Gas Burner or Igniter Won't Light

The short answer: a burner that clicks but won’t light usually has clogged ports. Spills and food residue block the small gas openings.

Cleaning them fixes it more often than people expect.

What usually causes it

• Clogged burner ports. Spills and residue block the gas openings.
• Weak or failing igniter. It glows but not enough to open the gas valve.
• Faulty spark module or switch. The burner clicks but doesn’t spark.
• Gas supply valve partly closed. Not enough gas reaches the burner.
• Wet igniter. Moisture after cleaning stops ignition.

What you can check yourself

• Reseat the burner parts. Dry the cap and head and set them back centered.
• Clean the ports. With the burner off and cool, clear them with a pin or soft brush, without enlarging them.
• Let it dry. Water from a spill or cleaning can stop ignition.
• Check the gas valve. Make sure the range’s shutoff valve is open.
• If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility. Don’t flip switches.

How to prevent it

• Wipe spills quickly.
• Clean burner caps and ports regularly.
• Dry parts fully after cleaning.

When to call a technician

Call us if:

• The burner still won’t light after cleaning
• An oven igniter glows but the burner doesn’t light
• You smell gas (leave the house and call your gas utility first)

These repairs involve live voltage, gas or hidden parts, so we recommend leaving them to a professional.

Service call: $89, waived when you go ahead with the repair. Warranty: 90 days on every repair.