Gas Stove Keeps Clicking but not Lighting: What To Do

The ingredients are in hand and the cooking utensils are at the ready, but the gas burner only makes a clicking noise and doesn’t light up. The gas stove is not lighting, but clicking! How frustrating! No need to freak out; we’ve got a detailed tutorial to assist you figure out this culinary mystery.

gas stove not lighting but clicking — Image credit: @paradiseapplianceservice.com

Why Your Gas Range Burner Clicks But Won’t Ignite

The burner may contain an overabundance of moisture. This can happen when a pot boils over, after grease spills, or after cleaning. Remove the burner cap and let everything to dry completely (via Mr. Appliance).

Stove or Range Not Getting Power

This may sound apparent, yet even the smallest details can be overlooked. Ensure that the power cord is connected to a grounded operational outlet. Then check your circuit breaker and fuses to ensure that the power supply is working properly. If it’s a gas range, make sure the gas valve is turned on.

Gas Supply Issue

There are various reasons why your gas stove’s flame may be low. The most typical faults include clogged burner ports, a faulty gas valve, low gas pressure, and igniter failure. This issue may necessitate the aid of a skilled gas technician.

Moisture in the Burner

Even if you can’t see it, moisture may still be present in the burner. This could be the result of a spill, humid weather, or condensation from boiling pots and pans. Simply remove the burner cap and let everything to dry completely. To speed up the process, switch off all of the burners and wipe the top of the range with a towel.

Burner Is Dirty or Clogged

Over time, food debris, grease, and other crud might accumulate in the burner and igniter, preventing them from working properly. An orange or yellow flame is one of the most obvious symptoms that your furnace burners are unclean. If your gas furnace is running properly, the burner flame should be blue. A blue flame shows that the burners have sufficient air to function correctly.

Loose Connection

While there are few moving parts on a stovetop, connections can become loose, especially during cleaning or installation. If the wires connecting the igniter to the control module do not make a strong connection, you will not receive the necessary spark to ignite the burner.

Gas Igniter Failure

Gas igniters, like any other component, can wear out, get misaligned, accumulate debris, or fail over time. If none of the other faults appear to be the cause, it may be time to replace the igniter. A malfunctioning igniter might result in a poor air-fuel mixture and a gas odor while operating the oven.

How to Fix a Clicking Gas Stove?

1. Realign the Burner Cap

Sometimes the most basic answers are the most effective. Make that the burner cap is correctly aligned and set on the burner base. Once the cooktop has cooled completely, remove the burner grate to reach the cap beneath it. Remove the cap and center it on the base. Try igniting the burner again. A misplaced cap may prevent the gas from igniting properly.

2. Clean and Dry the Burner

The following step is to make sure the burner is clean and dry. Excess moisture in the burner or loose food particles can cause the gas stove to not ignite.

Ensure that the burners are totally turned off and cooled. Remove the burner grates. Remove the burner cap from the burner that is not lighting. Make sure there is no loose food debris in or near the burner. If there is, give it a thorough cleaning. Also, make sure nothing is preventing the stove knob from rotating properly.

You can either direct a fan at the burner in issue or preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes to warm and dry the burner from the bottom. This should assist to evaporate any liquids in the burner.

Once the burners are dry, reassemble the stove and see whether it will now ignite.

3. Check the Gas Supply

If the burner is clean and properly oriented, it’s time to check the gas supply. Check sure the gas line is turned on and free of kinks and clogs.

Here’s how to check your gas supply:

Lift the grate from the burners.
Remove the burner cap (you may need to remove a few screws).
A small hole on the back of the burner delivers gas to the igniter. Sometimes it gets clogged with grease or filth, preventing the gas from igniting. Use a toothpick or needle to clean the hole thoroughly.
Put the burner back on the stove and see if it ignites.

4. Check the Spark Igniter Connections

Check that the spark igniter is in a safe place and that the connections and wiring are in good working order.

Here’s how to check the ignition connections:

Unplug the oven from the wall.
Remove the burner head from the oven.
Inspect the cables that exit the range top and connect to the burner head for evidence of damage. If they are damaged, they will have to be replaced.
If the wires are not damaged, ensure that the connections to the igniter are accurate. If they’re loose, tighten or replace them.
Once repaired, reassemble your stove, plug the oven back in, and see if the problem has been resolved.

5. Replace the Igniter

Turn off the power to the stove.
Turn off the gas supply.
Lift the burner head from the stove.
Turn the burner head over and use a screwdriver to separate the wires from the igniter.
Check sure the cables are intact and not damaged in any way. If they are damaged, replace them before attaching the new igniter.
Attach the new igniter by reattaching the wires and placing it where the previous one was.
Put your stove back together, turn it on, and see if the problem is resolved.

Final Thoughts

While troubleshooting a gas stove that is not igniting but clicking might be stressful, it is critical to approach the situation with caution and patience. When working with gas appliances, always prioritize safety first. If you are uneasy with any of the processes or anticipate a more serious problem, do not hesitate to contact a professional expert.

FAQs

Why is my gas stove clicking but not igniting?

The igniter will only spark to ignite the gas when the knob is aligned to the Ignite position. You may have moisture in the burner ports from cleaning or a spill. Either allow to dry or clean according to your Owner’s Manual. You can speed up the drying time by blowing cool air from a hair dryer on the area.

Why does my gas oven click but not turn on?

When an oven clicks but doesn’t light, you shouldn’t wait too long because gas is still leaking out and building up. If your igniters keep clicking, it means they are broken and need to be changed.

Why does my igniter click but no spark?

Look for dirt or moisture stuck in burner terminals
If the burner clicks continuously without igniting, this may be symptomatic of a gas flow issue. Buildup of grime or dirt between the ignitor and the contact may be obstructing gas flow and preventing sparking activity.

Why is my burner sparking but not lighting?

Why is my gas oven clicking but not starting?

One of the most common and easiest to fix reasons for your gas stove clicking but not lighting is a clogged or dirty burner head, flame port, gas jet, or igniter. Basically, any debris that restricts the gas will cause the gas stove to click and not ignite.

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