The igniter is extremely brittle after it has been used. Often times when it fails a small hair line crack can be seen upon physical examination. Although it would appear that contact is still being made, it will not glow and reach the temperature needed for the gas valve to be opened. An Ohms meeter can be used across the two leads after it is removed form circuit I would expect less then 1 ohm on a good one but because even a bad one my be making contact when it is cold as soon as a bad one is energized the gap will open and Ohms will be increased that could not be measured. Just look for a crack, use your finger nail if you feel one it is bad.
Answers & Comments
The igniter is extremely brittle after it has been used. Often times when it fails a small hair line crack can be seen upon physical examination. Although it would appear that contact is still being made, it will not glow and reach the temperature needed for the gas valve to be opened. An Ohms meeter can be used across the two leads after it is removed form circuit I would expect less then 1 ohm on a good one but because even a bad one my be making contact when it is cold as soon as a bad one is energized the gap will open and Ohms will be increased that could not be measured. Just look for a crack, use your finger nail if you feel one it is bad.