Glow Bar Igniter; Oven Burner Ignition System; Oven Components - GE C2S985 Technical Service Manual

Note: When testing certain components on Profi le
and GE models, it is easier to check their resistance
on the ERC by placing the control panel in the
service position. (See
Touch Panel and Electronic
.) For Café models, if possible,
Range Control (ERC)
remove the rear cover to check certain component's
resistance. (See
Rear Cover

Oven Burner Ignition System

The igniter is a Norton-style, rectangular glow
bar. The ignition circuit consists of the electronic
control, the igniter, and the gas lockout valve. The 3
components are wired in series.
The most important points to know about the
ignition system are:
• The igniter resistance decreases as the igniter
surface temperature increases.
• The safety valve operates by current, not
voltage.
From a cold start, the igniter needs 30–60 seconds,
with voltage applied, to reduce the electrical
resistance enough to provide a minimum of 2.9
amps of current fl ow in the series circuit. This is the
required current fl ow needed for the safety valve
to open and supply gas to the burner. The glow
bar should provide a steady current fl ow between
3.2–3.6 amps fl owing in the circuit. The igniter
will remain energized at all times during burner
operation. If the igniter glows red, but does not draw
at least 2.9 amps, the fault is usually with the igniter,
not the valve. Always check the gas lockout valve
for a locked-out condition.

Glow Bar Igniter

WARNING: The igniter glow bar and its protective
cage are 1 assembly on the Norton-style igniter. The
round Carborundum igniter cannot be substituted
for the rectangular Norton igniter.

Oven Components

.)
– 54 –
Check the glow bar circuit with a clamp-on
ammeter. If the igniter glows red, but the circuit does
not draw at least 2.9 amps, the fault is likely with the
igniter, not the valve.
Note: If the igniter glows, but ignition does not occur,
make sure the gas lockout valve on the pressure
regulator is in the open position.
Slow ignition can be caused by one or more of the
following conditions:
1. Blockage of primary air intake: The hole beneath
the bake orifi ce hood must be open and free of
insulation.
2. Blockage of secondary air intake holes:
Examine the oven burner box (galvanized box
surrounding oven burner) and inspect the
single row of secondary holes beneath the
bake burner for signs of blockage. Also, be sure
items in the storage drawer do not push against
the ceiling of the drawer area. If pushed hard
enough, the ceiling will fl ex upward and close off
the secondary air holes.
3. Improper alignment of orifi ce hood and burner:
Orifi ce must be pointing straight into the burner
venturi.
4. Improper air/gas adjustment.
5. Blockage of burner crossover slots: Crossover
slots must be open and free of burrs.
6. Improper installation: Failure to seal all openings
in the wall behind the range and the fl oor below
the range may permit substantial drafts, which
can affect ignition.
7. The gas control valve should draw
approximately 3.3 to 3.6 amps when operating.
Check by measuring the amperage in L1 to the
oven control. This can be done by removing the
control panel glass and clock/insert assembly.