Kitchen Gas Appliances - Gas stove won't light, need help.......

I have a Tappen gas stove, the glow light will come on but the oven won't light by itself. I have to tap on the burner to get it to fire up. The temp. probe that goes inside the oven is all rotted and falling apart, would this be my problem. If it is, I can order one and put it on myself.
thanks.................

Hello grantiman. Welcome to my Gas Appliances topic.

The glow ignitor is likely too weak. May be on and glowing but much to weak (low in temperature) to ignite gas. Thus the gas valve will not open by itself.

Replace the glow ignitor (HSI) as the first attempt to fix the ovens problem. Most likely it will. Instructions on how to accomplish this task is in the sticky note in this forum. Read it will provide the help and instructions.

Cautionary Note:
Before attempting any repairs, be sure to unplug the appliance from the wall receptacle power source first.

Help Link: Range-Stove-Oven-Broiler Basic Help Information & Manufacturers Web Sites: http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=159808

Read the existing questions on this issue also will be very helpful...:)

Retail parts dealers and appliances parts stores can also help determine what the possible problem may be based upon that specific brand and model. Bring the make, model and serial numbers. Dealers and appliances parts stores are listed in the phone book.

Additional Suggestions:
Read the Tappan manufacturers online web site for product information, problem possibilities, causes, solving methods, part locations, disassembly, reassembly methods, repair procedures, pictorials, schematics, repair and or owners manuals which may be available online.

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I'll try the glow ignitor and see if it corrects the problem. It seems to glow pretty brite. Once I tap the burner and get it going, sometimes it'll will re-light by itself to keep it at temp., and sometimes i'll have to tap the burner again. Now what does that temp. probe do in the oven, just shuts the burner down when it gets to the right temp? Should I replace the probe too seeing that it's falling apart?

Hello: grantiman

The temperature probe inside the baking compartment often cannot be replaced as a seperate part. It is a part that is built into the thermostat, if the T-Stat is the rotaing dial type. Also directly connected to the computer board, if it is that type. Info for all members reading this reply.

Ignitor may appear to be glowing brightly, but a hot glowing surface ignitor, working correctly, will glow an intense bright yellow orange in color. Any reddish color or a dull orange color indicates the (HSI) glow ignitor bar is weak. Replacement is the only option & solution.

Tapping on the burner often indicates a weak igntior and or defective solenoid in the gas valve. Replace both to be sure or replace the HSI and see what happens. Likely will resolve the problem but might not.... :(

My glow igniter doesn't look as bright as all of you say it should. I think I'm going to change it, and we'll start from there. Thanks for all the help.........