If a gas cooktop burner won’t light, the cause is usually something simple: the burner cap is sitting crooked, the burner is still wet or clogged after cleaning, the igniter has no power, or the knob isn’t being held in long enough. A few safe checks will sort out most of these. If the burner clicks but never lights, or lights and then goes out, a part such as the igniter or the flame safety device may need replacing.
How a gas burner lights
Most modern cooktops have electronic ignition. When you push in and turn the knob, gas flows to the burner and a small igniter (a ceramic-coated electrode next to the burner) sparks. That is the clicking sound. The spark lights the gas as it comes out of the small holes around the burner head, called the burner ports.
Many cooktops also have a flame failure device, sometimes called a thermocouple. It is a small metal probe beside the flame that keeps the gas flowing only while it senses heat. If the flame goes out, it shuts the gas off. That’s why on many cooktops you need to hold the knob in for a few seconds after the burner lights.
Safe checks to do before you book a repair
These are things any householder can check without taking the cooktop apart or touching wiring or gas fittings. Make sure the cooktop is off and cool before you start.
- Check the other burners. If none of them will light, the problem is more likely the gas supply or the power to the ignition than a single burner. If only one burner is affected, focus on that burner.
- Listen for the click. No clicking at all usually means the ignition has no power. Check that the cooktop’s power point is switched on and that any isolation switch (a wall switch, often in a cupboard nearby) is on. Check your switchboard in case a safety switch has tripped. If the power is on and nothing clicks, book a technician.
- Reseat the burner cap and head. The round cap and the slotted burner head underneath must sit flat and in the right position. If they are slightly off after cleaning, the gas won’t reach the spark properly. Lift them off and put them back on, making sure they sit level.
- Let it dry. Water from a boil-over or from cleaning can stop the spark and leave the igniter clicking. Remove the cap and head, dry them thoroughly and leave the cooktop for a few hours before trying again.
- Clean the burner ports and the igniter. Food and grease can block the ports or coat the igniter tip. Clean the removable parts as your appliance manual describes. Wipe the igniter gently with a dry cloth or soft brush, without bending it or pressing hard.
- Hold the knob in for longer. On cooktops with a flame failure device, keep the knob pushed in for several seconds after the flame appears, then let go. How long varies, so check your appliance manual.
- If you use bottled gas (LPG), check the cylinder. A weak, low or yellow flame across all burners can mean the bottle is nearly empty.
Don’t try to light a gas burner with a match or lighter while it keeps failing to light, and don’t leave the gas turned on while you work out what’s wrong.
Burner clicks but won’t light
If you can hear clicking and smell no gas, and the checks above haven’t helped, the spark may be too weak or in the wrong place. A cracked igniter, a worn electrode, or a burner head that has warped over time can all stop the gas catching. If the burner still won’t light after you have reseated, dried and cleaned it, turn the knob off and book a repair. Don’t keep clicking it.
Burner lights but goes out when you let go of the knob
This usually points to the flame failure device. If holding the knob in for longer doesn’t help, the probe may be dirty, out of position or worn out, so it isn’t sensing the flame and it shuts the gas off. The device is a safety part, so it should be checked and replaced by a technician, never bypassed.
Igniter keeps clicking after the burner is lit
Clicking that won’t stop, even with the knobs off, is very often moisture getting into the ignition switches behind the knobs after cleaning or a spill. Turn the cooktop off at the power point or isolation switch and let it dry out for a day. If the clicking comes back once it’s dry, a switch or the spark module (the small unit that produces the spark) may have failed. That needs a technician, because the fix means removing panels and working on the wiring.
If you smell gas
A burner that won’t light can leave unburnt gas in the room. Gas has a smell added so you can detect it, a bit like rotten eggs. If you can smell gas:
- Turn the burner knobs off and stop using the cooktop.
- Don’t use lighters, matches or anything else that could cause a spark, and don’t flick switches on or off.
- Open doors and windows if it’s safe to do so.
- If the smell is strong, leave the building and call 000 from outside. For a suspected leak, call your gas distributor’s faults and emergencies line (for Jemena, 131 909).
The NSW Government’s gas safety page and Jemena’s gas safety advice have more detail. Never try to repair gas fittings or connections yourself.
Repair or replace the cooktop?
Igniters, flame failure devices, burner heads and ignition switches are replaceable parts, so a burner that won’t light rarely means you need a new cooktop. Part prices start from the figures on our price list, and any parts are quoted before fitting. If the cooktop is old, has several faults at once or parts are no longer available, replacing it may make more sense. The technician will confirm on the day. For more on what can go wrong, see our guide to gas cooktop repair.
Landlords and property managers can book for a tenanted property through our real estate agencies booking path. On the day, the technician calls whoever is at the property.
Gas Burner Won’t Light FAQs
Why does my gas burner click but not light?
The most common reasons are a burner cap that isn’t sitting flat, a wet or dirty burner after cleaning, or blocked burner ports. If reseating, drying and cleaning don’t fix it, the igniter or burner head may be worn and need replacing.
Can I light my gas cooktop with a match if the igniter isn’t working?
It’s best not to. The NSW Government’s gas safety advice says not to use lighters or matches to light gas appliances. Turn the burner off and work through the safe checks above. If it still won’t light, book a repair.
Why does my gas stove keep clicking after I clean it?
Water has most likely got into the ignition switches or around the igniter. Turn the cooktop off at the power and let it dry completely. If the clicking keeps happening once it’s dry, book a repair.
How much does a gas burner repair cost?
The call-out fee is capped at $140 + GST. Any parts are quoted before fitting. See our oven and stove repairs page for what’s covered.
We come to you across Greater Sydney and the Blue Mountains (see the areas we service). If your gas burner still won’t light, book a repair online or call (02) 9067 3131.