How do you start a gas stove that won't light?

Author: Earlene Braun  |  Last update: Monday, December 29, 2025

Soak the sealed burner base in vinegar or warm water and use a stiff brush to remove any debris. Finally, clean any remaining debris out of the burner holes with a toothpick, sewing needle or compressed air. Reinstall the burner, cover and the grill, and try igniting the burner once more.

What to do when a gas stove won't light?

Clean the Ports: Use a soft-bristled brush or toothpick to gently clean the burner ports. Remove any debris or food particles that may be obstructing the gas flow. Reinstall the Burner: Place the burner back in its original position and secure it properly.

Why is my gas stove not igniting?

Gas surface burners are often slow to light or will not light at all because the burner or burners are wet or dirty, the electrode is not seated properly or the burner head and cap are not matched up properly.

Why is my gas stove clicking but not igniting?

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, after grease spills, or post-cleaning. To dry everything thoroughly, remove the burner cap and let it air out.

Why is my gas coming out but not lighting?

The igniter will only spark to ignite the gas when the knob is aligned to the Ignite position. You may have moisture in the burner ports from cleaning or a spill. Either allow to dry or clean according to your Owner's Manual.

Gas Stove Top Burner Not Lighting (Easy Fix!)

Why is my gas light not coming on?

Look for gas line issues: Gas lights will only work properly if the gas line supplying the fuel is at least 3/8 inch in diameter. If for some reason a smaller gas line must be used, its length can be no more than eight feet. A licensed plumber can check and fix incorrect gas line measurements.

Why is my gas oven not igniting?

Reasons Why Your Oven Is Not Lighting

First, check the gas supply lines and the igniter. If your top igniter is working, but the oven cavity itself will not light, it is the oven igniter that may have a problem. This is not a problem with the gas.

Can you light a gas stove manually?

During a power outage, gas can flow to the burner but the burner can't make that spark to light it. However, you can still light the surface burner manually. Hold a lighted match next to the burner and then turn the knob to the "Lo" position to light it.

How to fix ignition on gas stove?

Gas Stove Not Lighting: No Spark
  1. Soak a cotton swab in alcohol and clean the white porcelain igniter thoroughly. Also clean the metal burner cap with a cotton swab.
  2. Try the burner again. If you still hear clicking but don't see a spark then it's time to try option three, thorough cleaning of the metal burner head parts.

Why is my gas fire not clicking?

If it doesn't click, then the wires may not be connected properly, the battery may be dead or installed incorrectly, or the igniter module may have failed.

Why is gas coming out of my stove but no flame?

If You Smell Gas but Your Stove Is Off, Leave and Call 911

But when you check your stove, you notice that all of the burners are off. In that case, you might have a gas leak. If so, leave immediately, and call 911 or your local gas company.

Why is my gas heating not igniting?

There are several issues that could affect your boiler and cause it to stop igniting, such as faulty fan or gas valve, frozen pipes and others discussed in the following section. Try checking if your gas oven or hobs are turning on to check if your home has a sufficient supply.

How long do gas stoves last?

While every stove is different, you can expect a gas stove to last about 10 to 15 years on average. According to some sources, gas stoves tend to last longer than their electric or induction counterparts, though these options do have their own benefits that might be worth the trade-off.

Why does my gas stove not have a pilot light?

Most newer gas ranges and ovens don't have pilot lights. Instead, the gas is ignited by an electric ignition system. In this type of system, an element becomes hot and glows like the filament in a lightbulb when an electric current passes through it. The heat from the filament lights the gas.

Why will my gas fire not light?

Why It Matters: Obstructions in the burner or pilot area can block the flow of gas and prevent the fireplace from lighting. Troubleshooting: Inspect the burner and pilot area for dust, debris, or soot buildup. Clean these areas carefully with a soft brush or vacuum to ensure there are no blockages.

How to clean a gas oven igniter?

How to Clean the Igniter in a Gas Oven
  1. Locate the igniter near the oven burner at the back of the oven.
  2. Use a soft brush or a can of compressed air to gently remove any food particles, or grease from the igniter. ...
  3. For hard-to-reach areas, you can use a Q-tip to gently dislodge any remaining debris.

How to fix gas stove not lighting?

Soak the sealed burner base in vinegar or warm water and use a stiff brush to remove any debris. Finally, clean any remaining debris out of the burner holes with a toothpick, sewing needle or compressed air. Reinstall the burner, cover and the grill, and try igniting the burner once more.

Why does my gas stove click but wont ignite?

Moisture in the Burner

Even a small amount can prevent them from igniting, leading to a scenario where your gas burner clicks but won't ignite. Cause: Spills, high humidity, or a recent cleaning can introduce unwanted moisture. How to Troubleshoot and Fix: Turn off the affected burner.

How much does it cost to repair a gas stove igniter?

The national average for gas stove repairs ranges from $150 to $400. Most homeowners pay $200 for replacing a gas stove igniter. Some repairs are cheaper or expensive, depending on the problem, part costs, and labor.

Can I manually ignite my gas oven?

Yes, typically you can manually light a gas oven with electric ignition if the ignition is not working. However, it's important to note that this is generally not recommended for safety reasons. Missteps can lead to gas leaks or even explosions.

Why is my stove not working?

Some of the most common issues include accidentally unplugging the stove, excess food debris, or the gas not being connected properly. While there are many DIY solutions for simple issues, it's usually best to call a service professional to help troubleshoot.

What is manual ignition in a gas stove?

Gas stoves are of two types based on the ignition- manual and auto. Manual needs a lighter or matchbox while automatic just has to be ignited by a knob.

Why is my gas oven clicking but not lighting?

Sometimes when you try to ignite the burner, you can hear a clicking noise and see sparks, but the gas doesn't ignite. The reason this happens is that the gas supply is partially blocked.

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