Good question !!!! In way to many years I've never even thought about the igniter, it just works. I usually just charge it for about 8 hours and throw it in the box. If it doesn't light my plug the next time I charge it again and if it doesn't work again I get a new battery for it.

I check mine with an old glow plug ( still good ) that I keep on my bench, if it glows good it should work. On a lot of the igniters the case gets dirty or corroded inside or the plug end gets messed up. A good cleaning will do wonders. Just charge yours then check it with a plug, if it glows it should be OK. ( be careful when putting the plug in the igniter, they can get really hot to touch.) If you can replace your battery, you can get them at Radio Shack. What ever you do DON'T go over about 1 1/2 Volt. ENJOY !!! RED