Learn how to fix a gas stove burner igniter that won’t light.
Your stove’s burners each have an igniter. The stove’s knobs operate these igniters. When you turn the knob on, electricity flows to the igniter creating a small spark.A small flow of gas goes into the burner while the igniter sparks. The spark mixes with the gas to create the fire you use to cook your food. This is how a gas stove burner igniter works.
Here are some troubleshooting tips for your gas stove burner igniter:
- Let the burners cook before starting. Take them off the stove.
- Check each of the igniters one by one by turning each of the burner knobs on to the maximum. Listen for the clicking sound made by the igniter at that particular burner. Take note of burners where the igniter does not click and those that do not light even when the igniter is clicking.
- Lift the front edge of the cooktop use the bracing rod to prop up the top of the stove. You will see metal tubes that are igniters for each burner.
- Check the igniters that did not work. There are small wires connecting each one to the control module near the front of the burner compartment. If a wire is detached, push the metal connector to the tab at the igniter and turn on that burner knob. If it sparks and ignites the gas, then you know that the problem is the detached wire. If the wires are attached and the igniter doesn’t spark, then igniter is faulty and needs to be replaced.
- For the gas stove burner igniter (s) that spark, but the stove does not ignite: turn the burner knob on halfway and hold the flame of a butane fireplace lighter close to that burner. If the gas still does not ignite, your gas line will need to be checked by a professional engineer. If it does, your igniter needs adjusting.
- Loosen the screws at the metal base of the gas stove burner igniter. Reposition the igniter, with the end only about 1/4 inch away from the burner. Place the screws back and tighten them. Turn on the burner knob all the way and listen for the igniter clicks. If the gas still doesn’t ignite, there is a possible voltage output problem with the control module. A professional engineer must take a look at it for you.
Make sure that you do not lean towards the burner compartment when troubleshooting or repairing burner ignition problems. There is a high risk of getting burned. If you feel that you do not have the expertise to do the job, call a professional.
One common cause of a gas stove burner igniter not lighting up is residue build up. Food can easily spill on the igniters during cooking, covering it and preventing it from lighting. You can clean the gas stove burner igniters on your own.
How to clean the gas stove burner igniter:
- Turn the gas valve off from behind the stove.
- Open the top of the front edge of the cooktop and prop it up.
- Use a toothbrush to clean the malfunctioning gas stove burner ignitor by rubbing it to remove any residue.
- Insert a needle or pin into the ignitor’s pilot hole. Move the needle around the hole carefully to remove residue. Brush the residue away using a toothbrush.
- Clean the metal ground extending above the ignitor by brushing with a toothbrush.
- Use a rag or cloth to clean up the brushed residue.
- Check to make sure there is no more residue left in the igniters.
- Close the stove’s top and turn the gas valve back on.
- Test your gas stove burner igniters by switching the knobs on.
Make sure that the gas valve is always off before doing any repair. Even with the knobs turned off, you might accidentally activate them while cleaning.
Call RJ Gas and have a professional engineer fix your gas stove burner igniter.
