If a gas burner won't light, turn the knob off first. Check for gas odor, correct burner cap placement, moisture after cleaning, clogged flame ports, power to the igniter, and whether other burners work. Stop immediately if you smell gas, hear hissing, see delayed ignition, or the flame is unstable. Common repair causes include a weak spark module, cracked electrode, clogged orifice, faulty switch, gas supply issue, or misaligned burner parts.
Burner clicks but will not light Likely cause: Wet burner, dirty ports, misaligned cap, weak spark, or gas supply issue. Homeowner action: Turn off the knob, let parts dry, and clean visible ports.
No clicking sound Likely cause: No power, bad ignition switch, spark module issue, or wiring fault. Homeowner action: Check outlet and breaker if safe; call if power is present.
Only one burner fails Likely cause: Dirty burner head, cap mismatch, electrode damage, or localized switch issue. Homeowner action: Clean and reseat that burner assembly.
All burners fail Likely cause: Power issue, gas supply interruption, spark module, or regulator issue. Homeowner action: Turn knobs off and verify basic power; call if gas supply is uncertain.
Delayed whoosh or burst of flame Likely cause: Gas buildup before ignition, dirty ports, cap alignment, or pressure issue. Homeowner action: Stop using the burner and schedule service.
Flame lights then goes out Likely cause: Low gas pressure, blocked ports, draft, or burner component issue. Homeowner action: Avoid repeated attempts and call if it continues.
DIY difficulty: Low for visible, exterior, settings-based, cleaning, loading, and thermometer checks. Moderate when the appliance must be moved slightly or monitored across a cycle. High for any repair that requires removing service panels, testing live voltage, handling gas components, accessing sealed refrigeration parts, or disassembling drive components.
Estimated homeowner check time: 15 to 45 minutes.
Tools needed: Flashlight, owner manual, phone for photos or error codes, appliance thermometer when temperature is involved, towels for minor cleanup, and mild soap for approved cleaning.
Safety risk: Medium. The risk becomes high if there is gas odor, burning smell, repeated breaker tripping, flooding, overheating, damaged wiring, or any need to access internal components.
When to call a professional: Call when the safe checks below do not restore normal operation, the symptom returns, the appliance shows repeated error codes, or the repair would require electrical, gas, sealed-system, control-board, motor, or cabinet disassembly.