Stove Burner Won’t Light? Troubleshooting and Solutions

If your stove burner won’t light, the problem may be something simple like burner misalignment, food buildup, or a dirty igniter. In other cases, the issue can involve the ignition system, gas flow, or a faulty part that needs professional repair.

Before you book service, there are a few basic checks you can do at home. This guide explains the most common reasons a gas stove burner will not ignite, what you can safely inspect, and when it is time to stop troubleshooting and call for professional help.

1. Check the Burner Cap and Burner Base

One of the most common reasons a stove burner will not light is poor burner alignment.

• Make sure the burner cap is seated correctly on the burner base
• Check for cracks or damage that may affect ignition
• Reassemble the parts carefully after cleaning

If the cap is not sitting properly, the gas flow and spark may not line up the way they should.

2. Clean the Burner Parts

Food spills, grease, and residue can block gas flow or interfere with ignition. Even a small amount of buildup can stop a burner from lighting properly.

• Remove the burner cap and base once the stove is cool
• Wash removable parts with warm, soapy water
• Dry everything fully before putting it back
• Clear clogged burner holes carefully without damaging them

If your stove burner clicks but does not light, cleaning is often one of the first things to try.

3. Inspect the Igniter

If you hear clicking but do not see a flame, the igniter may be dirty, weak, or failing.

• A dirty igniter tip may not spark properly
• A weak igniter may click without producing reliable ignition
• Moisture after cleaning can also temporarily affect ignition

You can gently clean the igniter area with a soft brush once the unit is off and cool. However, if the burner still does not light after cleaning and drying, the ignition system may need professional attention.

4. Confirm the Gas Supply Is Working

If the burner still does not light, check whether gas is reaching the appliance properly.

• Make sure the gas supply is turned on
• Check whether other burners are lighting normally
• If multiple burners are not working, the issue may be larger than one burner

If no burners are working or you suspect a gas supply issue, do not keep testing repeatedly.

5. Simple Stove Burner Troubleshooting Steps

If your stove burner won’t light, try these steps in order:

• Step 1: Turn the burner off and allow the stove to cool completely
• Step 2: Remove the burner cap and base
• Step 3: Clean the parts and clear any visible buildup
• Step 4: Dry all parts thoroughly
• Step 5: Reinstall the burner parts carefully and test again

If the burner still does not ignite after these steps, the issue may involve the igniter, switch, valve, or gas flow system.

When to Call a Professional for Stove Repair

If you have cleaned and realigned the burner parts but the stove burner still will not light, the problem may be more serious. Possible causes include a faulty spark igniter, ignition switch issue, gas valve problem, or another internal component failure.

You should book professional service if:

• the burner clicks repeatedly but does not ignite
• the igniter seems weak or inconsistent
• multiple burners are affected
• you smell gas
• the burner lights only sometimes
• cleaning does not solve the problem

If you smell gas, stop using the appliance and act cautiously. Gas-related problems should be handled properly and safely.

Need Stove Burner Repair?

If your stove burner will not light and basic cleaning does not solve the problem, EAS Repair & Installation provides dependable stove and oven repair across Toronto and the GTA.

EAS Repair & Installation
Phone: (866) 330-4644
Email: info@eastapplianceservice.com
Book Online: Contact Us

If your stove burner still will not light after basic troubleshooting, contact us today to schedule service.