G.E. Stovetop Igniter Won't stop Sparking

By Gary Boutin

Fig.1 Metal grate

Part and Supplies:
BBQ flame torch
Cotton Swabs with Wood Handles (optional)

Isopropyl Alcohol - 1 Pint (optional)
Long stick matches
Nothing (Always an option)

After a day cooking, the stove top needed to be cleaned. While washing the stove top with a wet sponge the stove top igniter repeatedly was arching. The only choice was to turn off the igniter at the electrical panel because our electrical plug is behind the stove top. When the breaker was placed in the on position, the igniter would not turn off, the only choice was to turn off the electrical breaker until the solution was solved. 

This post shows the six steps to turn the stove top igniter back on without doing any work.

Step 1: Fig.1 shows the stove top metal grate that was removed for cleaning. 

Step 2: Fig.2 shows a burner cap assembly (round metal plate), that allows the gas flames in a circular patter. This must be removed to get to the igniter. 

Fig.2 Burner cap assembly

Step 3: Fig.3 shows the large surface burner that must be removed to expose the igniter.

Fig.3 Medium surface burner

Step 4: Fig.4 shows the white circular porcelain piece is the stove top igniter electrode.

Fig.4 Igniter electrode.

Step 5: Fig.5 shows the stove top with all the accessories removed, only the maintop is exposed for cleaning each electrodes. If a lot more cooking is required and time is a problem than clean each electrode using a cotton swab and very little isopropyl alcohol. Once cleaned and the water moisture removed, place all the parts on the stove. Turn on the each gas knob (knobs are on the right side of this picture) so the igniter will turn on the gas flame. 

Fig.5 Maintop assembly stainless steel

Step 6: Fig.6 shows the large stove top flame. For this stove top nothing was done. The stove igniter electrode was not turned off for one day to give the moisture a chance to dissipate. The electrical breaker was in the OFF position. Sometimes nothing needs to be done and the moisture took care of itself through the regular use of the stove top. When the electrical breaker was in the Off position the stove flames was lite using long stick matches or BBQ flame torch. After one day the kitchen electrical breaker was turned on and the igniter lite the gas flame so the stove top could be used. Non-repair finished.

Fig.6 Stove top flame

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