Stove clicking but not lighting

If your stove keeps clicking but doesn’t ignite, it’s usually a gas flow or ignition issue — not always a major failure. This guide walks you through simple, safe steps to rule out the easy causes before calling a professional.

These steps are written for homeowners — NOT technicians. If anything feels unsafe, stop immediately.
Check my stove issue (coming soon)

1. Quick safety scan (10–30 seconds)

Look, listen, and smell before touching anything.

  • Do you smell gas?
  • Any burning/melted plastic smell?
  • Any heat around control panel?
  • Burn marks near burners?
If you suspect a gas leak — STOP, turn off the gas supply if safe, open windows, leave the area, and call emergency services immediately.

2. Power & control checks

  • Make sure stove is firmly plugged in.
  • Confirm breaker is fully ON.
  • Turn unit OFF → wait 60 sec → turn ON again.
  • Check for Child Lock or Sabbath Mode.

3. Gas flow & burner checks

  • Make sure burner caps sit flat and correctly.
  • Clean burner holes gently using a toothbrush or soft wire.
  • Ensure no spilled liquid is blocking gas flow.
  • If recently cleaned — caps may not be aligned properly.

Helpful tools for stove ignition issues

  • Burner cleaning brush
  • Igniter replacement kit
  • Wire brush for clogged ports
  • Gas leak detector spray

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4. Igniter & thermocouple check

Many ignition issues come down to blocked igniters or poor grounding.

  • Look for visible spark when clicking.
  • Clean igniter tip with rubbing alcohol — cotton swab only.
  • Check for food residue or moisture around igniter.
  • Thermocouple might not be sensing heat → shuts gas off.

5. When to stop DIY & call a technician

  • No spark when clicking
  • Gas smell present
  • Burner lights briefly then shuts off
  • Breaker trips or surface overheats

Soon, FixifyHome will include a step-by-step diagnostic for stove ignition issues — like heat sensors, spark failure, gas flow, or airflow.

6. Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to keep clicking the igniter?
Not for long — repeated ignition without lighting can send gas into the air.

Can cleaning really fix this?
Yes — blocked igniters and misaligned burner caps cause many calls to technicians.

Will unplugging fix a clicking stove?
Sometimes it resets ignition, but if not — airflow or gas flow is likely involved.