Today I turned my oven on, checked it in 15 minutes, and was surprised to find it cold. The hot surface ignitor was glowing, but there was no flame.

I did not smell any gas, but my wife commented on it when she came in from outside. So it must have released a small amount gradually enough that I didn't notice.

While I was watching, the burner finally lit, the oven reached its temperature, and maintained it until I turned it off.

I read that the hot surface ignitor may fail and not draw enough current to open the gas valve. Does that explain a tiny amount of gas escaping? Should I replace the hot surface ignitor?

Thanks.

I think you are on the right track. Igniters can become weak with age and then they don't transfer enough amperage to the gas valve to open it or it opens very slowly leading to poor lighting and the smell of unburned gas.

Just be very careful with the new igniter. They are very breakable and make sure to never touch the ceramic part that glows. Skin oil can cause them to fail early.

I'm glad it all works now. You are welcome. :)