How to Fix Broiler Not Working on KitchenAid KFGG500ESS (Gas Range)

In my 15 years of field work, a dead broiler on the KitchenAid KFGG500ESS is one of the more frequent service calls I get for this model — I’d estimate I’ve diagnosed this exact failure pattern a couple dozen times, and the culprit is almost always a weak or cracked broiler igniter rather than anything more serious. The first thing I do before I even pull the range away from the wall is listen for the clicking igniter and watch for a glow when the broiler is switched on, because that 30-second observation tells me 80% of what I need to know. The good news is that on this particular KitchenAid model, the broiler compartment is laid out cleanly and the igniter is genuinely accessible — this isn’t one of those jobs where you’re fighting the appliance the whole time. If you’re comfortable with a quarter-inch nut driver and willing to take your time, there’s a very good chance you can have your broiler firing again this afternoon.

Dave Holt — Certified Appliance Repair Technician

Experience: 15+ years servicing residential & commercial appliances • Certifications: EPA 608 Certified, NATE-recognized technician • Former lead technician at a multi-state appliance service company • Specialties: Washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, ice makers

Broiler not working

This guide walks you through diagnosing and fixing a broiler that has stopped working on the KitchenAid KFGG500ESS gas range. We cover the most common causes — from a faulty igniter to a failed broiler valve — and show you how to test and replace each component. Most homeowners with basic mechanical skills can complete this repair in 1 to 2 hours using standard hand tools.

Common Symptoms & Causes

Before disassembling anything, confirm which symptom you are experiencing so you can target the right component.

Broiler burner clicks but never ignites
Broiler flame lights briefly then goes out within a few seconds
No clicking or spark at all when broiler is selected
Broiler ignites on one side only or burns unevenly

On the KFGG500ESS, the most frequent root cause is a weak or cracked broiler igniter that can no longer draw enough current to open the gas valve and sustain a flame.

Safety First

Turn off the gas supply valve behind the range and unplug the appliance from the wall before starting any work
Wear work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges inside the broiler compartment
Photograph all wiring connections before disconnecting anything so you can reference them during reassembly
Work in a well-lit space and allow the range to cool completely if it was recently used

Tools & Parts Needed

Essential Tools

Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers
Nut driver set (¼ inch and 5/16 inch)
Multimeter for resistance and continuity testing
Needle-nose pliers
Flashlight or headlamp

Replacement Parts

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

🔨 Pro Tip from Dave

On the KFGG500ESS, a broiler igniter can test within the acceptable resistance range on a multimeter and still be too weak to hold the broiler valve open — this is the single most common diagnostic mistake I see, including from other techs. Always do a current draw test with an ammeter in line; the igniter needs to pull at least 3.2 amps to reliably open that gas valve, and anything under that means you need a new igniter regardless of what your ohm reading says.

Step 1: Access the Broiler Burner Compartment

Open the broiler drawer fully and remove it by lifting the front slightly and sliding it free from the tracks. Set it aside and use your flashlight to locate the broiler burner tube and igniter assembly at the rear of the compartment. Familiarize yourself with the layout before removing any fasteners.

Step 2: Test the Broiler Igniter

Disconnect the igniter’s wire harness and set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms). A healthy KitchenAid broiler igniter typically reads between 50 and 400 ohms; a reading of infinite resistance (OL) means the igniter element has burned out. If the igniter glows orange but never gets bright enough to open the valve, it is weak even if it shows continuity — replace it.

Step 3: Remove and Replace the Igniter

Remove the two mounting screws securing the igniter bracket to the burner tube using a ¼-inch nut driver. Carefully pull the igniter forward, unplug the wire connector, and install the new igniter in reverse order — do not touch the ceramic body with bare hands as oils can cause premature failure. Reconnect the harness and confirm the connector locks securely.

Step 4: Inspect the Spark Ignition Module

The spark module is located behind the control panel; remove the two rear top-panel screws and tilt the panel forward to access it. With power restored momentarily, turn the broiler on and listen for clicking — if no click is heard and the igniter tests good, the module is likely faulty. Replace the module and retest before proceeding to the valve.

Step 5: Check the Broiler Gas Valve

If the igniter glows brightly and the module clicks but the burner still does not light, the broiler gas valve coils may have failed. Use your multimeter to test the valve coil resistance — most coils on this model should read between 100 and 500 ohms each. An open circuit reading on either coil confirms the valve needs replacement.

Step 6: Reassemble and Test

Reinstall any panels and the broiler drawer, then restore the gas supply and plug in the range. Turn the broiler to HIGH and observe the igniter — it should glow bright orange within 30 to 60 seconds and the burner should light cleanly. If the flame lights and stays on consistently for two minutes, the repair is complete.

How Much Does This Repair Cost?

Replacing the broiler igniter yourself typically costs between $20 and $50 for the part. A new spark module runs $30 to $70, and a replacement broiler gas valve ranges from $60 to $120. Compare that to a professional service call, which averages $150 to $300 for parts and labor on this type of repair — doing it yourself saves most homeowners $100 to $250 or more.

Where to Buy Replacement Parts

You can order all three parts quickly through Amazon using the links below. Search results are filtered to your specific model so you are less likely to receive an incompatible part.

When to Call a Professional

Most of the repairs in this guide are within reach for a careful DIYer with basic tools. In my experience, the moment you suspect a leak at the broiler valve fitting, smell gas during testing, or find any scorching or heat damage on the wiring harness behind the burner box, you should stop the repair immediately and call a certified technician — those are conditions where the risk of working blind without calibrated gas-leak detection equipment is simply not worth it. When in doubt, a diagnostic service call typically costs $80–$120 and can save you from a misdiagnosis that costs more in parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my broiler igniter glow but the burner never lights?

On gas ranges, the igniter serves a dual purpose — it creates the spark and also draws enough current to pull open the gas valve. If the igniter is weak and glowing orange rather than bright white, it is not drawing sufficient amperage to open the valve, so gas never flows. Replacing the igniter with a new OEM part almost always resolves this symptom.

If your KitchenAid KFGG500ESS broiler isn’t igniting, a failed oven igniter is the most common culprit — and replacing it yourself is a straightforward fix. The Compatible with Gas Range Oven Igniter IG5652 Flat Silicon Carbide Replacement for KitchenAid KFGG500ESS KFGG500EBS KFGG500EWH KFGG500EAL KFGG500EPO KFGG500EWO KFGG500EYO Gas Stove is a direct-fit replacement designed specifically for your model, so you won’t need to modify any wiring or brackets. Grabbing the correct part before you start disassembly saves a trip back to the parts store and gets your broiler back up and running in a single session. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Once you’ve confirmed the igniter is the failed component and have your mounting screws removed, you’re ready to swap in a new unit. The Compatible with Gas Range Oven Igniter IG5652 Flat Type Replacement for KitchenAid KFGG500ESS KFGG500EBS KFGG500EWH KFGG500EAL KFGG500EPO KFGG500EWO KFGG500EYO Gas Oven uses a flat-type design that matches the original igniter geometry, making reinstallation clean and secure without any guesswork. Its plug-and-play connector means you can complete the swap without cutting or splicing wires, which keeps the repair safe and reversible.

Before you button everything back up and test the broiler, double-check that the replacement igniter is seated flush and the harness connector is fully clicked in. The

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