GE Gas Oven Not Heating? The "Glows But No Flame" Fake-Out (Fix It for $30)
Quick Answer
Your GE oven's igniter may glow but not heat if it's not drawing 3.2 to 3.6 amps. Replace it with an OEM square-plug igniter for reliable performance.
The Problem
Gas Oven Igniter Failure is when the igniter glows but fails to heat the oven. I get this service call at least twice a week. The customer tells me, 'The oven won't heat, but I know the igniter is working because I can see it glowing orange.' I have to explain that a gas oven igniter is like a lightbulb, it can glow but still be too weak to open the gas safety valve. If it isn't pulling exactly 3.2 to 3.6 amps, the gas will never release. It is the #1 most common failure on GE ovens. I stopped buying the cheap 'Universal' replacements because they burn out in six months. Stick to the OEM square-plug style, and you won't have to pull your oven out again for another decade.
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Why is My Oven Glowing but Not Heating?
Even when the igniter glows orange, it might not be strong enough to open the gas valve. It must draw 3.2 to 3.6 amps to function properly. Anything less, and your oven will stay cold.
Where I Usually Mess Up
I'll be honest, I've sometimes rushed through the prep and forgotten to check the amps with a multimeter. Don't skip this! It's key to diagnosing the issue correctly.
How to Choose the Right Replacement
Forget the 'Universal' junk. Invest in an OEM square-plug style igniter. It might cost a bit more upfront, but it saves you from future headaches and another round of disassembly. Consider checking out these other useful tips on Why Your Dishwasher Isn't Cleaning Properly and How to Fix It and How to Quickly Fix a Leaking Roof Before a Major Storm.
Step-by-Step Guide
Turn off the power to the oven.
Remove the oven racks and bottom panel.
Disconnect the igniter and test with a multimeter for amp draw.
Install the new igniter if needed.
Reassemble and test the oven.
🛠️ Tools Needed
- •Multimeter
- •Screwdriver
📦 Recommended Products
- GE WB13K21 Igniter for Oven ↗
Highly rated, reliable OEM part.
- Fluke Multimeter ↗
Required tool: Multimeter
- Klein Screwdriver ↗
Required tool: Screwdriver
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my igniter glow but not ignite?
If your igniter glows but doesn't ignite, it might not be drawing enough amps (3.2 to 3.6 needed) to trigger the gas valve.
Can I use a universal igniter?
I wouldn't recommend it. Universal igniters often fail quickly. Stick to OEM parts for longevity.
How do I test the igniter's amp draw?
Use a multimeter to test the igniter's current. It should read between 3.2 and 3.6 amps if functioning properly.