Kenmore Range ER ES Error: Gas Oven Ignition Failure (LG-Platform)
The kenmore range er es error is a fault signal from the control board — this guide walks through what it means, common causes, and safe diagnostic steps. What Does Kenmore Range Error Code Er ES Mean? Er ES on a Kenmore Elite 796-series LG-made gas range stands for Gas Oven Ignition Failure — the […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. Er ES must not be ignored on a gas range. A failed ignition cycle with gas accumulation is a fire and explosion hazard. The gas oven must not be used until the igniter, gas valve, or burner ports are diagnosed and repaired. Gas surface burners are typically unaffected.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. A 5-minute breaker reset after ventilation clears Er ES and allows another ignition attempt. If the underlying cause — weak igniter, failed valve, or blocked ports — is not repaired, Er ES will return on subsequent ignition attempts.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Any gas smell persists after 5 minutes of ventilation with windows open — shut off the gas main and call a licensed gas technician, Er ES returns on every oven start attempt after reset — the oven must not be used until repaired.
Symptoms You May Notice
Gas oven does not light after multiple ignition attempts — Er ES displayed
The igniter glows orange (visible through the oven bottom or broil element area) and a click or hiss of gas may be heard, but the burner does not sustain a flame. After several attempts the board sets Er ES and stops trying to ignite.
Faint gas smell near the oven during or after Er ES
A brief gas odor is possible if gas was released during failed ignition attempts that did not result in combustion. The board closes the gas valve when Er ES is set, but any accumulated gas must be ventilated before attempting to reset.
Gas oven igniter glows but takes longer than 90 seconds to light
A weak igniter that draws insufficient current cannot open the gas valve fully — or opens it for a fraction of a second before the temperature drops below the valve threshold — resulting in intermittent lighting followed eventually by Er ES when the burner fails to sustain.
Gas cooktop burners still light normally while oven will not
The surface burners ignite and hold flame from the same gas supply, but the oven fails to light before Er ES appears. This isolates the fault to the oven ignition circuit rather than a whole-appliance gas supply issue.
Possible Causes
Weak or failing gas oven igniter
The oven igniter draws high current to heat to the temperature required to open the gas valve safety solenoid. As the igniter ages, its resistance increases and current draw decreases below the threshold needed to fully open the valve. The igniter glows but gas flow is insufficient for reliable ignition.
DIY PossibleFailed gas oven safety valve (gas valve solenoid)
The gas safety valve solenoid that the igniter current opens has failed mechanically or electrically and does not open even when the igniter is drawing adequate current. No gas reaches the burner despite a glowing igniter.
Requires ProfessionalBlocked oven burner ports
Food spills or grease have clogged the gas burner ports in the oven floor, preventing gas from distributing evenly to sustain a flame even when the igniter and valve are working correctly.
DIY PossibleSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Ventilate the kitchen before resetting after Er ES
Open windows and doors to ventilate any accumulated gas before attempting to reset Er ES. Do not use electrical switches, spark sources, or open flames in the kitchen until the ventilation is complete. After 5 minutes of ventilation, turn off the range at the circuit breaker, leave it off for 5 minutes, then restore power. Turn on the oven and observe whether the igniter glows.
If a strong gas smell persists after 5 minutes of ventilation with windows open, do not reset the range. Shut off the gas supply at the main shutoff valve and call a licensed gas technician. Er ES with persistent gas odor is a gas leak situation, not a standard appliance fault.
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2
Observe igniter glow time during a bake attempt
With windows open for safety, set the oven to 350°F bake and observe the igniter through the oven bottom broil cover (remove the oven bottom panel on 796-series models to see the igniter clearly). A healthy igniter reaches bright orange-white glow within 30–45 seconds and the burner lights within 90 seconds total. An igniter that only reaches dull orange after 90+ seconds is drawing insufficient current and must be replaced.
A multimeter measurement of igniter current draw (requires an in-line amp clamp) provides a definitive test: a correct Kenmore Elite 796-series oven igniter draws 3.2–3.6 amps. A draw below 2.5 amps confirms the igniter is too weak to reliably open the gas valve.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Igniter glow time exceeds 90 seconds and the burner does not light — confirming igniter weakness below the valve-opening threshold
- Igniter tests with correct resistance and glow but gas valve does not open — requiring gas valve replacement by a licensed technician
- Any persistent gas odor requires immediate gas shutoff and a licensed gas service call, not a DIY repair
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