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How to Test a Furnace Ignitor

Furnace issues could be caused by a variety of things, but one of the most common is a faulty furnace ignitor. If the unit won’t turn on or suddenly stops working, use this guide to learn how to test a furnace ignitor to get things heated up again.

Steps to Testing a Furnace Ignitor

  • Step 1. Make sure the furnace is turned off – Using the thermostat, turn off the furnace.
  • Step 2. Ensure that the furnace is at room temperature to inspect for damage – Avoid injury by checking that the unit is cooled.
  • Step 3. Switch off the circuit breaker – It’s crucial that the unit is off and cooled down before you get started.
  • Step 4. Remove the furnace panel – This is located on the side of the unit. Find the ignitor mounted on a v-shaped bracket near the gas port.
  • Step 5. Look for visible damage – Inspect the interior to find any visible damage, including chips or cracks on the ignitor.
  • Step 6. Remove the ignitor wires from the socket – If the ignitor is damage-free, use a pair of pliers to pull the plug on the wires and remove them from the socket.
  • Step 7. Test the ignitor with a multimeter – Set the multimeter to the lowest resistance setting and place the probes onto the tips of the plug for the ignitor. If the multimeter shows infinity or stays at zero, the ignitor no longer works and needs to be replaced.