Why do stove igniters stop working?

Author: Barrett Stracke  |  Last update: Saturday, July 11, 2026

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.

What causes a gas stove igniter to fail?

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 to fix stove igniter not sparking?

If the burner that you trying to use is not sparking and you can use the other burner that's on the same side,then you will need to replace the ignitor. You can also look to see if the ignitor is damaged or cracked. You should take the knob off of that burner and see if the control switch is damaged,dirty.

How long do stove igniters last?

Igniters do have a lifespan. In my experience, they last somewhere between 2 years and 20 years... to say that it's pretty random as to when one decides to fail. If you're not getting the clicking, I'd definitely say it's the ignitor.

Why does my stove igniter keep going off?

This is generally caused by liquid shorting the igniter so that it cannot arc a spark to the burner. This is easily solved by allowing the area to dry thoroughly. Also, metal from a scouring pad could also cause it to short out.

WHY Is My GAS Stove IGNITER NOT Clicking - Gas STOVE Igniter NOT Working

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.

How do you fix a gas stove that won't stop clicking?

Why Does My Gas Stove Keep Clicking?
  1. Realign the Burner and Burner Caps. One of the most common reasons a gas stove keeps clicking even after it's lit is an improperly aligned burner cap. ...
  2. Clean and Dry the Burner. Why is your gas stove clicking but not lighting? ...
  3. Remove Food Debris. ...
  4. Examine the Gas Supply. ...
  5. Check the Igniter.

How much does it cost to replace a 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.

Do igniters wear out?

Age and wear: Ignitors typically last three to five years before needing replacement. Physical damage: Cracks or breaks in the ignitor can occur during maintenance or because of debris. Electrical issues: Voltage problems or wiring faults can damage the ignitor.

Why is my gas oven igniter not clicking?

No Spark: Turn off the gas and test the ignition button on your cooker. If there is no clicking sound and you cannot see any sparks, then your igniter will need to be replaced.

Why is my igniter not working?

Make sure that the igniter is making a clicking noise when you press the igniter button. 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.

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.

Do I need to turn off gas to replace oven igniter?

Before you start, make sure the range is unplugged and the gas supply is turned off. This will help avoid any accidental ignition or other hazards occurring during the replacement process. The igniter will be connected to the range with a wiring harness, or with individual wires.

How do I fix my stove not igniting?

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.

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.

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.

Why do gas oven 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.

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!

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.

Why is the stove not clicking?

The Spark Module Is Broken

When it's broken or not functioning properly, you probably won't hear the stove clicking and have no spark.

What is the burner cap on a gas stove?

The burner cap is there to direct the flames and their heat in a single ring and absorb and radiate the heat in the middle using a enamel coated cast iron disk in the middle. This creates a gentle heat in the middle, making it much less likely to create a hot spot in the middle of thinner cookware.

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