A gas burner that won't ignite is one of the most common range repair calls we receive — and one of the most frequently misdiagnosed. Homeowners assume they need a new igniter. They order the part online. The part arrives, they install it, and the burner still doesn't light — because the igniter was fine all along.
Gas range ignition failures usually come down to one of five specific causes, and diagnosing the right one before ordering parts saves significant time and money. Here's how a professional technician approaches it.
If you smell gas or hear hissing: Do not attempt to light the burner. Turn the gas supply valve off (behind the range), ventilate the kitchen, leave the building, and call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200. A gas leak is a utility emergency, not an appliance repair call.
The 5 Causes of Gas Burner Ignition Failure — In Order of Frequency
Fouled Ceramic Spark Igniter
Food debris, grease, or cleaning product residue on the igniter tip prevents the spark from jumping properly. The igniter may click but produce a weak or mispositioned spark that doesn't ignite the gas. This is responsible for roughly 60% of single-burner ignition failures. Often resolves with cleaning — no parts needed.
Cracked or Failed Spark Igniter
The ceramic igniter tip can crack from thermal stress or mechanical impact (dropped pan, boilover). A cracked igniter produces no spark or a spark that doesn't reach the burner. Requires replacement with an OEM igniter. Do not use aftermarket — igniter geometry affects spark position and OEM parts produce significantly better ignition reliability.
Failed Ignition Control Module
The ignition module distributes the spark signal to all burner igniters. When it fails, multiple burners stop igniting simultaneously — often all of them. A telltale sign: all burners click continuously even when no knob is being turned. Module failure requires professional diagnosis and replacement.
Faulty Spark Switch (Burner Knob Switch)
Each burner knob activates a spark switch when turned to the "Lite" position. These switches wear out — they're mechanical contacts that cycle thousands of times. A failed switch on one knob means that specific burner won't ignite even if the igniter and module are both functional. Usually diagnosed by testing continuity across the switch contacts.
Blocked or Misaligned Burner Components
The burner cap must be properly seated for the gas ports to align with the igniter position. A shifted burner cap after cleaning is a surprisingly common cause of ignition failure. Similarly, clogged gas orifices reduce gas flow below the ignition threshold. These are often self-fixable but require care not to enlarge the orifice with metal tools.
What You Can Safely Check Yourself
Before calling for service, these checks are safe and may resolve the issue:
1. Clean the igniter tip
Use a dry toothbrush to gently clean around the white ceramic igniter tip. Remove any debris, food particles, or residue. Do not use water or liquid cleaners directly on the igniter — moisture in the igniter housing is a common cause of temporary ignition failure after cleaning. If you recently cleaned your stovetop and the ignition problem started immediately after, moisture is the likely cause — allow 24 hours to dry completely.
2. Check and reseat the burner cap
Remove the burner grate and burner cap. The cap should sit flat and level on the burner base with the slots aligned. A cap that's even slightly tilted will prevent proper ignition. Reseat it firmly and symmetrically.
3. Clear the gas ports
The small holes around the edge of the burner cap are the gas ports. If you see visible debris in them, clear them gently with a toothpick. Never use a metal pin or drill bit — enlarging a gas port changes the gas-to-air ratio and will permanently affect flame quality.
Stop here if: the burner ignites but the flame is yellow or orange instead of blue; you smell gas after ignition; all burners fail simultaneously; or the clicking continues after ignition. These symptoms indicate issues beyond surface cleaning and require a technician.
Why All Your Burners Click Continuously
If all your burners click non-stop — even when no knob is being turned — this is a specific symptom with specific causes:
- Moisture in the ignition system (most common after cleaning): Water or cleaning spray on the spark module or igniter wiring causes continuous triggering. Solution: dry completely. Remove burner caps and grates, leave the stovetop exposed overnight, or use a hairdryer on low heat across the igniter area.
- Failed ignition control module: The module has an internal short causing it to continuously trigger all igniters. Requires replacement.
- Debris in a spark switch: Food or grease wedged in one knob's spark switch can keep the contact closed, triggering all igniters on that circuit. Remove and inspect each knob.
Gas range not igniting? We diagnose all brands throughout LA County. $85 diagnostic applied to repair. Same-day available.
Book a DiagnosticBrand-Specific Notes: Wolf, Viking, Thermador
Wolf Ranges
Wolf's dual-stacked burner system uses a ceramic igniter positioned precisely relative to the burner cap slots. The igniter geometry is specific to Wolf and OEM replacement is essential — aftermarket igniters for Wolf ranges have a high incidence of misalignment that produces unreliable ignition even when the igniter is technically functional. Wolf igniter replacement is straightforward but requires disconnecting the igniter wire at the module side, not at the igniter itself.
Viking Ranges
Viking pro ranges use sealed burners with a simmer flame channel. The simmer channel orifice is particularly prone to clogging and is a common source of partial ignition (the main burner lights but the simmer ring doesn't). Viking ignition modules are also known for relay failures that cause intermittent multi-burner ignition issues. Viking parts require OEM replacement — the module part numbers are range-specific.
Thermador Star Burner Ranges
Thermador's star-shaped burner design uses a central spark igniter with a different geometry than standard burner igniters. The star burner cap must be seated correctly in all five points for the gas distribution to align with the igniter position. After cleaning, reseating the star cap incorrectly is the single most common cause of Thermador ignition issues and is often resolved without any parts replacement.
California Gas Appliance Context
California's ongoing transition away from gas appliances is worth noting for homeowners weighing repair vs. replacement. As of 2026, California does not ban existing gas ranges in residential use — the restrictions apply to new construction and commercial installations. If your gas range needs repair, there is no regulatory reason to replace it with an induction or electric model.
That said, if your range is 15+ years old and requires a significant repair (control board, module, multiple igniters), an induction range is worth considering as an alternative — induction has no ignition system to fail and is significantly more energy-efficient. Our technicians will give you an honest assessment of whether the repair cost justifies continuing with your existing range.