Customer Questions and Answers for Range Oven Igniter by Whirlpool

Matt, Yes, the oven igniters can become intermittent and operate erratically. In some cases, if you look at the carborundum (dark portion) of the igniter closely, you can see a white colored spot or line in the surface. This is where there is a hair line crack in the assembly, and once the igniter heats and expands a few times, the circuit is broken and the igniter ceases to operate. The other "unseen" issue is in the white porcelain portion of the igniter. The wires from the end connector to the carborundum portion, are molded into the ceramic case, if the wires develop a "hidden" weak spot inside the casing, it will resistance check properly when "cold" but once voltage and amperage passes through the wire, it will separate and the igniter will cease working. You really can't tell unless you observe the igniter under operation and or conduct an amperage or low voltage test at the safety valve on the range. In the event of erratic oven temperatures, low oven temperatures and the like, the igniter accounts for 95 % of these issues and is the first place to start/repair.