How to Fix Oven igniter replacement on GE JGBS66REKSS (Gas Range)

Oven igniter replacement

This step-by-step repair guide walks you through fixing oven igniter replacement on your GE JGBS66REKSS (Gas Range). With the right tools and parts, most homeowners can complete this repair in 1–2 hours and avoid a costly service call.

Part of our Top 20 Oven Models & Common Repair Issues Guide. Browse all oven repair guides for related models and issues.

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Common Symptoms & Causes

The following symptoms on your GE JGBS66REKSS gas range often point directly to a failing oven igniter.

The oven igniter glows orange but the burner never ignites after 90 seconds
The oven takes 5–10 minutes to light instead of the usual 30–60 seconds
The oven produces no heat at all despite the gas supply being active
You notice a faint gas smell near the oven without any ignition occurring

These issues are most commonly caused by a worn-out igniter that has lost electrical resistance over time, drawing insufficient current to open the gas valve and produce a reliable flame.

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Safety First

Unplug the oven from the power outlet before starting any repair — never work on a live appliance.
Wear work gloves when handling metal brackets, sheet metal edges, or sharp components.
Take photos with your phone before disconnecting any wiring harnesses or connectors.
Work in a well-lit area with enough floor space to lay removed panels flat.

Tools & Parts Needed

Essential Tools

Phillips #2 screwdriver
¼” nut driver
Multimeter
Work gloves (heat-rated)
Flashlight

Replacement Parts

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

Step 1

Unplug the range from the wall outlet and shut off the gas supply valve behind the unit to eliminate both electrical and gas hazards before you touch any internal components. Remove the oven floor by backing out the 1–2 Phillips screws at the rear and lifting the panel straight up and out — this exposes the bake burner assembly and igniter underneath. Pro tip: photograph the wire routing before disturbing anything so reassembly is straightforward.

Step 2

Locate the igniter — it’s the flat silicon-carbide glow bar clipped to the bake burner tube near the orifice end. Set your multimeter to Rx1 and probe the igniter terminals: a reading of 0–100Ω means the igniter is healthy, above 100Ω means it’s weakening and won’t draw enough current to open the gas valve, and an open (OL) reading means it has failed entirely. This test matters because a visually intact igniter can still be electrically weak — glowing orange but never reaching the 3.2–3.6 amp threshold the gas valve requires to open.

Step 3

Remove the igniter by backing out its 2 Phillips mounting screws and unplugging the 2-pin harness connector — the connector simply pulls apart, no tools needed. Handle the new and old igniters carefully; the silicon-carbide element is extremely brittle and will crack from finger-grease or a minor knock, causing an immediate open-circuit failure. Safety note: do not energize the range with the igniter removed, as an exposed open burner tube is a gas hazard.

Step 4

Connect the 2-pin harness to the new igniter first, then seat the igniter on its bracket and drive the 2 Phillips screws snug — overtightening can crack the element. Route the wire harness so it maintains at least 1 inch of clearance from the burner flame path; wire routed too close will melt the insulation and create a short-circuit fault on the first cook cycle. Double-check that the igniter tip sits close to — but not touching — the burner orifice, which is the position designed to light the gas stream reliably.

Step 5

Reinstall the oven floor and secure its rear screws, then restore the gas supply valve and plug the range back in. Run a Bake cycle set to 350°F and watch through the oven window: the igniter should glow bright orange within 45 seconds, and the burner should ignite within 90 seconds — a longer glow with no ignition indicates the new igniter is still not drawing sufficient current, pointing to a faulty valve or an incorrect replacement part number. Pro tip: confirm your replacement igniter matches the OEM part number for the JGBS66REKSS, as physically similar igniters from other models can have different resistance profiles.

Step 6

If the oven lights but the burner flame appears low, uneven, or lifts off the ports, the bake orifice is likely partially blocked with grease or debris — not an igniter problem. A restricted orifice starves the burner of gas volume, which can also confuse diagnosis by making a good igniter appear weak because the flame never stabilizes. Clean the orifice following the burner orifice guide on this site before concluding any further igniter or valve work is needed.

Where to Buy Replacement Parts

Find genuine OEM and aftermarket replacement parts for your GE JGBS66REKSS (Gas Range) on Amazon:

When to Call a Professional

If the issue persists after completing all steps above, the problem may involve the sealed refrigerant system, a failed main control board, or wiring that requires specialized diagnostic equipment. Contact a licensed appliance technician — attempting sealed-system repairs without EPA 608 certification is illegal and unsafe.

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How Much Does This Repair Cost?

A replacement oven igniter for the GE JGBS66REKSS typically costs between $20 and $60 in parts alone. A professional repair technician will usually charge $150 to $300 once you factor in the service call and labor fees. By tackling this repair yourself, you can save over $100 while restoring your oven to full working order.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the igniter on my GE JGBS66REKSS needs to be replaced?

If your oven igniter glows but the burner doesn’t light, or takes more than 90 seconds to ignite, the igniter is likely too weak and needs replacement. A completely dark igniter confirms it has failed entirely.

Do I need to shut off the gas before replacing the igniter?

Yes, always turn off the gas supply valve behind the range before starting this repair. Also unplug the appliance to eliminate any electrical hazard during the replacement.

What igniter part is compatible with the GE JGBS66REKSS?

This model typically uses the WB13K21 flat-style igniter, but always verify using your full model number before ordering. Cross-reference the part number inside the oven door frame to confirm compatibility.

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