My Kenmore Gas Range Burner Smells Like Lighter Fluid

Spark Lag

• When you turn the dial on, the burners on the Kenmore gas range will immediately emit gas and the ignitor will start making sparks on the burner. Sometimes there is a lag of a few seconds between when the gas starts and when the fire actually starts. This will present a slight lighter fluid odor that is normal and will dissipate quickly.

Faulty Ignitors

• If your Kenmore gas stove’s spark ignitor is faulty or if it is completely broken, the oven will continue to emit gas. This will cause a strong lighter fluid type odor. If a faulty ignitor is the problem, you won't hear or see any sparks around the burner when you turn the knob. Turn the oven off immediately, let it cool and replace the ignitor on the burner. Purchase a replacement ignitor directly from Kenmore or a generic ignitor from a hardware or home improvement store.

Dirty Ignitors

• Sometimes the Kenmore ignitors aren’t in working order simply because they’ve become caked with food, dirt and dust residue. If you notice that the burners aren’t sparking, first try to clean them thoroughly. Then, if they continue not working, replace the ignitor.

Gas Leaks

• The Kenmore oven has several hoses that supply gas to each of the burners on the stove top as well as the burners inside the oven. If these become damaged, they can leak and spread a very strong lighter fluid odor throughout your kitchen and home. Kenmore recommends that you immediately leave the house, taking all pets and children with you, if you smell a very strong gas odor. Call your gas supplier from a neighbor's house. Don't use matches if you smell a strong odor. Kenmore also recommends professional repairs for gas leaks, rather than attempting to repair the leak on your own.

Self-clean Odor

• Many gas ovens are fitted with a self-clean option. This heats the oven to more than 900 F. This burns any stains and food residue to a crisp, which is easier to remove from the oven than the sticky food residue. This self-clean cycle does emit a slight odor that can come from inside the oven and out the vent on the back of all Kenmore ovens.