In the BAKE mode - the ignitor glows brightly but no gas

In the BROIL mode - the ignitor appears to glow as brightly - and lights.

Looking at my schematic, it looks like the selector switch controls the current to the ignitor and then to the gas valve.

Since the BROILER mode works and the BAKE does not - I'm thinking GAS VALVE.

One time my wife said that the oven wasn't working, I did what I instinctively knew to do, and my father before me, and his father before him - I hit it and it started working.

Since the Ignitor is working in the BAKE mode, might this sound like just a mechanical issue with the gas valve?

Is there a way to test the Ignitor's ability like put a match under it and see if the gas comes on?

Is there a way to test the gas valve? If you could tell me where it was. I would bang it and see if the oven lights. Well I'd actually bang it a few times - probably over five.

Does the gas valve contain solenoids?

Thanks for any comments and help

Wayne

 

Hello: Wayne

I would suggest replacing the hot surface ignitor first. Most likely doing so will resolve the problem. An oven is used more often than a broiler, which causes that ignitor to wearout sooner than the broilers.

Gas valves are not tested nor is any repairs made to them. Ignitors are replaced first, if gas valves do not work. However, the ignitor must be in good working order. Simply glowing does not insure they are getting hot enough or reaching the correct temp and electrical value to ignite the gas.

The gas valve is located at the bottom end of the burner tube where the burners air adjustment shutter is. Banging on this part is not advisable. Tapping gently on it may cause it to work that one time but will not correct the problem long term. Replace the ignitor first.

 

Thanks for the reply,
I traced the wiring and tested the switches with a VOM meter and found everything to be working as per the schematics. Before replacing the ignitor, I found the gas valve located beneath the oven behind the bottom drawer. I turned the selector switch to BAKE and allowed two minutes to pass while I saw the ignitor glowing brightly - I very gently tapped the gas valve with the back of a rubber handled screwdriver and the flame came on immediately for the bottom burner. I'm just going to test a little longer and then if all remains the same. I'll replace the GAS VALVE.

Thanks again

 

Hello: Wayne

Tapping on a gas valve will often times pop open the tiny disk the allows gas to flow out of the gas valve and into the burner. Which usually indicates a weak glowing ignitior but not always. Gas valves do wear out and do need to be replaced. Often times in combination with the hot surface glow ignitors.