Gas oven lights but takes a very long time to preheat and struggles to maintain temperature.

Safety first: Turn off power and gas before removing burner components. Avoid using the oven if flames are yellow or lifting off the burner.

Steps to check and correct:

• Observe ignition: During a bake cycle, the igniter should glow bright orange and the burner should light within 30–60 seconds. If it takes longer, the igniter is likely weak.
• Replace igniter: Access and replace the hot surface igniter with the correct Viking part. Do not touch the new igniter element with bare fingers.
• Inspect burner: Remove the burner tube and clean any debris or rust from the ports. Ensure the orifice is not clogged.
• Check flame quality: After reassembly, flames should be mostly blue with minimal yellow tipping. If flames are poor or oven still heats slowly, gas pressure or the safety valve may be at fault.

When to call a technician: Gas pressure checks and safety valve diagnosis should be performed by a licensed technician.