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Gas stoves are the pride and joy of any self-respecting chef. If this is what you have in your kitchen, you’re probably accustomed to hearing a “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.
If your gas stove keeps clicking even after the burner is lit — or the stove won’t light at all — there’s likely a problem with the burner cap, knobs, or spark mechanisms. This certainly puts a damper on your dinner plans. Before you schedule a stove repair or diagnosis with one of our appliance service professionals, follow these troubleshooting tips from Mr. Appliance®.
How to Fix a Clicking Gas Stove
First, don’t worry. A clicking gas stove igniter is usually not dangerous. Sometimes, a gas stove won’t stop clicking when off. In this case, the gas is probably not flowing. However, if you smell gas or suspect a leak for another reason, shut off the gas supply, exit your home, and call your utility provider.
If there’s no sign of a gas leak, continue reading to figure out the problem.
Realign the Burner Cap
One of the most common reasons a gas stove keeps clicking, even after it’s lit, is that the burner cap is out of alignment. 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.
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, when grease spills, or after cleaning the cooktop.
To dry everything thoroughly, simply 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.
Remove Food Debris
If drying and realigning the burner caps didn’t fix your problem, look for burned-on food or debris that might be obstructing the igniter or the control knobs. Use a metal pin or paperclip to clear the debris away. Avoid using a toothpick for this task because a small piece could break off and become lodged inside, causing even more trouble.
Still Hearing Clicking? Perform a Repair
If the stove 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. However, the most efficient solution is calling a professional repair service. Mr. Appliance has the experienced technicians for the job! Connect with your local team or schedule an appointment online today.
