How to Replace WP9758079 Bake Oven Spark Igniter on Whirlpool Gas Range — Step-by-Step

Your oven clicks but won't light, or it takes five minutes of waiting before the gas finally ignites. That's your bake igniter failing — and it's one of the most common failures on Whirlpool, Maytag, and Kenmore gas ranges. The WP9758079 spark igniter is the fix for models like the WFG515S0ES1, WFG510S0AS0, and dozens of other WFG and WEG series ovens. Here's how to swap it out yourself in under 30 minutes.

What You Need Before Starting

• ¼-inch nut driver or socket wrench
• Flathead screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers (optional, for wire connectors)
• Work gloves
• Flashlight or headlamp

Estimated time: 20–30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate — requires removing oven racks and bottom panel

Safety First

Turn off power to the range at your home's circuit breaker — not just the control panel. Gas igniters draw high current and you don't want any surprises. Next, shut off the gas supply valve behind or beneath the range. If you smell gas at any point, stop immediately, open windows, and call your gas company. Don't use your phone near the appliance if gas is present.

Step 1: Access the Oven Cavity

Pull out all oven racks and set them aside. Look at the bottom of the oven cavity — you'll see a flat metal panel held down by two or three hex screws at the back. Use your ¼-inch nut driver to remove these screws. Lift the rear of the panel first, then slide it back and out. The bake igniter will be visible near the center or left side of the burner tube.

Step 2: Disconnect the Old Igniter

The igniter has two wires connected via a ceramic wire connector. Grab the connector — not the wires — and gently pull it apart. If it's stuck from years of heat, wiggle it side to side while pulling. You'll see the igniter mounted with a bracket and typically two screws. Remove these screws with your nut driver. The old igniter will come free along with its metal bracket.

Step 3: Install the WP9758079 Igniter

Handle the new igniter carefully — the ceramic element is fragile. Position the mounting bracket exactly where the old one sat, usually right next to the bake burner tube. Thread the two mounting screws back in and tighten them snug but not over-tight. The igniter should sit flat against the bracket without any wobble.

Step 4: Reconnect Wires and Reassemble

Push the wire connector back together firmly until you hear or feel it click. Make sure the wires aren't touching the burner tube or any sharp edges. Slide the oven bottom panel back into place — front edge goes in first, then lower the rear and replace the hex screws. Put your oven racks back in.

Step 5: Test the Igniter

Turn the gas supply and circuit breaker back on. Set your oven to bake at 350°F. Within 30–90 seconds, you should see the igniter glow bright orange or white. Once it reaches full heat, the gas valve opens and the burner lights with a soft whoosh. If the igniter glows but gas doesn't light within two minutes, you may have a gas valve issue — but that's rare. Most of the time, a new igniter solves the problem immediately.

Testing After Installation

Let the oven complete a full heat cycle to 350°F, then turn it off. Wait 10 minutes and run another cycle. If it lights quickly both times, you're done. Check around the igniter area for any gas smell — there shouldn't be any. The igniter should glow evenly without flickering or dimming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the WP9758079 work on my Kenmore or Amana range?

Yes. This igniter replaces AP6013984, PS11747217, and 9758079. It's compatible with Whirlpool-manufactured ranges sold under Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore (Kenmore 790 series), Amana, and KitchenAid brand names. Check your model number against the compatibility list — models like WFG515S0ES1, WFG510S0AS0, WFG525S0JS0, and WEG515S0FS0 are confirmed fits.

How do I know if my igniter is bad or if it's the gas valve?

Watch what happens when you turn on the oven. If the igniter doesn't glow at all, it's definitely bad. If it glows dim orange but never gets white-hot, it's weak and needs replacing. If it glows bright white for more than two minutes and gas never comes on, suspect the gas valve or flame sensor. But 90% of the time, it's the igniter.

Can I clean the old igniter instead of replacing it?

No. Igniters fail because the internal resistance increases over time — no amount of cleaning fixes that. Once they start taking longer to heat up or glow dimly, replacement is the only real solution. Trying to clean them often just breaks the fragile ceramic element.