How to fix a gas stove that won’t light
If you have a gas stove, you know how convenient it can be. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 38% of households nationwide Natural Gas Cooking Appliances Will Be Owned in 2020. Gas stoves offer many advantages: nearly instant heating, long-term cost savings, and of course, the ability to continue cooking even if the power goes out.
But with coil elements or electric stoveyou must light the burner to cook anything on a gas stove. Sometimes, no matter how you turn the knobs, they won’t light up.
Fortunately, the problem is usually something you can fix yourself. Learn about common reasons why a gas stove won’t ignite and how to fix it.
Problem: Clogged with food debris
Whether it’s grease buildup or food debris, one of the most common reasons a gas burner has difficulty igniting is debris blocking airflow to the igniter.
repair: Begin by removing the grate covering the burner in question. Next, remove the burner cover, it should come off easily. The sealed burner base will either lift up or you may need to remove a few screws before removing it. Clean the surrounding area with a warm, soapy cloth. Soak the sealed burner base in vinegar or warm water and use a stiff brush to remove any debris. Finally, use a toothpick, sewing needle, or compressed air to remove any remaining debris from the burner holes. Reinstall the burner, lid, and grill and try lighting the burner again.
If this doesn’t work, there may be a kink in the gas supply line or a larger problem and you may need to consult a professional.
Problem: Loose connection
While there aren’t a lot of moving parts on your stove, connections can become loose, especially during cleaning or installation. If the wires connecting the igniter to the control module are not securely connected, you will not get the spark needed to properly ignite the burner.
repair: First, cut power to the device by unplugging it from the wall or flipping the circuit breaker switch. Remove the grate and burner cover from the problem burner. Remove the sealed burner base and look for loose connections or disconnected wires. Secure any loose connections and reconnect any disconnected wires, and reinstall the burner base, lid, and grate. Restore power to the furnace and test connections.
Problem: Faulty ignition
If you have cleared debris from the burner base and secured any loose connections, you may be dealing with a faulty igniter. A quick way to tell if you need to replace your igniter is to turn off the lights in the room and turn the control knob to the ignition position. If the igniter emits yellow or orange sparks instead of bright blue-white sparks, you may need to replace the igniter.
repair: Cut off gas and power to the stove, remove the burner cover, and use a screwdriver or hex driver to disconnect the burner base. Disconnect the wire from the igniter. Typically, igniters use a quick-disconnect system so you don’t have to cut or splice wires. Use the model number of your stove to determine which replacement igniter you should purchase, install new parts, and replace burner bases, lids, and grates. Restore gas and power to the furnace and test the burners.
If none of these quick fixes fix a stubborn burner, you may need to replace the igniter switch, igniter control module, or contact a professional for a more in-depth diagnosis.
