509706.
Delayed ignition can allow gas to build briefly before lighting, which can cause a “whoosh” ignition and uneven heating. Getting ignition back to normal timing helps cooking performance and reduces nuisance gas odors.
For model-specific operating steps and ignition checks, use the 79073239311 installation guide.
Last updated: January 2026
Where to find Kenmore gas range model number?
On the Kenmore gas range model 79073239311, the model and serial number plate is on the right-hand surface of the oven front frame. You can see it by opening the storage drawer, warmer drawer, or broiler drawer; the plate is on the frame just above that drawer area (see the 79073239311 installation guide).
- Turn the oven off and let it cool.
- Pull out and open the bottom drawer (storage, warmer, or broiler drawer depending on your range).
- Look at the right side of the oven front frame (the vertical frame area at the front).
- Write down the model number and serial number exactly as shown.
- Keep the numbers handy when ordering parts like an igniter, light bulb, or temperature sensor.
Many ranges have labels in other spots, but for this model the identification plate is on the oven front frame.
| Location you might check | What you may find | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Back panel | Gas/electrical hookup info | Installation reference |
| Door jamb area | Sometimes a label on other models | Quick check, but not primary on this model |
| Oven front frame (right side) | Model and serial plate | Correct location for 79073239311 |
The model and serial number plate also lists key details such as burner ratings, fuel type, and the gas pressure setting the range was adjusted for at the factory. That information helps match the correct Kenmore range parts and avoid ordering the wrong component.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my Kenmore oven not igniting?
On Kenmore gas range model 79073239311, the oven typically won’t ignite when the hot-surface igniter is weak or failed, the range is not getting electrical power, or the gas supply/airflow needed for combustion is restricted. Use the timing and ignition checks in the 79073239311 installation guide.
- Confirm the range has power (clock/display on, no tripped breaker or blown fuse).
- Wait long enough: normal ignition can take 30 to 60 seconds after you turn Bake on.
- Make sure the oven controls are set correctly (Bake temperature selected, not delayed start).
- Verify the gas shutoff valve is fully open.
- Keep the oven vent and the area around the lower front panel clear; the range needs fresh air for proper combustion.
When you set Bake, current flows to the igniter; it should glow, then the gas valve opens and the burner lights.
| What you observe | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| No glow at all | No power, wiring issue, control issue | Check power first; then inspect wiring/connectors and test circuits safely |
| Glows but never lights | Weak igniter or gas valve not opening | Replace the igniter first in most cases |
| Lights after a long delay | Weak igniter, restricted burner, low gas flow | Clean burner ports; consider igniter replacement |
If the igniter glows weakly or the oven never lights within about a minute, the igniter is the first part we replace on this model.
- Range oven burner igniter 5304509706 (hot-surface igniter that must draw enough current to open the oven gas valve)
- Range oven burner (clogged ports can delay ignition)
- Oven gas valve (less common than an igniter)
- Electronic control or wiring harness/connectors (if the igniter never gets power)
- Do not try to operate the electric ignition oven during an electrical power failure; reset oven controls to OFF.
- Do not obstruct combustion air flow at the oven vent or around the base of the range.
A weak igniter can prevent the gas valve from opening, so the oven never lights even though you smell no gas. Addressing ignition issues quickly helps restore reliable baking temperatures and reduces nuisance shutdowns.
Last updated: January 2026
