Gas stoves are incredibly convenient—until they start acting up. One common issue many of us run into is a burner that just keeps clicking but won’t light. It’s frustrating, especially when dinner is waiting. We’ve seen this issue in homes all over Glendale, and it usually boils down to a few familiar culprits. In this post, we’ll walk through those causes, what they mean, and what we can do about them.
We’re not here to overwhelm anyone with jargon. Instead, we’re going to lay out what you need to know in simple terms, so you can either fix it yourself or know when to call in help.
How the Igniter Works
The clicking sound you hear comes from the igniter trying to spark. This is a rapid electrical discharge, designed to ignite the gas coming from the burner. If everything is working properly, the gas ignites almost instantly and the clicking stops. But when something interrupts this process, the igniter keeps trying to spark without ever catching the flame.
To clarify, that constant clicking is your stove’s way of saying something is off. The problem can be mechanical, electrical, or even as simple as moisture.
Common Reason #1: Moisture Around the Igniter
Let’s start with one of the most overlooked causes—moisture. After cleaning your stove or a pot boiling over, water can easily seep into the ignition system. This moisture interrupts the electric arc or causes the sensor to think ignition hasn’t occurred.
For instance, even just a damp cloth wiped across the surface can push moisture into the wrong place. As a result, the igniter keeps clicking even though no flame appears. In some cases, it will even click after the stove is turned off.
To solve this, we usually dry the burner area thoroughly. Paper towels work fine, but a gentle stream of warm air from a hair dryer on low can help speed things up. After that, give it a minute and try lighting again. If it stops clicking, you’ve found your issue.
Common Reason #2: Food or Grease Blocking the Ignition Ports
Gas burners are designed with small holes or channels where gas escapes and mixes with air before being ignited. If these holes are blocked, the gas doesn’t flow evenly. Consequently, the igniter may keep sparking without catching the gas.
Grease, crumbs, or even sauce spills can cause this kind of blockage. We often see this in households that cook frequently, especially with oil. Over time, residue builds up without anyone noticing.
To address it, remove the burner cap and gently clean the holes using a paperclip or a stiff brush. Avoid toothpicks, as they can snap off and cause more trouble. Once the debris is cleared, reassemble and test the burner again. For those in nearby areas, we offer targeted stove repair in Burbank that handles exactly this kind of buildup.
Common Reason #3: Loose or Misaligned Burner Cap
The burner cap must sit correctly on the base for the gas to distribute properly. If it’s out of alignment, the flame may not reach the igniter or the gas may not flow where it’s supposed to. In either case, the igniter will continue clicking without success.
This usually happens after cleaning, moving burner components for wiping, or shifting pans. The fix is easy but commonly overlooked—lift the cap and realign it so it fits snugly into place.
We always advise double-checking this before diving into more complex troubleshooting. It’s surprising how often we’ve found this to be the only cause after a quick home visit.
Common Reason #4: Defective Igniter or Spark Module
When the igniter itself is faulty, you’ll usually hear the clicking sound but never see a spark. This happens when the ceramic tip is cracked, burned, or simply worn out. Alternatively, if none of the burners spark at all, the issue may lie with the spark module—the component that sends electrical signals to the igniters.
In these cases, we test the igniter by turning off the lights and observing the spark at the burner. If there’s no visible spark, it may be time to replace the igniter or module. While it’s possible to replace these yourself, many homeowners prefer the experience of a certified appliance repair in Glendale for safety and reliability.
Common Reason #5: Power Supply or Electrical Issue
Gas stoves need electricity for the igniter to function. Therefore, if there’s no power, the igniter will not create a proper spark. In some cases, a tripped breaker, unplugged cord, or faulty outlet is the real cause behind the clicking issue.
To clarify, the igniter clicking without lighting doesn’t always mean the stove is entirely dead. The igniter could be receiving partial power or firing erratically due to weak voltage. That’s why we always suggest checking the outlet with another appliance first.
If your stove is hardwired, test the breaker and inspect nearby outlets. If everything else works but the stove still clicks continuously, then we might be dealing with an internal electrical fault. At that point, it’s safer to leave it to a professional.
What to Avoid When Troubleshooting
Most importantly, don’t spray water or cleaner directly into the burner base or igniter holes. Doing so can cause short circuits or trap moisture even further. Likewise, forcing sharp tools into ignition holes can crack internal parts.
If a burner doesn’t ignite after cleaning, give it some time. Rushing into repairs without drying things out properly might just complicate the issue. Above all, stay patient and keep safety in mind.
When It’s Time to Call for Help
If you’ve cleaned, dried, and realigned everything and the igniter still clicks with no result, there’s likely a deeper mechanical or electrical issue at play. That’s when calling in an experienced repair service makes sense.
At Quick & Pro Appliance Repair, we troubleshoot these problems quickly and help you get back to cooking without the guesswork. If you’re still stuck or need professional diagnostics, you can reach out through our contact page to book a reliable visit.
Preventive Tips to Avoid Future Clicking Issues
Once your igniter is working properly again, a few habits can help prevent this issue from returning.
Firstly, avoid letting water or oil spill onto the burners. If something does boil over, clean it up right away and dry thoroughly. In addition, perform occasional maintenance by lifting burner caps and checking for debris underneath. Similarly, wipe down the burner area gently after each use rather than soaking it during deep cleans.
Likewise, during winter months, moisture from high humidity or nearby windows can linger longer. In those cases, an extra drying step using warm airflow can go a long way.
Finally, if you ever move the stove for cleaning or renovations, double-check that power is restored and all parts are aligned afterward. Doing so helps prevent unintentional disconnections that often go unnoticed.
If you’re dealing with repeated ignition issues and want someone to take a closer look, the team behind appliance repair in Glendale can inspect your system thoroughly and offer safe, long-term fixes.
FAQ
Why does my gas stove keep clicking even after it’s off?
This usually means moisture is trapped in or around the igniter. Try drying the area completely and waiting an hour before turning the stove on again.
Is it safe to use a gas stove that keeps clicking?
If the clicking occurs without a gas smell, it’s not immediately dangerous, but it indicates something is wrong. If you smell gas, turn everything off and ventilate the room.
How do I know if my igniter is broken?
A broken igniter often produces clicking sounds with no visible spark. If cleaning and drying don’t help, and the spark is missing, the igniter may need replacement.
Can I fix a faulty igniter on my own?
Some homeowners replace igniters themselves, but this depends on your comfort level with appliances. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to call in a trained technician.
How much does gas stove igniter repair usually cost?
It depends on the part and labour involved. Costs can range from minor service fees to full part replacements, but early troubleshooting helps avoid bigger repairs.