If one or more of the burners on your gas stove or cooktop will not light automatically, there may be a simple fix that will save you the time and expense of hiring a professional.
CAUTION: Always disconnect your stove or cooktop from its power source before troubleshooting any electrical issue.
- 1. Poorly grounded burner.A strong, white spark is needed to light the burners on your gas stove. Sometimes, this spark is weakened or unable to form due to corrosion or grease that accumulates between the cooktop, burner base, and burner cap. Unplug your stove or cooktop and remove the burner cap and burner base from the inoperative burner. Thoroughly clean these parts with warm soapy water and dry before reinstalling them on your cooktop.
- 2. Dirty or defective electrode.Beneath the outside edge of the burner cap, you should see a small, metal rod protruding from a ceramic base. This is the electrode that delivers the spark, and it must be clean and dry to work properly. The electrode can be gently cleaned with a small brush. If the electrode’s ceramic base is cracked, it should be replaced by a professional.
- 3. Improper electrical supply.Your stove or cooktop must be connected to a properly grounded and polarized electrical supply. Never use an extension cord. Make sure the appliance is plugged in and that the circuit breaker has not tripped. If you are having trouble with a new range or stove, it’s possible that the electrical outlet is wired improperly, and you may need to contact an electrician.
- 4. Internal failure.If your stove top still won’t light after these steps, it is likely that an internal component such as a spark module, control board, or ignition switch has failed. Replacement of these parts is best left to an authorized service company such as Michigan Appliance Repair.
If you have questions, or if these tips helped solve your problem, let us know in the comments below!