RV ovens are a staple for many travelers who want to cook their own meals on the road. However, it can be frustrating when the RV oven won’t light. There are several potential causes for this issue, but fortunately, there are also several troubleshooting options and fixes to try before calling in a professional.
If your RV oven won’t light, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the issue, which we’ll cover below. By following these steps and trying different fixes, you can hopefully get your RV oven up and running again and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals on the road- all while saving money on RV repairs!
RV Oven Troubleshooting Options
When an RV oven won’t light, you must consider several troubleshooting options. Below are some common causes and fixes why your RV oven isn’t lighting:
Check The Igniter And Hold For 15 Seconds
The igniter is responsible for lighting the pilot light. If it’s not working properly, the oven won’t light. Check the igniter for any visible damage or wear and tear. If it looks fine, try holding the igniter button for 15 seconds to ensure it has enough time to light the pilot light.
If your RV oven lights with a lighter or separate flame source, make sure you’re holding the control button for a little while and making sure the flame source is near the pilot light when doing so.
Check the Pilot Assembly
The pilot assembly may be clogged with debris, preventing the oven from lighting. Remove the burner assembly and clean it thoroughly. Make sure to reassemble it properly before attempting to light the oven.
Adjust The Size Of The Pilot Flame
If the pilot flame is too small, it may not be strong enough to ignite the oven. Adjust the size of the pilot flame using the oven’s control knob or valve. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to adjust the size of the pilot flame, but this is usually done by adjusting a pilot screw and turning it counter-clockwise to increase the RV oven pilot flame size.
Check the Fuel Supply
Make sure the propane or other fuel supply to the oven is turned on and that there are no leaks in the gas line. If the gas valve is open and there are no leaks, check the pressure regulator to ensure it’s functioning properly.
Make Sure Your Shutoff Valve Is Open
The shutoff valve controls the flow of gas to the oven. Make sure the shutoff valve is open and that the gas is flowing properly. If the shutoff valve is closed, the oven won’t light.
Check Your Propane Tank For Fuel Level
If your propane tank is low on fuel, the oven may not light and certainly won’t stay lit for long if it does. Many different sources draw propane on your RV, so it’s possible you ran out faster than you expected. Check the fuel level in your propane tank and refill it if necessary.
Make Sure The Fuel Hose Isn’t Kinked
If the fuel hose is kinked or damaged, it can prevent the oven from lighting. Check the fuel hose for any visible damage or kinks and straighten them out. Replace it if necessary.
Causes
There are several reasons why an RV oven won’t light. Knowing the possible causes can help troubleshoot the problem effectively. Here are some of the most common causes:
Dirty RV Oven
The accumulation of dirt, grease, and food debris can prevent the oven from lighting. These substances can block gas and air flow, making it difficult for the pilot light to ignite. Regular oven cleaning can prevent this issue, especially around the burner assembly.
Clogged Burner Assembly
A clogged burner assembly can also prevent the oven from lighting. The burner assembly consists of several parts, including the burner, orifice, and air shutter. If any of these parts are clogged with debris, the gas flow will be restricted, and the oven won’t light. Cleaning or replacing the clogged parts can solve this issue.
Blocked Orifice
The orifice is a small hole that regulates the flow of gas to the burner. If the orifice is blocked, the gas flow is restricted, and the oven won’t light. Cleaning or replacing the orifice with a new one can solve this issue.
Gas Supply Issues
If there is a problem with the gas supply, the oven won’t light. The gas supply can be affected by several factors, such as low gas pressure, a kinked gas hose, or an empty propane tank. Checking the gas supply and fixing any issues can solve this problem.
Faulty Igniter
The igniter is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the gas. If the igniter is faulty, the oven won’t light. Checking the igniter for damage and replacing it with a new one can solve this issue.
Here’s a video from Get Gone With Us showing them fixing an RV stove that won’t spark at the igniter:
Bad Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas supply if the pilot light goes out. If the thermocouple is faulty, it can prevent the pilot light from staying lit, and the oven won’t light. Replacing the faulty thermocouple with a new one can solve this issue.
Malfunctioning Control Valve
The control valve regulates the flow of gas to the oven. If the control valve malfunctions, it can prevent the oven from lighting. Checking the control valve for damage and replacing it with a new one can solve this issue.
Fixes
Clean the Burner Assembly
If the RV oven won’t light, it may be due to a dirty burner assembly. Over time, food particles, grease, and other debris can accumulate in the burner assembly, causing it to clog and preventing the gas from flowing properly. To fix this issue, the burner assembly must be cleaned up.
To clean the burner assembly, remove the burner cap and burner base, and use a soft-bristled brush or compressed air to remove any debris. Then, use a mild detergent and water to clean the burner assembly thoroughly. Once the burner assembly is clean, reassemble it and try lighting the oven again.
Replace the Igniter
If the burner assembly is clean and the RV oven still won’t light, the issue may be with the igniter. The igniter is responsible for lighting the gas in the burner assembly, and if it is faulty or damaged, it may not be able to create a spark to ignite the gas.
To replace the igniter, first, locate the igniter in the oven. It is typically located near the burner assembly. Then, remove the old igniter and replace it with a new one. Once the new igniter is installed, try lighting the oven again.
Check and Fix Gas Supply Issues
If the burner assembly and igniter are both in good condition, the issue may be with the gas supply. Check the propane tank to ensure that it is not empty or low on gas. If the propane tank is full, check the gas line for any kinks or obstructions that may be preventing the gas from flowing properly. If there are any issues with the gas supply, they must be fixed before the oven can be lit.
Replace the Control Valve
If the gas supply is not the issue, the problem may be with the control valve. The control valve regulates the flow of gas to the burner assembly, and if it is faulty or damaged, it may not be able to allow enough gas to flow to the burner assembly to light the oven.
To replace the control valve, first, locate the valve in the oven. Then, remove the old valve and replace it with a new one. Once the new control valve is installed, try lighting the oven again.
Adjust Or Replace The Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a safety device that senses the heat from the pilot light and shuts off the gas supply if the pilot light goes out. If the thermocouple is not positioned correctly or is faulty, it may not be able to sense the heat from the pilot light and may shut off the gas supply, preventing the oven from lighting.
To adjust or replace the thermocouple, first, locate it in the oven. Then, adjust its position or replace it with a new one if it is faulty. Once the thermocouple is adjusted or replaced, try lighting the oven again.
Check our our other helpful RV repair and troubleshooting guides while you’re here: