A gas stove burner that clicks but will not light is nearly always dirty or wet: clogged burner ports, a burner cap that is not seated properly, or an igniter coated in food residue or moisture. If you smell gas at any point, stop, do not use any switch or flame, and follow the safety steps below before you troubleshoot anything.
If you smell gas, stop
Do not light anything, do not touch light switches or plug in anything, open windows and doors, leave the home, and call your gas utility’s emergency number or emergency services from outside. Do not return until it has been cleared. Do not troubleshoot a stove that smells of gas.
Does it click?
| What happens | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Clicks, no flame, then flame starts when you wait | Dirty or damp igniter or burner ports |
| Clicks constantly even after it lights | Wet igniter or debris touching it |
| Clicks on only one burner | Dirty burner or a worn igniter on that burner |
| No click on any burner | Power to the stove, or a failed spark switch or module |
| Flame is uneven, yellow or lifts off | Blocked ports or an incorrectly seated cap |
Clean the burner and igniter
- Turn all burners off and let the stove cool
Remove the grate, then lift off the burner cap and head.
- Clear the burner ports
Use a soft brush or a straightened paper clip or needle to clear the small slots around the burner head; spilled food and boil-overs jam them.
- Wipe the igniter gently
The igniter is the small ceramic nub next to the burner. Wipe it with a cotton swab dampened with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) and let it dry. Do not use sharp tools on it.
Seat the burner cap properly
If the cap sits crooked, the flame has nowhere to go and the burner may refuse to light. Replace the head, then the cap, turn it a little and check that it sits flat and cannot rock. Make sure the slot on the head lines up with the igniter.
Let it dry
After cleaning or a spill, moisture can make the igniter click without sparking. Leave the parts to dry for several hours, or use a hair dryer on a low setting, before refitting and trying again.
One burner or all of them?
If all burners fail together, check that the stove has power (many gas ranges need electricity for the igniters) and that the breaker has not tripped — see our breaker tripping guide. If only one burner is dead after a thorough cleaning, its igniter or switch is probably worn.
Lighting by hand during a power outage
Many gas stoves allow you to light a burner with a long match or lighter when the power is out. Check your manual first, because the procedure varies by model; if the burner does not light within a few seconds, turn it off and air out the room. For longer outages, see how to prepare your home for a power outage.
When to call for service
A burner that still will not light after cleaning, constant clicking after drying, or a failed igniter or spark module needs a technician. Any gas supply or valve issue must be handled by a licensed professional. Our oven repair cost guide helps you decide whether repairing an older range is worthwhile.
