If you turn on your Maytag gas oven and nothing lights—no flame, no click, maybe just a smell of gas—it’s definitely frustrating. But don’t worry. Most of these issues can be fixed without calling a technician. Here’s a guide in simple English with steps you can try to get that oven firing again.
Why It Matters
No flame means no cooking. A gas oven needs both gas and a working spark or glow igniter to make a flame. If either is missing or faulty, the oven won’t light. Understanding where the issue is makes all the difference.
Common Reasons Your Maytag Oven Won’t Light
- Gas supply valve is off or air trapped in the line
- Dirty or clogged burner ports
- Igniter not sparking or not glowing hot enough
- Misaligned burner cap or lid
- Faulty spark module or ignition switch
- Weak or non-glowing glow bar igniter
- Gas safety valve or solenoid coil failure
- Malfunctioning control board or relay
- No proper electrical ground or power
1. Confirm Gas & Power Supply
First—make sure actual gas and power are available:
- Ensure the gas shut-off valve or regulator is in the “ON” position.
- If the oven was just installed or the gas recently reconnected, turn on a burner to purge air from the line.
- Check that the power cord is plugged into a grounded working outlet—not an extension or adapter.
- Reset your home’s circuit breaker for the oven if needed.
2. Clean Burner Ports & Caps
Grease and food debris can clog the tiny holes where gas comes out:
- Remove the burner cap and the sealed base.
- Soak them in warm soapy water and use a toothbrush to clear each hole.
- Dry completely and place back correctly—cap should sit flat with alignment notches fitting the base.
3. Test or Replace the Igniter
This is often the culprit:
- Electric arc or spark electrode should click or spark. Glow bar igniters should glow bright orange.
- If you don’t see spark or glow, use a multimeter to test resistance—most igniters show 40‑400 ohms.
- If there’s no glow or weak spark, it’s time to swap in a new igniter. It’s usually easy—just unplug wires, remove screws, and fit the replacement before restoring the oven.
4. Inspect Spark Module & Ignition Switch
If sparks are too weak or click constantly without causing flame:
- The spark module (which powers the electrode) or the ignition switch behind the knob might be faulty.
- Check connections and wiring for looseness or corrosion.
- If one burner clicks fine and another does not, the culprit is likely the ignition switch.
5. Check the Gas Safety Valve & Solenoid Coils
If the igniter glows but gas flame won’t stay lit:
- The safety gas valve uses coils to open the valve when the igniter gets hot enough—it must pull around 3 amps.
- If the coils or internal valve fail, gas may flow but shut off before sustaining a flame.
- Replacing the valve or coils may restore proper ignition.
6. Verify Ground Path & Electrical Connection
The spark system needs a solid metal ground to work:
- Ensure the oven’s power cord has a proper grounding prong.
- Loose chassis screws or rust can interfere—clean metal contact points under the burner or igniter housing.
7. Rule Out Control Board or Relay Issues
If you replaced igniter and valve but still no stable flame:
- Inspect the control board for visible damage or burn marks.
- Test relays in the board with a multimeter if you’re comfortable doing so.
- A faulty board can prevent power from reaching the igniter or gas valve.
Real User Stories & Tips
“I replaced the igniter, and only the bake burner worked—broiler just put out gas. Turned out gas pressure plate not aligned correctly.”
“After gas went out in a storm, ignition worked one day but failed next. It’s usually the solenoid coils in the valve that wear out over time.”
“My range had weird error codes. Repair guy said it wasn’t the igniter—it was the control board relays. Installed new board and it lit again.”
Troubleshooting Checklist
- Confirm gas valve is ON and power outlet is grounded and working.
- Turn on a burner to purge air if recently connected to gas line.
- Clean burner ports and align the caps correctly.
- Observe for spark or glow when turning the oven on.
- Test igniter resistance with a multimeter; replace if no spark or glow.
- Inspect spark harness, electrode, ignition switch, and module wiring.
- Check gas safety valve coils and replace if valve closes prematurely.
- Ensure good electrical grounding and chassis contact under burner housing.
- If lighting still fails, inspect or replace the control board or relay.
- Test oven after each fix to see if ignition succeeds.
When to Call a Pro
If you’ve tried cleaning, replacing igniter, checking wiring and gas valve—but still no flame—it’s likely a gas valve, control board, or wiring issue. If you’re not confident with gas or electrical repair, calling a certified appliance technician is safest. Also, if you smell strong gas, stop and get help immediately.
Safety Tips
- Always disconnect power and gas before working on your oven.
- If you smell gas continuously, turn off the valve and ventilate the kitchen immediately.
- Follow part instructions carefully, and don’t overtighten connectors or screws.
- Wear gloves and use insulated tools when dealing with electrical components.
Final Thoughts
A Maytag gas oven that doesn’t light usually comes down to ignition issues—either a weak igniter, wiring hiccup, or a valve that won’t stay open. Step by step—confirm gas and power, clean the burner, test the igniter, check wiring, and consider the valve or control board. With careful troubleshooting, many homeowners fix it themselves. If not, you’ll at least know what info to share with a technician.
You’ve got this—here’s to those warm oven dinners firing up again soon! 🔥