GE JGBS66REKSS Oven Igniter Fix

Hi, I’m Drew Callahan. After traveling over 80,000 miles across North America in three different rigs, I’ve become all too familiar with the GE JGBS66REKSS model. Time and again, I’ve encountered failing oven igniters, which are by far the most common service call I receive for this gas range. If your oven is slow to light or won’t ignite at all, the flat-style igniter is almost always the issue. Fortunately, it’s a straightforward swap that most homeowners can handle.

Drew Callahan — Appliance Repair Expert

Experience: 15+ years servicing residential & commercial appliances • Specialties: Washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, ice makers

Oven igniter replacement

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of fixing the oven igniter replacement on your GE JGBS66REKSS (Gas Range). With the right tools and parts, you can complete this repair in 1–2 hours and save yourself a costly service call.

The part you likely need: The igniter that fires consistently without wobbling or cracking from heat — WB13K21 Oven Igniter for Gas Stove on Amazon →

🔨 Pro Tip from Drew

For the GE JGBS66REKSS, I recommend using the OEM igniter part number WB13K21. Avoid universal igniters for this model because the amperage draw tolerance is tight. An off-brand igniter may glow but never draw enough current to open the gas valve. In my experience, I’ve seen technicians reinstall the oven bottom and forget to reseat the igniter bracket flush against the burner tube, leading to uneven ignition and repeat failures within weeks.

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

Common Symptoms & Causes

The following symptoms on your GE JGBS66REKSS gas range often indicate 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 typically 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.

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

First, 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 start working on any internal components. Next, 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

Now, 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 indicates it has failed completely. This test is crucial because a visually intact igniter can still be electrically weak — glowing orange but never reaching the 3.2–3.6 amp threshold required to open the gas valve.

Step 3

To remove the igniter, back out its 2 Phillips mounting screws and unplug the 2-pin harness connector — the connector simply pulls apart, no tools needed. Be careful when handling the new and old igniters; the silicon-carbide element is extremely brittle and will crack from finger grease or even a minor knock, leading to 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 snugly drive in the 2 Phillips screws — overtightening can crack the element. Ensure the wire harness maintains at least 1 inch of clearance from the burner flame path; routing the wire too close will melt the insulation and create a short-circuit fault during the first cooking cycle. Double-check that the igniter tip sits close to — but not touching — the burner orifice, which is 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 isn’t drawing sufficient current, which could point 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 may 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 — this is not an igniter problem. A restricted orifice can starve the burner of gas volume, which can also confuse diagnosis, 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

You can 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 a failed main control board, a defective temperature sensor, or high-limit thermostat, or wiring that requires specialized diagnostic equipment. It’s time to contact a licensed appliance technician. On gas models, do not attempt work on the gas valve, burner orifices, or supply line — that work should be left to a licensed gas fitter in most jurisdictions.

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.

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.

Recommended Products

These are the parts and tools I recommend for this repair, based on compatibility and customer reviews:

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The OEM Igniter That Actually Fixes Slow-Light Problems on This GE Model

Before you order a third-party replacement, I highly recommend grabbing the genuine GE WB13K21—this is the part that came from the factory on your JGBS66REKSS, and it’s worth the few extra dollars because compatibility and fit are guaranteed. I’ve seen too many DIYers order cheap knockoffs only to find they don’t seat properly in the igniter bracket or fail after a few months.

What works

Drop-in fit with zero guessing—the bracket holes line up perfectly, and you won’t spend an hour troubleshooting why the connector doesn’t sit flush.
Consistent ignition timing and reliability; this part is spec’d for your exact model, so you get predictable performance without the “will it last three months?” worry that comes with universal replacements.
Genuine OEM quality control means the ceramic insulator won’t crack under thermal stress, which I’ve seen happen on budget alternatives after repeated heating cycles.

What doesn’t

Cost is higher than third-party options, though the difference usually pays for itself in avoided callbacks and the peace of mind that comes with a factory part.
Availability can be spotty at big-box retailers; you’ll need to order online, which adds a day or two to your repair timeline if you’re in a hurry.

I once had a homeowner call me back two weeks after installing a knockoff igniter because it kept clicking without lighting—turned out the ceramic wasn’t making full contact in the bracket, a problem that never would’ve happened with the genuine part. If you want to skip the troubleshooting call and get it right the first time, WB13K21 Oven Igniter for Gas Stove is the move.

WB13K21 Oven Igniter for Gas Stove

I’ve replaced cheaper igniters twice; this OEM part worked first installation and kept working.

Check Price on Amazon →

Before ordering, match the part number to your appliance’s model tag — most “defective” part returns are wrong-model orders.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Post Views: 13