Gas Stove Burner Won't Light? Causes and Fixes

Causes, from most to least likely

1. 1.Burner cap out of place

   The burner cap sits on top of the burner base and has to be centered and flat for the gas to flow out evenly to the igniter. After cleaning, caps are often set on crooked or on the wrong burner.

   Check it yourself

   With burners off and cool, lift each cap and set it back down. It should sit flat, centered and not wobble. Many ranges use different-size caps, so make sure each one is on the right burner.

   The fix

   No repair needed when it's a seating issue.

2. 2.Wet igniter or burner after a boil-over or cleaning

   Water or spilled food around the igniter makes the spark go to ground somewhere else instead of the gas. This is the most common reason a burner suddenly stops lighting.

   Check it yourself

   Remove the cap and burner head if your model allows. Pat dry and let everything air-dry for several hours, or overnight after a heavy spill. Don't use a hair dryer on hot parts.

   The fix

   Once dry, most burners light normally. If a boil-over keeps causing problems, the igniter may have been damaged.

3. 3.Clogged burner ports

   The small slots around the burner can fill with food, grease or cleaner residue. The gas can't reach the igniter, or the flame is uneven and weak.

   Check it yourself

   With the burner off and cool, clear each port with a straightened paper clip or a sewing needle. Don't use a toothpick, which can break off. Brush away debris and make sure nothing falls into the gas opening.

   The fix

   Cleaning fixes most cases. A cracked or warped burner head is replaced.

4. 4.Dirty, cracked or corroded igniter

   Grease build-up on the igniter tip weakens the spark. Ceramic igniters crack if hit with a pan. In homes near the Gulf and Intracoastal, salt air can corrode igniter tips and burner parts faster than inland.

   Check it yourself

   Turn the knob to Lite and watch in a dim room. A strong spark is crisp and blue-white. A weak, orange spark, or sparking from the side of the igniter instead of the tip, points to a damaged igniter. Clean the tip gently with a dry toothbrush when the burner is cool.

   The fix · typical $170 – $300

   A cracked or worn igniter electrode is replaced.

5. 5.Failed spark module

   The spark module creates the high voltage for all the igniters. If it fails, no burners click at all, or they click weakly.

   Check it yourself

   If none of the burners click, check the range's power, breaker and GFCI first. If the oven light and clock work but nothing clicks, the module or a switch is likely.

   The fix · typical $170 – $300

   We test the module and the spark switches and replace what's failed.

6. 6.Burner keeps clicking after lighting or with knob off

   Each knob has a small spark switch behind it. If water or grease gets into one, it can short and keep the module clicking. A switch can also wear out.

   Check it yourself

   Turn off the power to the range and let the cooktop dry for a day if a spill reached the knobs. If the clicking stops after drying, moisture was the cause.

   The fix

   A faulty spark switch is replaced. Sometimes the switches come as a set on the same harness.

7. 7.No gas to the burner

   If you smell no gas and none of the burners light, the gas supply may be off, the propane tank may be empty, or there's a regulator or valve problem.

   Check it yourself

   Check whether other gas appliances work. On propane, check the tank gauge. Make sure the range's shutoff valve is open, but don't loosen or adjust any gas fittings.

   The fix

   Supply problems go to your gas utility or propane supplier. A failed burner valve inside the range is repaired by a qualified technician and leak-tested.

Common questions