What causes a gas stove igniter to fail?

Author: Marge Marvin  |  Last update: Friday, October 10, 2025

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. The fix: Begin by removing the grate covering the troubled burner. Next, remove the burner cap, which should lift off with ease.

Why do stove igniters stop working?

Most of the time when this happens, the little hole where the igniter is, on the burner, is clogged. This is where the gas goes through when your burner is lighting. It is very small and hard to see. Shove a small safety pin or needle through it and make sure it's unclogged. This will most likely fix your issue.

How long should a gas stove igniter last?

Introduction. Have you noticed your gas oven is taking too long to heat up, or it no longer heats at all? There's a 95 percent chance you just need to replace a $25 igniter. Gas oven igniters last around eight years.

Why does my gas oven igniter keep going out?

If your oven's pilot light won't stay lit, it could be due to an issue with the gas supply. Make sure the gas valve supplying your oven is fully open. Also, check for any blockages or kinks in the gas line that could be restricting the gas flow.

Why does my gas stove igniter keep clicking even when off?

One of the more common and easy-to-fix reasons a gas stove keeps clicking is that grime, grease, and corrosion around the burner heads are interfering with the gas flow. Cleaning around the burner heads, igniter, and pilot hole can fix the clicking issue.

Testing a faulty ignitor on your range or oven. Troubleshooting a gas odor.

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

Igniter. You'll pay $150 to $250 to repair the igniter. Igniters are crucial parts of gas ovens, as they are responsible for igniting the gas to give heat and cook your food.

What are the symptoms of a bad igniter?

Here are a few indications that you have a faulty ignitor.
  • No Cold Air. ...
  • The Furnace Won't Come On. ...
  • The Furnace Suddenly Stops Blowing. ...
  • Starts, Then Stops, Then Starts Again. ...
  • Tripping the Breaker More Than Once. ...
  • I Hear the Click, But Nothing Happens. ...
  • Flame Sensor Problems. ...
  • Short Circuit.

Can I clean my gas oven igniter?

Locate the igniter near the oven burner at the back of the oven. Use a soft brush or a can of compressed air to gently remove any food particles, or grease from the igniter. Be careful not to apply excessive force to avoid damaging the igniter. Do not use water or any liquid cleaner on the igniter.

Can I light my gas oven if the igniter is bad?

Answer: No, this is not possible due to the gas being controlled by the gas safety valve. You need the igniter to be working properly before gas is allowed out of the gas safety valve.

Why does my igniter keep breaking?

If an HSI is exposed to higher voltages than it's supposed to receive, they will surely break sooner than they should. An 80-volt HSI should have about 80 volts applied to it. Applying 120 volts to that HSI will cause it break, and sometimes almost immediately.

Can you replace igniter on gas stove?

If you're handy with tools and have a knack for tinkering, replacing a gas stove igniter is a manageable task.

What is the average life of a gas stove?

Range or Stove, 13-15 years:

Gas stoves last longer than their electric counterparts by 2-5 years, on average. Good everyday care will help extend the useful life, such as cleaning the stove after every use and regularly checking the burners.

Why do igniters fail?

A spark igniter electrode is made of metal and the base of the igniter is ceramic. This ceramic base can withstand the high temperatures put out by the burners. The ceramic is fragile and over time may crack or may have other damages and it may be shorting to ground and unable to ignite the gas flame.

Do stove igniters wear out?

One of the most common cooktop issues you may encounter is the inability to turn it on. This issue is most common in gas cooktops when an ignitor goes bad, but electric cooktops can also wear out their heating elements. Sometimes you just need to replace the ignitor or similar heating element.

How do you fix an igniter that doesn't spark?

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.

Can I use gas stove without igniter?

Your ability to manually light your gas stove's burner will depend on the make and model of your appliance, since your stove may have a safety feature that prevents it. Remember, while you may be able to use your cooktop, you won't be able to use your gas oven, since it needs an electric ignition to get going.

Why is the igniter not working on my gas stove?

The most common reason a gas stove won't light is that the igniter is clogged with debris. Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on the igniter and prevent it from sparking. If this is the case, you'll need to clean it off in order for the stove to work properly.

How much does it cost to replace gas igniter?

A gas oven igniter replacement costs $150 to $325 on average, depending on the brand and model. A new oven igniter costs $20 to $50 for the part alone. A broken igniter results in the oven not heating, clicking noises without lighting the gas, and gas leaks.

How long should an igniter last?

Because of this, igniters have a 3-5 year life expectancy. They will eventually crack and need to be replaced. If you suspect that you have a damaged HSI, you will most likely be able to change the part yourself. Like a light bulb, they are a regular replacement item.

How do I reset my igniter?

Reset The Furnace Ignitor

Find the burner door on the furnace and look behind it to find the ignitor. Turn it to “OFF” and wait for five minutes. After you wait, turn it back on and return the door to the burner. It is important to make sure the switch on the door is properly engaged.

Is it worth repairing a 10 year old oven?

You should typically lean toward replacing a wall oven only if it's older than 10 years, or if you're otherwise unhappy with your oven's performance and feel that buying a new model makes more sense. Most appliances are covered under warranty in their first year.

What happens when oven igniter fails?

However, one of the most worrisome parts to go faulty is the igniter in your oven. Not only will a faulty igniter mean your oven will not produce any flame or heat, but it could mean that it continues to release natural gas as it tries to ignite.

Why wont my gas stove igniter stop sparking?

Clean Your Ignition System

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!

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