Gas stoves are the pride and joy of any dedicated home chef. Their consistent heat output and high power make them the perfect option for anyone who takes cooking seriously.
If you have a gas stove in your kitchen, you're probably accustomed to hearing "click, click, click" when you turn the burner knob. This is the sound of the electric igniter. Once the flame is going, the clicking should stop.
A gas stove not lighting but clicking is likely a problem with the burner or burner caps, or spark mechanisms. Before you schedule a stove repair or diagnosis with one of our appliance service professionals, follow these troubleshooting tips from Mr. Appliance®.
1. Realign the Burner and Burner Caps
One of the most common reasons a gas stove keeps clicking even after it's lit is an improperly aligned burner cap. Once the cooktop is completely cool, remove the burner grate to access the cap beneath it. Remove the cap and re-center it on the base. Try lighting the burner again.
2. Clean and Dry the Burner
Why is your gas stove clicking but not lighting? There may be excess moisture in the burner. This can occur when a pot boils over, after grease spills, or post-cleaning.
To dry everything thoroughly, remove the burner cap and let it air out. To speed up the process, turn all the burners off and wipe the top of the range with a towel. You can also aim a fan at the burner in question or turn on the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes to warm up and dry out the burner from the underside. This should help evaporate any liquid in the burner.
CAUTION: When dealing with this moisture issue, ensure the burner is not full of oil. If you spill a large amount of oil onto the burner while cooking, shut off the burners and soak up the oil using paper towels.
3. Remove Food Debris
If drying and realigning the burners and burner caps didn't fix your problem, look for burned-on food or debris that might obstruct the igniter.
PRO TIP: Use a metal pin or paper clip to clear the debris away from the burner. Avoid using a toothpick for this task because a small piece could break off and become lodged inside, causing even more trouble.
4. Examine the Gas Supply
While you can examine the gas supply for obvious issues, it's crucial to remember that gas appliances can be dangerous if not handled correctly. If you're unsure or uncomfortable, it's best to consult a qualified professional.
Start by checking the main gas valve to your stove, ensuring it's fully turned on. This valve is usually located near the stove or underneath the appliance. Next, inspect the gas line leading to your stove, looking for any visible damage, leaks, or loose connections.
CAUTION: If you smell gas or suspect a leak for another reason, shut off the gas supply, exit your home, and call your utility provider or local fire department.
If the gas stove clicking persists after checking these areas, consult an appliance repair professional for further diagnosis and repair.
5. Check the Igniter
The igniter is a small ceramic component that generates a spark to ignite the gas on your cooktop burners. You'll need to access the igniter by removing burner caps . Visually inspect the igniter for any damage, such as cracks or discoloration. If the igniter appears damaged, it should be replaced.
Common Reasons Why Your Gas Stove Top Is Not Lighting But Clicking
A gas stove clicking but not lighting can be frustrating. Several common reasons can cause this issue, such as:
- A faulty igniter: The igniter, responsible for creating a spark to ignite the gas, may be malfunctioning. If the igniter is weak or damaged, it may not produce a strong enough spark to ignite the gas.
- Low gas pressure: Insufficient gas pressure can prevent the gas from igniting properly. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a partially closed gas valve, a clogged gas line, or a low gas supply.
- Clogged burner ports: Over time, debris and food particles can accumulate in the burner ports, restricting gas flow. This can lead to a weak flame or prevent the gas from igniting altogether.
- Moisture in the burner: Excess moisture, whether from a spill or recent cleaning, can prevent the gas from igniting. This is because water can displace the gas, making it difficult for the spark to ignite the fuel.
- Misaligned burner or burner cap: A misaligned burner cap can disrupt the gas flow and prevent the flame from forming. This can lead to gas stove clicking sounds without successful ignition.
- Electrical issues: While less common, electrical problems can affect the stove's ignition system, causing it to click without lighting.
If Your Gas Stove Top Keeps Clicking, Consider a Repair
If the gas stove top keeps clicking despite your efforts, you may need to replace the spark module, spark ignition switch, or igniter. It may be possible to order replacement parts from the manufacturer, but the most efficient and safe solution is calling a professional repair service. Mr. Appliance has experienced service professionals for any cooktop repair job!
Schedule an appointment with your local team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Decades of experience, highly skilled service professionals, and a commitment to exceptional customer service have made Mr. Appliance a trusted leader in appliance maintenance and repairs. Our commitment to keeping your appliances up and running includes using our many years of experience and expertise to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about gas stove repair.
Is a gas stove top clicking dangerous?
A gas stove clicking when off is usually not dangerous, but it can indicate a potential issue with the igniter system. While it's not an immediate safety concern, address the problem as soon as you can to prevent future complications and ensure the stove functions properly. If you ever smell gas along with the clicking sound, turn off the gas supply immediately, exit your home, and call your utility provider.
Why is my gas stove clicking when off?
A gas stove top may click when off due to a faulty spark module. The igniter may continue to spark even after the gas supply is shut off, causing the clicking noise.
How do you fix a gas stove that won’t stop clicking?
Your gas stove may be clicking because your igniter is blocked or your burner cap is misaligned.
- You can fix a blocked igniter by using a small item like a metal pin or a needle to dig the blockage out.
- An unaligned burner cap should be removed and replaced so that it sits squarely in the middle of the burner.
Contact a Mr. Appliance service professional if these strategies don't resolve the issue.
Why does my gas stove igniter keep clicking after the flame is lit?
The persistent clicking of your gas stove igniter typically stems from three common issues:
- Misaligned burner caps disrupting the proper gas flow
- Moisture trapped in the burner components
- Food debris blocking the igniter's functionality
Realigning the burner cap, ensuring everything is completely dry, and cleaning away food particles often resolves this annoying problem. However, if clicking persists, the spark module might need professional attention from a Mr. Appliance service professional.
How often should I clean my gas stove to prevent clicking issues?
To help prevent gas stove clicking problems, implement this simple maintenance schedule:
- Immediately: Clean any spills or boil-overs as they occur
- Weekly: Wipe down stovetop surfaces and remove/clean burner caps
- Monthly: Perform a deeper cleaning of burner ports with a pin or paperclip
Remember, proper alignment of burner caps after each cleaning is crucial to prevent ignition issues!
What NOT to do when your gas stove keeps clicking
When dealing with a clicking gas stove, avoid these potentially dangerous actions:
- Using water to flush out the igniter
- Disassembling electrical components without proper training
- Ignoring persistent clicking (it could indicate a gas leak)
- Using wooden toothpicks to clean the igniter that might break off inside the burner
- Attempting to disable the igniter permanently
Instead, contact your local Mr. Appliance service professional for proper stove repair and diagnosis. Our experienced team has the right tools and knowledge to safely resolve the issue.
Can I temporarily disable the gas stove igniter if it keeps clicking?
While it's technically possible to temporarily disable a gas stove igniter that keeps clicking by disconnecting the power, this isn't recommended as a long-term solution. This quick fix doesn't address the underlying problem and could potentially create safety hazards. Additionally, disconnecting power may disable your oven completely if it shares the same ignition system. Without the automatic ignition, you would need to manually light the stove with matches or lighters, which presents its own safety risks.
Instead, schedule an appointment with your local Mr. Appliance for professional stove repair. Our service professionals can properly diagnose whether the issue stems from the igniter, spark module, or other components requiring skilled attention.
How much does it cost to repair a gas stove that keeps clicking?
Repair costs for a clicking gas stove vary based on several factors:
- Diagnosis complexity and time required
- Your specific stove make and model
- Whether parts need replacement
- Your location and local service rates
While costs for some simple fixes like realigning burner caps might be minimal, more complex issues involving igniters, spark modules, or control boards typically require professional attention. The best way to get an accurate cost estimate is to contact your local Mr. Appliance team. Our service professionals can quickly assess your specific situation and provide an upfront quote before any work begins. With our upfront pricing policy, you'll know exactly what to expect with no surprises on your final bill.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Appliance is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Mr. Appliance location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
