How to Replace the Ignitor on a Trane VX80 Furnace

The Trane VX80 is a variable-speed gas furnace that uses a hot-surface ignitor to light fuel from the gas valve. The glow-type ignitor heats rapidly to a high temperature, triggering the gas valve. Like other furnace models, the ignitor may be the most delicate part in the Trane. The part is exposed to near-constant high heat. If the ignitor wears out, the VX80 will not light. Replacing this modular part takes less than an hour.

Screwdriver set
Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Shut down the VX80 at the wall thermostat. When the Trane stops, turn off the circuit breaker to the furnace and close the valve in the gas line connected to the unit. Turn the lever in the gas line clockwise until it is perpendicular to the line.
- 2
  Remove the screws holding the service cover on the side of the X80 when the Trane cools to room temperature.
- 3
  Pull off the cover to locate the ignitor between the VX80 pilot, which is a V-shaped pipe, and the gas valve.
- 4
  Use needle-nose pliers to disconnect the plug wired to the back of the ignitor from the electrical socket inside the VX80. Pull the plug, not the wires.
- 5
  Loosen the two screws holding the ignitor housing to a metal plate inside the VX80. Pull out the old ignitor assembly.
- 6
  Place the new ignitor in position on the metal plate inside the VX80. Hold the new part by the housing, taking extreme care not to touch the flat tip, which can crack or break under the slightest pressure.
- 7
  Tighten the two screws in the metal plate to secure the ignitor housing. Connect the plug wired to the back of the new part to the socket inside the VX80
- 8
  Fasten the service cover to the side of the VX80 using the screws and screwdriver.
- 9
  Switch on the circuit breaker and turn the lever on the gas valve outside the VX80 so the lever is in line with the gas hose.
- 10
  Activate the VX80 at the wall thermostat control.

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Appliance Repair