 Solving Jenn-Air cooktop range igniter does not spark because of short circuits
I had the same problem with my Jenn-Air cooktop (hob) model JGC8536. Several igniters were not sparking from the top of the post across the air gap where the gas can be ignited. Instead, the white ceramic insulators were cracked and the spark was occurring at the base of the post, where the gas does not reach. The current was obviously leaking through the crack.
I hesitated to pay $27 each for new igniters as priced on the web. So I removed the pedestals with a Torx-15 screwdriver and unscrewed the igniters from the bottom. Be careful not to let the electrical wire fall into the cooktop. The ceramic is very fragile, so be careful to avoid further cracks. The ceramic pieces may come off. Save them carefully.
At Home Depot glue section I found a porcelain sink repair touch-up fluid in a matching white cover. After thoroughly soaking the ceramic pieces in paint thinner to remove the grease, fit them together using the porcelain filler as glue. Then cover the entire ceramic with a layer of the touchup, hiding the cracks through which the current passes in short circuiting. Let dry thoroughly before reinstalling and sparking.
One pedestal could not be removed, having broken the Torx 15 screwdriver and a Torx 15 bit. So using a toothbrush and alcohol and paint thinner, I cleaned the exposed igniter post as best I could and painted it in position with the porcelain filler fluid.
Be sure to use a nail file or sandpaper to expose the metal edges of the igniter post tops that face the burner pedestal in case it got covered with ceramic filler fluid. This is where you want the spark to flow from.
Good luck.
Last edited by PS Staff - Sheila : 09-06-2007 at 04:12 PM.
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