How to Fix a Gas Burner That Won’t Light, Step by Step Instructions
You can fix a gas burner that won’t light yourself in 15 to 30 minutes. Difficulty is easy. A pro charges a $100+ service call.
- 5 steps, 15 to 30 minutes, easy difficulty.
- Tools you need are soft brush or old toothbrush, sewing needle or paperclip, towel.
- Parts to buy are none for the cleaning fix. Spark electrode if cleaning fails.
- Unplug the machine before you start.
Burners off and cold before cleaning. If you ever smell gas without a flame, stop, ventilate, and shut the range’s gas valve.
Tools
- Soft brush or old toothbrush
- Sewing needle or paperclip
- Towel
Parts
- None for the cleaning fix. Spark electrode if cleaning fails
Step by step
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1 Strip and wash the burner
Remove the grate, burner cap, and burner head. Wash the cap and head in soapy water, scrubbing the flame ports.
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2 Clear each port
Push a needle or straightened paperclip through every clogged port, boil over residue plugs them invisibly. Don’t use a toothpick. Wood breaks off inside.
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3 Clean the igniter electrode
The little white ceramic post next to the burner. Brush it clean and dry. Grease film on the electrode kills the spark.
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4 Dry and reassemble exactly
Everything bone dry, then reseat the burner head and cap in their keyed positions, a crooked cap causes half lit, yellow flames.
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5 Test
It should click and light within 2 to 4 seconds with an even blue ring. Clicking with no spark at only this burner = replace that electrode. No clicking anywhere = spark module.
A burner that lights but burns yellow after a thorough clean, or a dead spark module, deserves a pro, yellow flames can produce carbon monoxide and modules involve range disassembly. If you'd rather skip it entirely, find a oven & range repair pro near you
Sources
Where the safety, regulatory and warranty claims on this page come from. Repair costs are our own figures based on Arizona market rates and OEM parts pricing.
- Carbon Monoxide Safety Guide U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Carbon monoxide risk from gas cooking and heating appliances.
Step by step instructions for your exact model
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