How to Fix a Viking Oven That Won't Start: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you own a Viking professional oven and have encountered issues with it not heating up correctly, not igniting, or cooking unevenly, this guide is for you. We will walk you through the troubleshooting process and provide detailed steps on how to replace faulty igniters to restore your oven's functionality.

Understanding the Problem

When your Viking oven is functioning correctly, you should see two igniters firing up within about 60 seconds after setting it to heat. These igniters produce two nice blue flames, indicating that the oven is ready for cooking. If you notice that your oven is not heating properly, it may be due to faulty igniters.

Identifying Faulty Igniters

To determine if the igniters are the issue, observe the following:

• A working igniter will glow bright when heat is called for.
• An old or faulty igniter may take significantly longer to ignite or may not ignite at all.

For example, one igniter may glow and ignite gas, while another may take an excessive amount of time to do so, leading to uneven baking.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before starting the repair, gather the following tools and materials:

• Screwdriver (Phillips head)
• Replacement igniters (generic igniters compatible with your model)
• Ceramic wire nuts
• Lubricant (such as three-in-one oil or mineral oil)
• Wire cutters/strippers

Step-by-Step Repair Process

1. Safety First

Before beginning any repair, ensure your safety by unplugging the oven or turning off the power at the breaker box.

2. Remove the Oven Door

To access the igniters, you will need to remove the oven door:

• Pull the door off at a 45-degree angle and lift it straight up to detach it from the hinges.

3. Access the Igniters

Next, remove the bottom panel of the oven:

• Unscrew the two Phillips head screws located on the left and right sides of the bottom panel.
• Take out the oven racks to gain better access.

4. Inspect and Replace Igniters

With the bottom panel removed, you will see the igniters:

• If you suspect one igniter is faulty, it is wise to replace both while you have access.
• Start with the igniter on the right. Unscrew the two Phillips head screws and disconnect the wires.
• Remove the old igniter and prepare the new one by cutting the wires from the old igniter and splicing them onto the new igniter using ceramic wire nuts.

5. Install the New Igniter

• Feed the wires through the firewall and secure the new igniter in place with the screws.
• Reconnect the power wires, ensuring you do this one at a time to avoid confusion.

6. Replace the Left Igniter

To replace the left igniter:

• You may need to remove the burner tube for better access. Unscrew the screws holding the burner tube in place and disconnect any wires attached to it.
• Remove the old igniter and repeat the splicing process with the new igniter.
• Reinstall the burner tube and secure it with screws.

7. Final Assembly

• Once both igniters are replaced, reassemble the oven by putting the bottom panel back in place and securing it with screws.
• Reinsert the oven racks and reattach the oven door by aligning it with the hinges and pushing it down into place.

8. Testing the Oven

Set the oven to a temperature (e.g., 350 degrees) and observe:

• Both igniters should glow and ignite simultaneously, indicating that the oven is now heating evenly.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and fix a Viking oven that won't start due to faulty igniters. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of igniters can ensure your oven continues to function optimally for many years. If you encounter further issues, consider consulting a professional technician for assistance. Thank you for reading, and happy cooking!