How to fix a gas stove that won’t light

If you have a gas stove, then you certainly know how convenient it can be. According to the US Energy Information Administration, 38% of households in the country had natural gas cooking appliances in 2020 Gas appliances come with several benefits: near-instant heat, long-term cost savings, and of course, the ability to keep cooking even when the power goes out.

But unlike the coil-element or electric stovesyou have to light the burners to be able to cook something on a gas stove. And sometimes they just don’t light up no matter how much you twist and turn the knobs.

Fortunately, the problem is usually something you can fix yourself. Learn about the common reasons why your gas stove won’t light and how to fix it.

Problem: It’s clogged with food residue

Whether it’s grease buildup or food crumbs, one of the most common causes of gas burner ignition problems is debris blocking gas flow to the burner.

The fix: Start by removing the grid covering the problem burner. Next, remove the burner cap, which should lift 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 the residue. Finally, clean any remaining debris from the burner holes with a toothpick, sewing needle, or compressed air. Replace the burner, cover and grate and try to light the burner one more time.

If that doesn’t work, there may be a kink in the gas line or a bigger problem, and you may want to consult a professional.

Problem: There is a loose connection

Although there aren’t many moving parts on the hob, it’s possible for connections to come loose, especially during cleaning or assembly. If the wires that connect the igniter to the control unit don’t make a solid connection, you won’t get the spark needed to ignite the burner properly.

The fix: First turn off the power to the unit by unplugging it from the wall or flipping the circuit breaker. Remove the grate and burner cap 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, reinstall the burner base, cap and grate. Restore power to the stove and test the connection.

Problem: This is a faulty igniter

If you have removed the debris from the burner base and secured any loose connections, you may be dealing with a faulty igniter. A quick way to tell if the igniter needs replacing is to turn off the lights in the room and turn the control knob to the ignition position. If the igniter sparks yellow or orange instead of a bright bluish-white, you probably need to replace the igniter.

The fix: Cut off the gas supply and power to the stove, remove the burner cap and use a screwdriver or hex to disconnect the burner base. Disconnect the wires coming from the igniter. Typically, igniters use a quick-disconnect system, so you won’t need to cut or splice wires. Use your stove’s model number to determine which replacement igniter to purchase, install the new part, and replace the base, cap, and burner grate. Restore gas and power to the stove and test the burner.

If none of these quick fixes fix the stubborn burner, you may need to replace the ignition switch, ignition control module, or contact a professional for a more in-depth diagnosis.

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