Igniter Detail

Igniter System Inspection, what to look for .... inspector.gif (11216 bytes)

Igniter systems most commonly consist of a gas collector box, ceramic electrode, wire and spark generator. The spark generator may be a single pushbutton, rotary control generator or battery operated electronic module. Always light your grill with the grill top open!

How they work. When the gas is turned on at the control knob it begins to flow to the burner and escapes through the burner ports. As the gas escapes it is ignited by the electric spark generated at the electrode tip when the spark generator is activated.

What can go wrong.
- Disintegrated or extremely corroded collector box or electrode tip. (Some models use a collector box which is designed to trap a small amount of gas to aid ignition)
- Electrode tip not positioned near enough to a burner port on models using electrode without collector box.
- Wire connectors corroded or broken.
- Spark generator wire terminal corroded, or spring mechanism broken.

Testing. With the gas shut off watch the electrode tip while activating the igniter. It may be necessary to use a small hand mirror to see inside models with a collector box. A spark should jump from the electrode tip to the collector box or from the electrode tip to the burner for burner mounted electrodes. If you are getting spark and the grill still will not light, check the venturi tubes for blockage. Gas escaping at the venturis may catch fire at the control valves.

No spark.....

Check the wire connections for corrosion or looseness. Operate the pushbutton while watching the connections from the underside of the grill to assure the spark isn't jumping from a connection to the grill body.

There should be a 2" clearance between the wire and the grill body.

Check that the electrode isn't cracked or broken. It is normal for the wire to fit loosely in the porcelain.

Greasy electrode? The spark will track through the grease to the grill body. If this happens, replacement is required.

Dirt and rust on the electrode wire tip, or the metal surface that accepts the spark, can prevent the electrode from sparking. Remove rust by lightly sanding with emery cloth or fine sandpaper.

Check that the burner ports are not clogged and possibly preventing gas to enter the collector box.

The locking nut on the push-button serves as an electrical ground. Loosen it first and retighten to assure a good connection.

Special note for Models with side burners -
Check the spark gap on the side burner along with the main electrode. Both electrodes are in series which means that if the side burner electrode spark gap is too large, neither electrode will spark. To adjust side burner electrode, first try positioning the electrode closer to the burner. Use caution if trying to bend the electrode wire closer. The porcelain electrode is fragile and will break if bent near the tip.

When to Replace ....

Spark Box. Replace when deteriorated.

Electrode. Replace when tip is gone, porcelain is cracked, or when greasy and charred.

Wire. Replace when connectors are corroded or wire shows burn marks.

Push button or rotary generator. Replace when wire connector tip is corroded or when spring and hammer mechanizm is not functioning.

Alternate Solution ....

Most grills will have a "lighting hole" through the side of the bottom casting which allows direct access to the burner for a long match or long nosed lighter. Open the lid and before turning the gas on with the control knob, insert the lit match or lighter into the lighting hole so that the flame is next to the burner. With the match or lighter still lit, turn on the grill to the low position with the control knob that controls the side of the burner you are lighting.

NOTE: The information provided is not intended to take the place of the owners manual that was supplied with your grill. Specific safety, repair and maintenance information varies between grill models and brands. Always refer to your owners manual first.