Range Won’t Light/Stovetop is Not Heating
Here we will take a look at some of the parts that end up being the common cause for a range not lighting/a stovetop not heating. Depending on if you have a gas or electric range, different parts will be involved. So we’re going to split this page in two: first, you’ll find information on parts and fixes for electric ranges. After that, you’ll find the parts for gas ranges.
Electric Ranges
Surface Element or Radiant Surface Element
Depending on your oven model, your electric range might use a standard electric surface element for its burner, or a radiant surface element. If you’re unsure, check your range. If you have a smooth top range, then your burner likely uses a radiant surface element. Consult your owner’s manual or contact us with your model number if you’re still unsure - we’ll be happy to do a model lookup for you.
These parts generate the heat used to heat food on the stovetop. They can become less functional overtime, which can lead to problems heating up food. Luckily, they are easy to remove and test using a multimeter. Follow the steps below to conduct a test of your own.
How to Troubleshoot a Surface Element:
Note: this process can require a multimeter
- Disconnect the oven from its power source. Ensure that it is not plugged in during your test.
- Remove the main top of your range to get access to the surface elements.
- Check for visual signs of damage: cracks, holes, separations, burns, etc. If your element is visibly damaged, it must be replaced.
- You can use your multimeter on the RX1 setting to test the element’s terminals for continuity. The reading you’re looking for will depend on your model, so consult your owner’s manual for the desired reading.
- If you receive a reading different from what your manual tells you, your surface element must be replaced.
Don’t forget: just because parts look the same does not mean that they are the same. Make sure to use cross reference information and model numbers to confirm compatibility with your range/stovetop.
Find the right surface element for your electric range here!
The infinite switch is in charge of powering the different surface elements on the electric range. If you’re having a problem where none of the elements are heating up at all, it could be an issue with the infinite switch.
The infinite switch is typically located behind the back panel at the back of the oven. In most cases, you must test it for continuity using a multimeter to properly diagnose the problem. The steps below will guide you through that process.
It is not recommended that you attempt to remove or replace an infinite switch without the help of an experienced professional.
How to Troubleshoot an Infinite Switch
- Disconnect the oven from its power source. Ensure that it is not plugged in during the test.
- Remove the back panel found at the back of the oven to locate the infinite switch.
- While you’re back there, inspect the wires and components for visual signs of damage.
- Remove the infinite switch.
- Test for continuity using your multimeter on RX1 setting. Test for continuity between the terminals L1 and H1, and L2 and H2.
- If these terminals don’t show signs of continuity, then the infinite switch must be replaced.
Don’t forget: just because parts look the same does not mean that they are the same. Make sure to use cross reference information and model numbers to confirm compatibility with your range/stovetop.
We recommend consulting an experienced professional when it comes to removing/replacing infinite switches.
Find the right infinite switch for your electric range here!
Gas Ranges
As its name suggests, the spark igniter is the part that’s responsible for opening the gas valve and providing the spark. It is the part that makes the clicking noise when you turn the knob to light the stove top.
You can easily visually confirm whether a spark igniter is functioning properly or not. If it’s necessary, you can remove the grate and burner to see the spark igniter sticking out of the base of the burner. If you attempt to light the burner using your burner knob, you should be able to see the spark occurring at the burner.
If you do not see the spark, then test the other spark igniters in the same way. If a single spark igniter is not working, it may need to be replaced.
We recommend consulting an experienced professional when it comes to removing/replacing spark igniters.
Find the right spark igniter for your gas range here!
Follow the steps above to check each spark igniter. If you tried the spark igniter test and found that none of the igniters are sparking as intended, it could be an issue with the spark module.
Another sign of a problem spark module is erratic sparking. Is the clicking noise of the spark module occurring slower than usual, the result of slower sparking? If that is the case, it could be indicative of a bad spark module.
We recommend consulting an experienced professional when it comes to removing/replacing spark modules.