How do you fix a gas stove that won't stay lit?

Author: Colby Rath  |  Last update: Sunday, November 30, 2025

Over time, the burner ports can get blocked by debris, grease, or food particles. These blockages can prevent the pilot light from staying lit. To clean the burner ports, turn off the gas supply and remove the burners. Gently clean out any buildup using a soft brush or a toothpick.

Why is my gas stove light but not stay on?

There are many possible reasons why the burner will not stay lit - the gas jet may be blocked, the valve may be set too low, the air flow may be restricted, there may be an issue with the pilot light, and so on.

How do you fix a gas oven that won't stay lit?

Clean them out with wire brush or steel wool or very small thin screwdriver. Make sure all the hole are clear then put it back and try again. if it still does the same thing then replace the burner and gas valve. if it stays lit longer then you are good to go and the cleaning was all you needed.

Why does my gas stove ignite then go out?

The reason is likely due to a broken thermocouple in the stove system. When the gas is ignited, the thermocouple heats up and activates the keep-on mechanism in the stove, which is a safety feature to prevent gas from being deliverred without a flame.

Why won't the flame stay on my gas stove?

If a burner on your gas stove lights easily but then goes out, it may be caused by your stove vent. A vent system can affect the stability of the flame coming from the burners and cause the flame to be extinguished.

Gas hob won't stay lit: how to fix: thermocouple replacement

Why is my gas fire igniting but wont stay on?

The most like culprits are likely tied to some kind of problem with your setup. Anything from issues with your pilot light, clogged ports on burners, damage to heating components, and thermocouple/thermopile malfunctions can be to blame.

Why does my gas stove keep losing flame?

There are several reasons why your gas stove flame may be low. Clogged burner ports, a failing gas valve, low gas pressure, or an igniter failure are the most common problems.

Why does the flame in my gas oven keep going out?

If the flame goes out repeatedly, or if it's yellow at the tip, it's getting too little air. If there's a space between the flame and the pilot feed tube, it's getting too much air. To correct either condition, turn the pilot adjustment screw on the gas line slightly, as directed by the manufacturer of the range.

Why does my gas fire keep turning itself off?

Thermocouple and Thermopile Issues

They generate a small amount of electricity when heated by the pilot flame, signaling that the pilot light is lit and allowing the gas valve to open. Over time, these components can get dirty or fail, causing the gas fireplace to shut off abruptly or prevent it from staying lit.

Why wont the pilot light stay lit on my gas stove?

When there is a buildup of dirt in the pilot light port, it can prevent the flame from properly engulfing the thermocouple. In turn, the safety mechanism is triggered, turning off the gas. This is a very common culprit resulting in why your pilot light keeps going out.

How do you replace a thermocouple on a gas stove?

How to Replace a Thermocouple
  1. Choose the new thermocouple based on the size and mounting style of the old one. ...
  2. Detach the old thermocouple as described above.
  3. Remove the new thermocouple from the packaging and uncoil it to the appropriate shape.
  4. Attach the new thermocouple to the pilot assembly and the gas valve.

Why does the light in my oven keep burning out?

LOOSE CONNECTIONS

If a bulb doesn't fit tightly into the housing, the electrical current has to jump or "arc" to make contact rather than simply flow through a physical contact. Arcing causes extremely high levels of heat, which is what causes the bulb to blow.

Why is my gas oven igniting but not staying on?

An oven that won't stay lit could be due to a faulty or weak igniter, gas supply problems, or clogged burner ports, which are common culprits for this issue. A weak igniter is often the primary cause of a gas oven not staying lit, necessitating replacement by a service technician to ensure proper heating.

How do I get my gas stove to stay on?

Gas hob won't stay lit
  1. Let us take you through some of the reasons why your gas hob burner is going out. ...
  2. Don't ignite on a minimum position. ...
  3. Assemble the burner correctly. ...
  4. Clean the hob. ...
  5. Remove excess moisture. ...
  6. Check the power.

Why does my gas stove keep turning off?

The most common reason is the sensor is either dirty, or the burner is clogged and the flame is not hitting the sensor. Cleaning the burner and sensor is a moderately complex job, but with basic mechanical skill it can be done. Start by carefully pulling the range out and unplugging the power cord.

Can you clean a thermocouple without removing it?

Clean the thermocouple - using the emery cloth sandpaper, sand the ends of the thermocouple and then give it a finishing touch with the lint-free cloth. Hopefully, you can get to the ends of the thermocouple without having to detach it from the assembly, but you may have to do that.

How to tell if a thermocouple is bad?

There's really just one telltale sign of letting you know when the thermocouple isn't working, and that's when the pilot light won't stay lit. If you experience this problem, it's important to have your thermocouple assessed as soon as possible.

Why is my pilot light not staying lit?

The issue could be: A dirty tube: If the pilot light tube is dirty, it can put out the light over time. You'll need to clean it with something abrasive to get it working again. Not enough gas: Sometimes, the gas valve will leak, or something else prevents gas from getting through the line.

Why is my gas not staying lit?

The most common cause of this is dirty or blocked burners, which is the part that you can easily take off to clean. All the small holes on the burner should be clean and clear, if not then even a partial blockage can lead to the thermocouple not getting enough heat and, the burner won't stay lit.

How to clean an oven thermocouple?

Gently scrub any corrosion or oxidation on the thermocouple tip using very fine steel wool or a green cleaning pad. Take care not to bend or damage the internal sensor.

Why does my gas stove keep firing?

If your gas stove keeps clicking even after you turn the unit off, the first and most likely culprit is a clogged ignition system. Food scraps and even grease can sometimes wedge themselves in these systems and cause the stove to continuously click. Solution: Clean your ignition system!

Why won't my gas stove stay lit?

Gas Line Blockage

If your burner lights for a short time but then goes out, you may have a blockage in the gas valve. The gas line is what provides fuel to the burner to keep it lit. A complete blockage often prevents the burner from lighting at all.

What is the most likely cause of flames that are lifting off the burner?

Explanation: The most likely cause of flames that are lifting off the burner is improper air to gas mixture. Stoves work on the principle of combustion, and for efficient combustion, a proper mix of air (oxygen) and gas is necessary.

Why won't my gas stove ignite consistently?

Problem: It's clogged with food debris

Whether it's grease buildup or food crumbs, one of the most common causes for a gas burner that has trouble igniting is debris blocking gas flow to the igniter.

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