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ELECTRONIC IGNITION DIAGNOSTICS
Problems with electronic ignition systems usually occur in one of two ways: the electrode will not
spark, or the sparking will not stop.
If the ignitors are in series, and one is not sparking, none will spark. Also, all spark ignitors use the
same ignitor spark module, but different switches. If one burner is not igniting while the gas valve
is still open to that burner, turn on another burner that does not share the same ignitor. In this way
you can isolate the problem to the switch, the spark ignitor, or the ignitor spark module.
To check for a bad ignitor switch, pull the leads from the switch, touch the bare lead ends together,
and see if the ignitor sparks. CAUTION: When testing these switches, do not forget that they
operate on 110 volts, so do not touch the lead ends, or you will receive an electrical shock.
Use a pair of insulated needle nose pliers to pull the leads off the switch.
If the ignitors will not stop sparking, usually one of the ignitor switches has shorted. A short is usually
caused by moisture getting into the switch contacts. To determine the defective switch:
1. Pull one lead off each switch, one at a time, until the sparking stops.
2. Pull the defective switch off the control valve, and replace it.
A defective ignitor spark module can also cause a “no spark” condition. If none of the ignitor
switches seem to be defective, replace the ignitor spark module.