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How To Fix It

How To Fix It

Appliances

Gas Stove Not lighting but clicking? 6 causes and easy fixes

Is your gas stove not lighting? Does the burner keep clicking, although you’ve turned the knob the same way a thousand times before? Keep reading to determine which of the six possible causes are behind your appliance troubles!

The world’s top chefs prefer a gas cook top. Easy temperature regulation and a steady stream of hot flame make gas burners the industry leader. However, you can occasionally get debris or moisture into the electric igniter, causing it to seize up and fail to light. Hence, the clicking sound without a flame.

Read more Detail: How Does a Gas Stove Work?

Clicking is the typical sound of the electric igniter at work to light the stove. Once the flame is on, the sound should stop.

gas stove not lighting

Trouble arises when the clicking goes on even after the stove is lit – or sometimes, even the burner fails to light and your dinner plans are delayed. Before you get your phone and call an appliance service professional, you can try out these troubleshooting steps first:

Before attempting any repairs to your gas cook top, make sure the surface and grates have cooled enough for you to troubleshoot safely. Never leave the gas knob on without a flame, allowing gas to escape into the room. Use proper ventilation and allow the area to air out before continuing. Always contact your gas company if you suspect a gas leak… and never attempt repairs to sealed gas lines without a licensed professional.

1. Burner cap is out of alignment

The first thing to check if the clicking sound interferes with burner operations is whether the burner cap is in its correct place. A burner cap that is out of alignment is one of the most common reasons for a clicking gas stove.

Allow the cook top to cool enough to touch comfortably. Remove the burner grate to access the cap. Next, remove the burner cap then re-center it on its base. The cap should settle easily into one spot for its correct alignment. While you have the cap off, check for food debris, or anything else underneath, that might prevent lighting.

Try lighting the burner again. If it lights easily without the continuous clicking sound, you have solved your problem.

2. Excess moisture under the burner cap

While checking the burner cap for alignment, please remember to check for any signs of moisture, too. Lingering moisture in the burner cap can also cause the gas stove to make clicking noises.

Moisture usually accumulates in the burner after you clean the cook top. Or, moisture can remain when a pot boils over or grease splatters.

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So, while checking for burner alignment, dry everything completely too. The best way is to remove the cap and let it air dry. Next, make sure all the burners are off and towel off the top of the range.

If you have a gas range/oven combo, you can use the oven to dry out the cooking top. Set the oven to 350 degrees and leave it for about half an hour to warm up. This will get rid of any excess moisture on the insides of the burner.

Finally, you can also use a fan: aim it at the burner to dry the moisture.

3. Excessive food or debris issue

Another reason for a clicking gas stove may be that excessive food or debris is blocking the lighter or the control knobs. In my house, the most common problem is tiny pieces of dry ramen noodles. The kids make a mess when breaking up the package, and those tiny pieces find their way into the gaps on the gas burner!

It is very important to ensure the burner top is free from any food or debris.

To clean up any food or debris from the range, you need a metal pin or a paperclip.

[Don’t make the mistake of using a toothpick to dislodge debris from the recesses of the burner. Toothpicks break easily leaving pieces stuck inside, and causing even more burner trouble.]

If you’ve thoroughly been through the steps 1,2 and 3 above, but are still experiencing the clicking gas stove problem… it’s time to look more in-depth at the following parts:

4. Stuck or wet igniter switch

The spark switch kick starts the ignition process by allowing an electrical current to flow to the spark module. But the spark switch can twist or trip due to a surge in electricity, moisture, etc.

In the case of a damaged igniter switch, the burner won’t light or may make clicking sounds due to a continuous flow of electricity.

Check if the igniter switch is wet, twisted or damaged.

You can also use a multi-meter to check for faulty electrical flow. A faulty igniter switch will register continuity on the

multimeter, indicating one possible reason for the clicking gas stove problem.

Replacing the igniter switch should fix both problems. The spark switch, or igniter switch, is easily available at online retailers such as Amazon for around $15-30. Double check your model number before ordering, or order directly from the manufacturer.

Just make sure you get a manufacturer-endorsed replacement spark switch and wear work gloves.

Get Igniter Switch Here (affiliate link)

To replace the igniter switch, follow these steps:

  1. Cut off the range from power and gas.
  2. Remove the cook top: Remove the grates, lift off the burner caps and unscrew off the burner heads, the cook top then pop it off.
  3. Next, open the oven door and unscrew the control manifold off the oven.
  4. Remove the igniter switches: Unscrew the upper back panel off, then disconnect the red spark module wires and pull out the wire harness through the front of your gas range.
  5. Finally, install the brand-new igniter switch and put everything else back as you found it, reversing the steps above. Reconnect electricity and gas.

Read also: Kenmore Gas Stove Igniter Not Clicking? Igniter spark electrode issue

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5. Spark Module Failure: gas stove not lighting

The spark module supplies power to the spark electrode.

In case of a faulty spark module, the burners will spark continuously.

However, between the spark module and the igniter switch, it’s the igniter that is most likely to be at fault in case of a clicking stove problem.

But, if you’ve already verified that the igniter switch is not stuck, faulty or wet, then move to check the spark module.

Get Spark Module Here (affiliate link)

You can use a multi-meter on the spark module, too. If it registers continuity, consider replacing it. Replacements can be found on Amazon for $20-60, depending upon your model number. I recommend checking all other options before ordering a replacement.

The good news is that replacing a spark module is a piece of cake: unplug the wires from the worn-out spark module and plug them into the new one.

You can take a picture with your phone then verify that the wires are in the right position.

6. Faulty spark electrode

The other cause for the clicking gas stove problem may be a defective spark electrode.

This happens when you let clicking problems go on for too long. The piece that creates the spark, the spark electrode, will become damaged with continuous wear and tear. A replacement should only cost around $10 and is fairly easy to install.

Replacing the electrode should get your burner working again, and the clicking sound solved. Follow these Steps:

  • Using a wrench, remove the orifice that holds the electrode in the burner.
  • Next, locate the electrode at the end of the wire that is attached to the burner.
  • Pull off the old electrode and place in the new electrode
  • Put everything back in place as you found them.

Conclusion: Gas stove not Lighting but clicking

With the above troubleshooting tips, you can fix the clicking gas stove or range on your own.

Read more Detail: How Does a Gas Stove Work?

Word of caution: if you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, please cut off the gas supply, leave the area and contact your local technician for help!

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