Gas Burner Igniter Repair FAQs #2

Q&A on how to troubleshoot your gas cooktop or gas hob igniters Set #2

General Gas Burner Igniter Issues

Identify this white thing at my stovetop gas burner igniter

Hi. Can you tell me what the small piece of igniter is. See photo. On 2022-03-28 by Mercia -

by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - igniter identification

@Mercia,

The white ceramic with a vertical wire?

That is the actual igniter that generates the spark to ignition the gas burner.

The metal piece is the actual electrode that conducts current from the igniter module to the tip of the electrode where a spark is generated that leaps the gap between the wire and the metal edge of the gas burner in order to provide a point of ignition for the gas flame.

If you need to replace the igniter and/or its wire, just identify your gas cooktop brand and model: you'll usually find online vendors and it's a quick plug-in repair if you can get access below the cooktop.

Watch out: take care not to disturb any gas piping or connections, lest you cause a dangerous gas leak risking fire or explosion. So if you're not up for a careful igniter replacement get help from an appliance repair person.

 

How to fix igniters on GE ZGU36WK2WW Glass Stovetop Burners

I have a ge monogram model zgu36kwk2ww gas on glass stovetop. yesterday the igniters all stopped working ,none of the 5 igniters will click, gas definitely comes out but no clicking no ignition.

I tried to clean up each igniter and they don't look bad. is the fact that all igniters do not work lead to likely spark module problem. Or if one igniter is having a problem do they all shut down as I understand ge has all igniters spark when lighting a single igniter thanks for any inputs. On 2021-04-06 by Bob D

Reply by (mod) -

@Bob D,

Before digging into the stovetop to get at the module, check that electricity to the stove is on - check at its receptacle.

by Bob D

I should have included in my first post that I had been able to conform power at the wall plug and power at least up through the power cord where it enters the bottom of the unit.

I am wondering what components other than spark module might be the issue. I did make sure the igniters are clean but am unsure what role the switch beneath plays to create the spark or acts to prevent the spark if something not right?

by (mod) - Here are the most common gas stovetop igniter troubles

@Bob D,

Indeed the components include a switch or contact at the burner control knob.

A guess at probability of most common causes of stovetop igniter troubles

1. burner cap is askew

The No. 2 problem I find is wet wires between igniter and the spark module - it can take days for wetting from an overflowing pot of soup to dry out down in the stovetop.

No. 3 is probably a dirty food-contaminated igniter

No. 4 is probably a cracked igniter

On occasion the wires need replacement

On occasion the module itself has failed

On occasion there's a bad control contact ion the burner control knob/switch

How do I Diagnose & Fix One Gas Burner that Won't Ignite

Hello Moderator,

1 out of 4 burners is not showing spark.

All the others show the spark and are also lighting up.

On the big one that is not working I see a very very thin metallic wire visible outside of the burner.

Is that causing the problem?

Can it be fixed? Please see the image attached. - On 2020-12-17 by Shilg

Advanced repair tip - by (mod) - Swap a bad igniter wire or try a different igniter terminal on the igniter module?

I'm not sure what you're seeing, Shilg

But you could certainly try a diagnosis by swapping burner igniter wires with another burner that's working.

Let me know what happens.

by Shilg

In the video, do you see that very thin wire? Is that part of the ignition circuit from beneath?

by Shilg

@Mod

You can turn the image and see the wire to the igniter

by (mod) -

That wire looks like a DIY add-on not factory. If so this is not a new problem.

Drying out the wire got igniter working again.

@Shilg,
I dried the wire and that area with hair dryer may be because housekeeping lady sprayed something on it. Now it started working. Although still not sure what the that thin lead is wire is? On 2020-12-18 by Anonymous -

Oven glow plug glows but the burner won't ignite

gas cook stove oven glow plug on but burner wont ignite - On 2020-01-15 lleon tidwell

Where to find repair procedure, by (mod) -

Lleon

Check first that you have fuel - gas supply to your stove.

Our igniter diagnostics at GAS COOKTOP or STOVE IGNITER REPAIR are better than an off-the-cuff response. Please take a look and then don't hesitate to as specific follow-up questions and I'll be glad to reply.

I took the switch apart, bent an electrode and that fixed the igniter

It was my switch not working, when I connected the wire for the oven light to the igniter, the igniter worked. So I took the switch apart, bent an electrode, put it back together and all is well. On 2020-01-07 by Dan -

by (mod) - oven igniter fixed by bending electrode

Fantastic, Dan, that detail will certainly help other readers.

If you can post a photo of the switch and igniter (one photo per comment, multiple comments fine) that would be helpful.

Take care when bending an igniter, possibly fixing a problem by closing the gap between igniter wire and nearby burner surface - if there's a ceramic insulator you need to be careful not to crack or break it.

 

Fix one bad burner on Bosch Duel fuel stove. Model HDS752U/03

I have a Bosch Duel fuel stove. Model HDS752U/03

When i turn on one of the top burners the igniter does not activate , i.e. there is no spark anywhere.

When i turn on any other burner all four igniters activate.

I know that this stove all four igniters are suppose to activate when any burner is turned on.

I don't know if i should replace the igniter module or the problem would be just in the dial switch of that one burner.

how can i test that? On 2018-01-25 by vic san

by (mod) - one stovetop burner won't ignite - how to determine if the problem is the module, wire, or igniter or burner cap.

Vic

First be sure that the igniter and burner edge at the bad burner are clean and dry. Then if the burner will ignite you've solved the problem.

Next, check for a bad switch at that burner, or a bad wire between burner control and igniter module. A simple diagnostic that can rule in or out the igniter module is to switch the wire from a working burner over to the one that doesn't work.

If then the bad burner lights we know it's a bad wire or bad ignition module.

Then try switching wires, but keeping the proper connections between module and burner.

If the bad burner lights then we know the problem is just a bad wire, not a bad ignition module.

The final possibility is a bad switch in the control knob for the burner.

How do I recognize the igniter spark module on my stove?

igniter spark control module is the part with 4 -8 connectors to it or the small piece which attaches to the starter switch? On 2017-08-30 by schentow

by (mod) - what is the control module?

Sch

That sounds correct. Typically the controller is a solid block that contains electronic circuitry, connector numbers and identification markings, and wires to power and to the burners.

Bosch gas stove burner igniter fell down inside the stovetop: how do I fix it?

My sister has a Bosch gas stovetop. The center burner igniter has dropped down inside. How to fix? On 2017-04-16 by Fred

by (mod) - the Bosch igniter or a supporting collar for it is broken

Fred,

I suspect that the igniter or a supporting collar for it is broken; most-likely sister needs to pull out the Bosch gas stovetop installation and users' guide, and look near the back pages at part numbers, then give Bosch or a local Bosch supplier a call to obtain a replacement igniter.

Then it might be necessary to open the stovetop to fish out the dead igniter, run the wire up through the opening in the stovetop near the burner, then connect the wire to the new igniter and insert it in place. Exact procedures may differ depending on the stovetop model.

Stove Top And Burner Repair Questions

GE Stovetop Gas burner won't ignite unless I turn another burner valve to the "light" position

My GE stove has developed a problem where certain gas valves will not fire the igniters.

In order to light those burners I have to move another burner's valve to the light position to get all of the igniters to spark.

Does this indicate that the igniter switches are bad for those burners? On 2021-08-17 by Eric

Diagnosis by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - Gas burner on stovetop won't ignite

@Eric,

if I understand, you're changing the gas control knob assembly or valve, not the igniter.

That sounds like a gas clog in the control valve itself.

When a gas burner on a stovetop won't ignite, we can diagnose a bit more carefully to distinguish between a problem with the igniter itself, the igniter wiring, the control module that sends current to the igniter, and the burner control knob and valve assembly.

When you open or turn on the gas burner at its control knob, two things happen:

1. the valve opens to let gas flow to the burner

2. the valve makes an electrical connection to tell the burner control module to send current to the igniter.

Match or lighter test can tell us that there is gas flow to the burner

IF you see or hear the igniter sparking, but no gas is flowing to the burner then the problem is with the gas flow: possibly a clog in the gas valve or in the gas metering orifice for that burner.

That can happen if someone spills food onto the stovetop at the burner or near the control valve.

To test this I light a match or cigarette lighter and hold hit by the burner, then open the gas valve.

If the burner ignites, then there WAS GOOD GAS FLOW and the problem was the igniter.

If the burner doesn't ignite and you don't even see a disturbance of the match flame at the burner, and you don't smell gas coming out at the burner, then the problem is NO or WEAK GAS FLOW.

Watch out: don't leave a gas burner open without successful burner ignition or you risk a gas fire or explosion.

If you establish that there is good gas flow, then proceed with the gas burner igniter diagnostic steps

at GAS COOKTOP or STOVE IGNITER REPAIR

Can't lift off the gas burner head on a GE Profile built-in Gas Range

We have a GE Profile built in gas range. The front left burner head will not lift off of the surface for cleaning like the other burner heads can. On 2021-03-05 by Brad T

It cannot rotate due to the igniter underneath, but it appears to be positioned at a different angle that the others.

What is the correct alignment of the burner heads supposed to be? Is there anything different about the front left burner head that will release it when you need to remove it?

Repair Details by (mod) - lift-off GE Profile gas cooktop burners for cleaning?

@Brad T, I think the least ambiguous thing to do would be to get a hold of the owners and installation manual for this particular range top and look at the parts explosion.

I suspect that the part may be stuck in place by food spills but I don't know that for sure. I might try a bit of solvent like WD40, soaking, and gentle prying with a flat bladed putty knife AFTER confirming that your stovetop is one like that shown in our example: whose burners just lift up and off.

It could also have been installed in a cross threaded position. I don't know that either.

That's why we need to look at the parts explosion to see how it's assembled.

[Click to enlarge any image]

There are at least 250 different GE Gas range products, so you will need the exact model number of your GE Profile gas range to get the exactly correct installation and use/care manuals for your unit.

Below I provide two examples that may be helpful along with the GE manual download website.

GE GAS DOWNDRAFT COOKTOP OWNERS MANUAL [PDF] Profile Gas Range, built-in, Models PGP9830 & PGP989 (2015)

GE GAS DOWNDRAFT COOKTOP OWNERS MANUAL & INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS [PDF] Profile Gas Range, built-in, Models PGP9830 & PGP989 (2015)

See also the GE website for manual downloads, found at https://products.geappliances.com/

As you'll see in our sketch, excerpted from the instruction manual, GE says the burner head ought to lift straight off.

Diagnose shorting wires and module on Capital GCRS364q after mouse invasion

hi, first, thank you for the detailed igniter diagnostics. I have a Capital GCRS364q 4 burner slide in range.

I had to disassemble due to a mouse invasion. Working fine after reassembly for 2 weeks. 1st issue was throwing gfci intermittently. Thought I felt a shock when leaning over the stove to reset and plug back in.

It became a dead short, throwing gfci instantly. Suspected oven igniter and this unplugged igniter No longer threw breaker. Ordered a new one

Went back to using stove and in using range top, piezo igniters began clicking even after burner lit. I can turn burner all the way down and igniter will stop but otherwise clicks.

Found one igniter has weak spark. Cleaned but no better. Put electric tester on spark and burner ring to see if any continuity and got shocked and all 4 igniters clicked.

I didn't expect their to be current until I turned on the burner? Unplugged and looking inside control panel for burnt or loose wires but see none.

I did not remove the piezo igniters nor the touch the igniter module when dealing with the mouse but did replace all of the glowing igniters

Wondering how to go about diagnosing. Any help would be appreciated. On 2020-07-22 by Buddy Sharp

Diagnostic Suggestion by (mod) - Igniter wires short circuiting after mouse chewed on them?

Thank you for an interesting and helpful diagnostic question about igniter wiring short-circuiting.

I suspect that somewhere in your stovetop one of the wires between the igniter and the control module is shorted either to another wire or to a metal ground in the appliance itself.

That would require disassembling the stovetop sufficiently to examine all of the wires. I seen a similar problem when the wires were wet. Maybe your igniter wires are Mouse chewed.

by Buddy

thank you. In reading through your diagnostic discussions, I came across the reversed polarity issue.

I got my tester and found the wall outlet polarity is reversed. I hooked the stove via extension cord to another outlet ( after checking to ensure correct polarity in the outlet) and now the igniter works fine.

I will do further testing but suspect the outlet is wired incorrectly.

I still have a weak igniter on one of the burners and will address that in turn.

Reply by (mod) -

I'm so glad you found the igniter reverse polarity problem.

Was the stove igniter system working previously?

by Buddy

Still having trouble. igniters were an issue from the alternative plug I used - it was reversed. no clue why the initial gfci tripping and breaker tripped. changed out the glow igniter, fiddled with wiring, etc. but no obvious issues. working well now. time will tell.

Reply by (mod) -

Thanks for the follow-up, Buddy that may help other readers. Keep me posted.

Luckily the total number of components isn't great: igniter, connector, wire, module, wire, burner control switch.

The no. 1 problem is wet wire or dirty burner edges that prevent good electrical sparking. But as you've found there can be more subtle problems that keep an igniter from working properly.

Thanks for the discussion.

Where do I find the year and model number of my stove - to order parts?

Can you tell me what's the year and model number of this stove, I need to find a valve, thank you On 2021-06-28 by juan camargo

Answer by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@juan camargo,

See if you can find a data plate - usually on the side of an oven door opening or inside of a countertop drop in range etc.

Help with KitchenAid gas cooktop Model # KGCT365X assembly and repair - need parts diagrams

We have a KitchenAid gas cooktop. Model # KGCT365X. The igniter comes on randomly, even when it is not being used. I have the manuals, they are of no use.

We need a parts blow up, or a detailed description of how to dismantle, and diagnose, the repair. Thank you. On 2020-03-02 by Thomas Graham

Solution by (mod) - here are parts explosions and guides for KitchenAid cooktops

I will post a several KitchenAid cooktop burner, grate, gas valve and control parts explosions adapted from old manuals at sears parts.com

by (mod): follow the igniter wires to the module

Thomas: you need to follow the igniter wires to the igniter module.

If cleaning up connections or replacing igniters doesn't work you may need to replace the control module or the switch in the burner control.

Here is the third illustration for your KitchenAid gas cooktop Model # KGCT365X

On 2020-03-02 by Anonymous - KitchenAid cooktop parts guide

Here is another parts explosion for your cooktop

SMEG PGA96 gas cooktop Hob igniter repair procedure

We have a SMEG PGA96 gas cooktop - we have a problem where the igniter continues to flicker when power is turned on at power source On 2020-02-23 by PAUL -

by (mod) - SMEG Repair Manual & articles for you

GAS COOKTOP or STOVE IGNITER REPAIR and the other articles in this series give a number of diagnostic steps that you'll want to look at.

Most common for the problem you describe would be debris or crud on the igniter or on the edge of the burner to which the igniter is sending a spark.

Also check your wiring connections and the condition of the wire itself. That is the wire between the igniter in the control unit.

If you don't have it here is an installation, use, and troubleshooting manual

• SMEG PGA96 GAS COOKTOP INSTALLATION & REPAIR MANUAL [PDF] Smeg Australia Pty Ltd, ABN 33 146 901 082, Head Office 2 - 8 Baker St, Banksmeadow, NSW 2019 Australia, Fax +61 2 8667 4800 Email: info@smeg.com.au retrieved 2020/05/25 original source: https://www.smeg.com.au/smeg_au/docs/user_manuals/PGA96.pdf

Can't take apart my stovetop burner - parts are stuck

The burner parts appear to be just stuck together.

I have never been inside the cooktop, so I don't know how strong things are inside, and am afraid to pull too hard.

Can you shed any light on that? Ideas to get them to separate? On 2020-01-17 by Lewis

Reply by (mod) -

Lewis

I would go ahead and remove the recalcitrant retaining nuts; always it's best to use minimum force, I agree. But if the appliance must be opened for repair you're stuck with having to proceed.

If you can get a bite on the retaining nut with a nut driver use that; in a pinch I've used larger tools and for rounded or corroded fittings even a small Vise grip pliers.

Attach a photo if you can so that I can see the exact details of your cooktop situation and which retaining nuts are giving trouble.

On the cooktop described here I found that dissimilar metals often led to corrosion and difficulty in later dis-assembly of parts.

I also found it easy to strip the brass nuts that secure the burner assembly in place - those we simply replaced.

by (mod) - tips for removing a stuck- gas burner

Sometimes food spills over the life of a range top combined with heat can form a virtual glue that sticks that burner assembly to the steel base of the range top. I would try a little squirt of liquid wrench around the edge of the burner assembly and then give it 10 minutes to half an hour to soak in

I might then try prying very gently with, I hate to say this, but maybe a blunt table knife or something that's least likely to scratch or chip either surface. Work gently.

What's the electrical wiring to a gas cooktop

Under our gas cooktop there are 2 four outlet electric boxes. Constant clicking on 4 of our 6 burners led us to but a new cooktop.

Older cooktop had 3 sections with 3 separate gas lines and 3 electric plugs... 2 electric plugs went into one box and 1 plug into the other box.

Our new cooktop has 1 gas connection and 1 plug. When turned on 1 electric box caused continued clicking and switching to the other box was fine.

We have a warmer that is plugged into the box that causes clicking and I don't know if it is safe to use the warmer On 2019-11-28 by Peter Sullivan

by (mod) -

Peter

I'm worried that you have unsafe electrical wiring in the form of a loose or improper connection .

You'll be a lot safer to have an electrician sort out that wiring.

Most likely will end up connecting your new ranged up to working circuit and the other would simply be removed or Switched Off.

I can't open my KitchenAid glass stovetop to repair the igniter

Can't open my Kitchen Aid gas glass stovetop to repair the igniter - On 2018-05-19 by Sue

by (mod) - how to open Kitchen Aid glass stovetop to repair igniter

Sue

Look at the stove top from underneath. There are probably hold down clamps that need to be loosened and removed.

And if the glass top was glued to the countertop you'll need to cut that with a utility knife/

Unfortunately if that area is blocked by built-in oven that will have to come out first.

Be careful. If you're not trained to do work on gas appliances and you make a mistake you could burn down the house or blow it up.

GE Gas stove burners work but not the oven. Is there more than one igniter?

Ge gas stove top burners work !! Oven won't heat

Top burners working oven not starting can't smell gas ? is there more than one igniter ? On 2018-01-26 by Confused

by (mod) - oven uses a separate igniter from the stovetop burners

Conf

Usually the oven burner is by separate control from the stovetop burners, perhaps a pilot? I am flying too blind here to be able to offer much more detailed diagnosis than to say if after confirming that the igniter wire is not wet or damaged you may need to replace the oven igniter itself.

An example shown here is the WB2X9154 Oven Igniter for GE ovens, also for Hotpoint, RCA and other brands; this oven igniter sold at snap.parts and other appliance parts providers.

Watch out: igniters may look identical but not really be substitutable; for example a similar looking GE part number is GE WB13K21.

Have To Light Burners Manually

GE Cooktop Doesn't Click & I Have to Light Burners Manually

Only 1 of 4 pilots of GE cooktop doesn't make clicking and have to use a lighter to start. Already changed the igniter. How to identify the problem and fix it? On 2020-10-08 by JC

Diagnostic Steps by (mod) -

2 simple diagnostic steps may help you

1st swap the wire with that for another igniter reconnecting between the igniter and the Control module

2ndTry connecting the igniter to a different port on the control module

Stovetop burner igniter started work again after I lit the burner with a match.

I wanted to share my very simple fix for a single cooktop burner that wouldn't light. My large burner was very finicky so, rather than trying to fix it, I used the other burners.

Lately I've had need of the large one so started reading posts.

I cleaned the ceramic igniter and the burner covers but no luck.

It seemed that the igniter was out of sync with the gas and would shut off before the gas could flow sufficiently.

I decided to use a match to light the burner rather than relying on the igniter.

When I did this, I heard burbling and hissing sounds so I left the burner on until it stopped. I tried using the igniter again and it worked intermittently so I repeated the process a couple of times, letting the burner run for a couple of minutes each time.

Voila! The burner works perfectly. It seems that lack of use allows crud to collect in places we can't see or reach. The fix for me seemed to be to burn it off. I know this won't work for everyone but it's certainly worth a try. On 2021-01-01 by Julius

Repair explanation by (mod) - lighting with a match is often a simple fix for a single cooktop burner that won't light

good going, Julius and thank you for this tip that will help other readers get past a misbehaving gas burner igniter.

Do you think perhaps there was liquid that had spilled into the burner?

Often, especially after cleaning a gas burner stovetop or after a spill we can fix a burner that won't ignite by lighting it with a match or cigarette lighter, then letting the burner remain on for a few minutes while it heats up and dries out thoroughly.

If that fix does NOT work then we suspect that a spill has wet the igniter wires under the stovetop - which, if we don't disassemble the stovetop to get access - can take several days to dry out.

How to Diagnose & Fix Occasional igniter failure on Kitchenaid stovetop KGCT305EWH0

I have a Kitchenaid stovetop KGCT305EWH0. Sometimes all the units spark and it might work for a week, then they all stop. A week later, they might start again. I've cleaned the igniters with some abrasive paper and the caps underneath with some green abrasive plastic pad (don't remember what you call that).

But that doesn't help. Does the igniter module fail in this way and by that I mean intermittently?

For now we just use a propane lighter when we need to operate it, but it is a nuisance. If the igniter module needs replacing, then I have to try to pry the adhesive from the underneath of the glass and I'm afraid I would break it and I think there is NO replacement of the white glass. What do you think? On 2021-08-01 by Mark

Suggestion by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - For now we just use a propane lighter to light our gas stove burners

@Mark,

I'm not sure exactly how your stove top is installed, but I have successfully removed glass drop in range tops by cutting carefully with a single edge razor blade to remove the sealant.

If necessary you can even carefully Slide the razor blade under the edge of the glass. Just don't lift up or pry before you've cut everything.

by Mark

@inspectapedia.com.moderator, Also, is the KitchenAid spark module WPW10110491, the same as the GE WB13T10046?

They certainly LOOK the same.

Thanks for those tips on getting the top off the counter. I presume one turns off the electric and gas first, but what about the gas connection?

It looks like a pipe comes from below the cabinet and then there is a flexible metal "pipe" that goes up to the stovetop.

Should it be disconnected at the pipe or at the stove? What about the intermittent nature of the igniters not working? Is that a normal failure symptom?

Repair suggestion & contact information for KitchenAid by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Mark,

Usually the intermittent sparking problem you cite is caused by one of the problems in our diagnostic list at GAS COOKTOP or STOVE IGNITER REPAIR - so I hope you'll give that a try.

Particularly, before you replace the module or igniters, look for a bad igniter-to-wire-to-module connection or for a wet wire that's shorting out down in the stovetop.

If the connections are the same they may well be interchangeable but to be clear I don't know that for a fact;

If you want to check with KitchenAid, there will be a telephone number in your IO manual for our Kitchenaid stovetop, or

CALL

1 (800) 422-1230

Hours of Operation

Mon–Tue: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. EST, Wed–Fri: 9 a.m.–7 p.m. EST

MAIL

KitchenAid

ATTN: Correspondence Team

553 Benson Road

Benton Harbor, MI 49022

by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Mark,

I mention it because quite often I've found that a pot overflow or too much liquid during stovetop cleaning can wet the igniter wires and cause shorting inside the stovetop -

I agree that you want to be cautious taking apart an old stovetop - corroded parts break or threads get stripped, etc.

by Mark

@inspectapedia.com.moderator, Yeah, I read all that and only didn't check the wires because I have to get into where the wires are and I've been afraid to try that so far. Thanks for the other information.

by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - Intermittent ignition

@Mark,

Can't say it always happens on every stovetop
and
Don't mean to say it's always "damage" that's lasting

but IF the igniter wires run along the bottom of the same pan that catches spills and overflows then they may get wet - and work oddly until they dry out again;

This isn't the only source of gas stove igniter problems - as you can read in the article, but it's the most common.

by Mark

@inspectapedia.com.moderator, My wife [says our gas stove] HAS had an overflow or 2 in the 24 years we've had this.

But I didn't think enough was even able to get inside to do any damage.

Signs Of Wet Igniters Or Igniter Wires

Igniters clicked, wouldn't light burner after a pot of water boiled over on my stovetop

Pot of water boiled over; next time I tried to ignite burner, I had no flame. After reading the above and checking for issues above the stove top housing,

I opened the stove top but the igniter wire seemed dry. I used a hair dryer on low and blew them off anyway. This worked. On 2020-02-24 by Anonymous

by (mod) - wet wires caused igniter failure - fixed using a hair dryer

Anon

Thank you for posting your successful experience drying off the igniter wires.

It's a good case proving that a wet wire that is shorting out may be a bit subtle.

Sometimes giving time for wires to dry or mopping up a spill and then drying out the appliance diagnoses and fixes the issue.

 

How long to wait for stovetop spills to dry out when igniters stop working

I spilled some water accidentally and since then my igniter has been sparking .

I switched off the supply and let it dry . However its been almost 2 hrs I cleaned and let it dry, as soon as i switch on the power supply the clicking has not stopped. Should I wait longer or call someone to have a check? On 2019-10-31 by Jash

Reply by (mod) -

Jash

You can probably wait longer. In fact depending on the volume of water that you spilled it could be a day or more. And if a lot of water spilled down inside the stovetop it could take several days.

I suspect that water has entered the stove top interior and is shorting a wire.

It may be that if you can manually light a couple of burners and let them run for a bit you will heat up the stove top of that might speed the dry out.

Sometimes using a hair blow dryer can speed the wire dryout and get your stovetop igniters working again.

Viking gas range igniters won't work on some burners - signs of wet igniters or igniter wires

I have an older Viking 6 burners gas range. Normally each burner sparks and ignites on its own.

However recently when I turn one burner on it sparks and ignites just fine but a second burner starts to spark.

Even when I then turn the knob for that second burner and it ignites, the sparking continues until I turn off the first burner.

This situation is consistent with 2 pairs of burners. Thanks in advance for any advice. - On 2019-09-08 by Aaron

by (mod) - signs of wet stove burner igniter wires

Aaron

The most likely cause of the problem you described are either shorted igniter wires or wires that are lying in wet from a spill through the stove top.

Will my stovetop igniters dry out and work again after a spill?

I spilled water on my gas range w/ pilotless spark plugs. The plugs don't click and ignite stove. Will they dry out and function? On 2018-06-17 by Michael

Answer by (mod) - Yes, but just how long to dry out the wires or parts can vary - Here's a tip to speed up a wet igniter dryout

Normally yes but if you spilled a lot of water and it's inside of the stove top soaking the wires it may take some time

If the problem is a wet igniter or gas burner, often we can fix the problem by using a match or lighter to igniter the burner.

Light the lighter and hold it by the gas burner, then turn on the gas.

If the burner ignites promptly, leave it on for three or four minute to let its heat dry out the local parts.

Watch out: If the burner does not ignite do not keep the gas on or you risk a dangerous explosion.

Other Safety Issues

Hard to light, sometimes exploding wok burner on Delonghi gas cooktop

I am having problems with the wok burner of my Delonghi DEGH90BG. It either will not ignite or explodes.

No issues with other 4 burners.

Your help would be greatly appreciated. On 2020-09-04 by Amanda Kirby

Safety Warning by (mod) -

Amanda:

Watch out: That sounds like a delayed ignition that's firing off a bolus of gas around the burner - which is dangerous, risking fire or injury.

Try cleaning the igniter, burner edge, and orifices in the burner cap.

Also be absolutely certain that the burner cap is set properly and isn't loose or askew.

Is it Safe to leave the gas ON if the igniter switch won't work and & I turn off electrical power?

Is it safe to leave gas on if igniter switch goes out and I’ve turned off electrical power to stove top ? On 2021-03-18 by Maria

Safety Warnings by (mod) - dangers of gas stove when igniters don't work or electrical power is off

As long as all of the burners and oven controls on your gas stove are in the OFF position, there should be no gas leakage into your home - (presuming the gas piping, controls, etc. are not damaged, were properly installed, etc).

But

Watch out: if someone who doesn't understand that the igniters are not working or are OFF and who doesn't know that they need to use a handheld spark igniter or a match to turn on a burner turns on the gas to any of the burners or the oven, there is risk of a gas explosion.

So if anyone other than you (who knows the danger) might be operating the stove without your supervision, it would be safer to turn off its gas supply.

Whirlpool Gas Range Turns On Accidentally

We have a new Whirlpool gas range. If I lean against the front of the range to reach something in the cabinet above I have accidentally turned the range top knot resulting in gas release but no igniter activity.

Everything works fine if I advance the knob slightly more or actively turn it on.

We had a case where this happened and we could smell the gas so I am sure it can happen again. Is there a way to better coordinate the igniter to the knob or an alternative solution? - On 2020-10-17 by Matthew

by (mod) - Safety Repair for Whirlpool gas range that turn on accidentally

Matthew

Thank you for pointing out what sure sounds like a safety hazard with some gas range controls.

A related hazard is front-mounted gas appliance controls that can be turned-on by curious children like my own (were when they were small).

I don't have an attractive solution; you might consider retrofitting a control guard bar or similar protection.

This

WHIRLPOOL GAS RANGE OWNERS MANUAL [PDF]

states that the controls [or at least some of them] are or can be locked against accidental turn-on, so you might want to contact the company to see what they have to say about the hazard you have discovered.

"Control Lock

The Control Lock shuts down the control panel pads to prevent unintended use of the oven.
When the control is locked, only the ACCUSIMMER, CLOCK SET, OVEN LIGHT (on some models) and TIMER pads will function.

To Lock/Unlock Control: Before locking, make sure the oven and Timer are off.

Press and hold START for 5 seconds. A single tone will sound, and “Loc” will appear on the display.

Repeat to unlock. “Loc” will disappear from the display." - p. 9

Is my gas stove unsafe if an igniter has broken off?

Can there be a gas leak if one of the starters breaks off on the stove - On 2018-01-29 by Debbie

by (mod) - Yes, possibly: risk of gas explosion hazard if stove burner igniter is broken

certainly, if someone turns on the burner for which the igniter is broken, that can be a dangerous condition that could even lead to an explosion

Miscellaneous Issues

Thermador Gas Top Range loud buzzing

My cooker is a Thermadore gas top range. I've had someone to look at it they ordered a part; when installed it immediately made a loud buzzing noise so he said he was afraid to go any further and I needed a licensed electrical tech to solve the problem

For a while it had the clicking problem that is described in the trouble shooting text can you help me ?

I forgot to tell you that two burners are totally out of service and two still work the grill and the griddle still work thanks mike On 2020-05-18 by mike patrick -

by (mod) - FIx for Buzzing gas top range

Mike:

1. Watch out: for safety turn power off to the gas range top right away

2. if the buzzing is really coming from the range top, then your experienced appliance repair person or electrician will look for an electrical problem such as

- a shorted or damaged electrical wire

- a failing control module in the range top

- a bad electrical connection

Gas leaks out of stovetop burners

I have a gas stove. I have the top burners leaking gas out of them. Right not I had the gas company to turn them off. On 2020-06-15 by Thelma Gonzales

by (mod) - gas leak at burners?

Sra Thrlma

Watch out: If the gas was leaking at your stove burners when the gas control knob for those burners or for each of them that is was turns to the off position then the controls are defective, unsafe, and need to be replaced.

If the gas leak was occurring only when the control knob was in on position but the burner was not igniting that sounds to me like an ignition problem that could be a bad igniter or simply a burner cap that was asked you.

So before thinking about a course of action we need to understand where the problem lies. In the meantime it's correct to leave the stove off because you don't want to risk a fire or explosion.

Harper-Wyman Model 6513 Gas Stove Igniter Fails when Hot

I have gas stove top and replaced a failed igniter module. Now, one of the igniters sparks randomly. I've determined one cause is warming of the spark module so a hot oven causes a lot more random sparks.

I laid a heating pad (non electric) on the module and within seconds it caused the random sparks to start "firing" off. When it cooled it stops... almost.

I've swapped the wires between sides at the module and that seems to isolate the problem to a single burner (side) which suggest the wire from spark module to sparker is the problem but why does heat at the module located under the oven cause the random sparking?

BTW, it works as it should otherwise. Module is Harper-Wyman Model 6513. thanks. On 2020-12-16 by Stuart

by (mod) - heat causing random sparking of one stovetop igniter

Stuart

Thank you for that helpful and interesting random stove igniter sparking report.

If that were my diagnostic project I might try replacing the igniter wire itself, to test the hypothesis that temperature is affecting its insulating or connection properties.

Viking VGSC306-4BSS 4-burner 30" range/oven burner won't ignite

I have a Viking VGSC306-4BSS 4-burner 30" range/oven combo [see photo above].

When the oven is off, each top burner can be started (good spark, rapid ignition) and operated independently, and they do not cut out.

However, when the oven is operating and is heated up (> 400 degrees?)

No top burner that is not *already* burning can be turned on (i.e. no spark, no click).

Turning off the oven and waiting a while fixes this symptom. In what ways could the state of the oven affect stovetop spark control logic?

Could it be insufficient gas pressure? I believe the supply line is 1/2". Any ideas? On 2018-11-24 by John C

by (mod) - Viking VGSC306-4BSS 4-burner 30" range/oven combo igniter trouble

John,

I'm only speculating but it occurs to me that if you have an igniter module that is failing the temperature could be pushing it over the edge.

I don't think there's a relationship between gas flow or pressure and whether or not the igniter tries to make an ignition spark.

If you don't already have the manual for your Viking gas range you can download a PDF copy free

at GAS COOKTOP RANGE & OVEN REPAIR & MANUALS

Photo: a Viking VGSC306-4BSS 4-burner 30" range/oven combo discussed with reader John.

Our Maytag gas range front left burner igniter clicks when the oven gets hot

We have a Maytag gas oven with four gas burners on top.

When the oven is on at 400 degrees the front left burner on top starts clicking even though the burner is off. Once it cools down it stops clicking.

What do you suggest we do? Maytag burner clicks when burner control is OFF On 2017-11-30 by Anonymous

Suggestions by (mod) -

I apologize that this probably sounds too basic but I would start by cleaning the edge of the burner near the igniter carefully.

The problem may be the burner control switch (at the burner knob) itself.

But also I would inspect the ceramic around the igniter for cracks which might represent a short.

If you don't see anything there, I would open the stove top and follow the wiring to see if one of the wires to the igniter is damaged or shorting possibly in response to temperature.

You could then try replacing the igniter in this wire between the igniter and the control module. That doesn't fix the trouble I'm afraid the problem is probably right in the control module itself

Will turning the gas supply off and back on damage an igniter on my stove?

Can turning off the gas supply and then turning it back on in a short period of time cause the stove igniter to break? On 2020-01-17 by Viola

by (mod) - Unlikely

No, not in any way that occurs to me off-hand. I suppose there could be some subtle additional event associated with turning the gas off and back on - but not the event itself.

IKEA gas hob top has to be pressed to create spark - replace the switch?

I have an IKEA gas hob top with a separate ignition switch that has to be pressed down to create the spark.

The switch is missing and i thought I could just order a new switch ? but the two wires that are there show no voltage and are open circuit....should they show a voltage ?

Or is this not simply a question of replacing the switch? On 2017-11-06 by Simon m

by (mod) - is this a piezoelectric ignition system?

Simon,

I don't understand what gas Appliance you have installed, but it's possible that you're describing a piezoelectric ignition system in which pushing the button is actually what is creating the electrical current or spark at your igniter.

And that case you would not normally find voltage on those wires except at the moment that the switch is depressed

 

After a lightning strike our igniter module sparks multiple burners

I haven't seen this problem covered yet. The igniter for the left front burner does not work, but the igniter for the right front burner triggers the igniter on the left front burner, as well as the right front burner.

This started happening soon after a lightening strike outside that did some damage to my stereo.

Is there any other remedy for this than replacing the control module? Is it dangerous if we don't fix it? After all, you can still light the burner, if you know the trick. On 2017-10-14 by David Thomason

by (mod) - right hand igniter lights left hand gas burner

David

Many stovetops share a common igniter module and spark all igniters at once - lighting just the burner whose gas valve is open.

But if you suspect a lightning strike it's possible that a power surge damaged the igniter module.

I also check for wires shorted together or sitting in wet material under the stovetop.

I would also check that nobody has swapped wire connections to igniters - that would make control X igniter burner Y

Watch out: The danger is cross-ignition: a bad igniter isn't working and the burner ignites when the bolus of gas accumulated in the stovetop is so big that it's lit from a nearby igniter- risking blowing a pot off the stove or burning your eyebrows

None of the new JennAir gas range igniters work

I just plugged in my JennAir 6 burner range / oven after it was shipped. The convection fan works. The inside light works. But NONE of the igniters will even spark. I’ve got a new tank of propane.

I refuse to believe all 6 igniters went bad at the same time. Any help is appreciated. On 2023-07-25 by Allen Jacobs -

by InspectApedia Publisher - all 6 burners don't work on my new Jennair range

@Allen Jacobs

I agree that it would be odd ( not impossible ) for all 6 individual igniters themselves to "go bad" all at once, but there are other snafus that could explain why none of your igniters work, something as simple as a wiring error or a connector that came loose at the igniter module: if the module isn't getting power then none of the igniters would work.

Similarly, IF your new JennAir range installation and wiring do not include a ground connection at the wall receptacle or if that receptacle ground is missing or defective, then other stove features like a light or fan would work (they don't use the ground conductor) but the igniters would not work because they require a good ground.

I'd start by checking the wiring grounding.

Also consider that if you were having igniter trouble and bought all new igniters and that made no difference, the problem could be at the igniter module itself. I'd replace that part.

Other diagnostic basics:

• Is the electrical power supply to your stove live?
• Is the stove electrical connection wired as shown in the stove's installation manual?

None of the electrodes at the gas stove burners ignite - swap out the spark module?

Problem statement: all 3 electrodes (burner) won’t arc so I isolated the problem to common components, battery, battery holder, wiring of battery holder to spark module, spark module itself.

I will try to isolate further using a multimeter and work on the “easier” failure modes above

. In the event the spark module is indeed the culprit, could I swap out the spark module for a different module that could accept 1.5V input voltage and support 3 burners?

I did a quick examination of the spark module, appeared to be sealed with no model name or number to be helpful. On 2023-08-28 by Eric -

by InspectApedia Publisher - Check the diagnostics given here before ordering new igniters, wires, or igniter module

@Eric,

Before ordering replacement parts for the stove igniter system I'd be sure to step through the diagnostics given on the page above. It will be disappointing if you order costly replacement parts like the igniter module only to discover wet wires or food-fouled igniters.

Gas stove burner ignitor won't stop clicking - ok to use a lighter or match?

Ignitor wont stop clicking - stops when power is turned off and seems that power is only used for the ignitor - can gas cooker top be safely used without power and burners lit by lighter ? On 2023-07-28 by DAve -

by InspectApedia Publisher - can you ignite a gas stove burner with a match or lighter?

@DAve,

Yes, you can ignite a gas stove burner with a match or lighter.

Watch out: however, when burner igniters are not working, that no one leaves a gas burner "on" but un-lit as that has the obvious risk of a fire or explosion.

Read the article above on this page for gas burner igniter diagnosis and repair step by step procedures and let me know how that works for you or ask what questions arise.

by DAve

@InspectApedia Publisher, So the power is only used for the ignition and has no other purpose - think the ignitors are broken so can turn off power and just use a lighter with no other impacts - grateful for confirmation, thanks

by InspectApedia Publisher

@DAve,

No I didn't mean to suggest that. Depending on the appliance particulars, electrical power to your stove may also be used for other features; for example if there is an oven included that uses electric burners or if there is a clock display

Gas burner igniters stop working when the stove top is hot

I get Spark and everything seems fine on my stove top but when I turn on the oven to 400° or higher I stop getting any spark on the stove top.

When the oven cools down the Sparks come back to the stove top. Any suggestions on how to stop this from happening? On 2023-07-01 by Dane A Slinkard -

by InspectApedia Publisher - when I turn on the oven to 400° or higher I stop getting any spark on the stove top

@Dane A Slinkard, I would check out two things first One is you may have a wire or connector that's getting hot and the connection opens when it's under heat.

The other is that you could have a failing igniter module that fails to work when it gets hot.

The first thing to do is to check the condition of the wires and connections as those are the least expensive parts.

Gas burner igniters keep sparking after they are lit

I have an Older GE Monogram model # ZDP48N6dwss. Why do two of the four keep sparking after they are lit? All four come from same module. On 2023-05-20 by Don Morris -

by InspectApedia Publisher - why do two of the four burners keep sparking after they are lit?

@Don Morris,

Usually that's a dirty burner or igniter not sensing the flame, or on occasion wet igniter wires.

If you switch wires and igniters with the other burners, what happens?

KitchenAid stove gas flows before the igniters start up

I have a KitchenAid downdraft stove with gas top and electric oven. I have what I consider to be an unsafe condition but I cannt seem to get acknowledgement of this from the retailer or the manufacturer. Also I cannot find any information on line dealing with this subject.

The problem is that on all four knobs, the gas starts flowing before the igniters come on. This means that it is possible to accidentally bump into one of the knobs and inadvertently start the gas flowing without being aware. This has happened twice.

Is there anyway we can get the igniter to come on before the gas flows? On 2023-03-26 by Ned -

by InspectApedia Editor - the gas starts flowing before the igniters come on

@Ned,

What is the model and what is the age of your KitchenAid stove? We want to look at its operation manual.

What you describe might be a deliberate design by the manufacturer, PROVIDED that the igniters operate automatically whenever a gas range top control is opened to start gas flow.

What I [DF] agree would be a hazard would be a situation in which a gas burner control could be turned on, even wide open, and left that way with no automatic gas burner igniter in operation.

Keep in mind that it's probably not possible to manufacture and sell a gas range or stove top at a price point that's acceptable to consumers, and that has provision for every imaginable snafu or unsafe condition.

For example even on a gas cooktop that uses a fully-automatic igniter that begins to spark whenever a burner's gas valve is open, if the igniter fails to work - perhaps due to a food spill - the gas will continue to flow. The cooktop design and its manufacturer are relying on the consumer to pay attention and act accordingly.

About your worry that it's possible to accidentally "bump one of the gas cooktop knobs and start gas flowing without being aware" - is that actually possible on your cooktop? Usually for the type of cooktop that you describe, one has to both push-in and then turn the knob to open the gas flow.

That combination of movements was intended to avoid the "bump-turn-on" problem.

 

Dacor SGM304 (LP) has an ignition problem at one burner

On a Dacor SGM304 (LP), ONLY one burner has an ignition problem...

(1) Turn on (bad) burner's valve, gas flows, no spark.

(2) While problem burner valve is still open, turn on another burner; ALL burner's spark (per design), and both bad burner (1) and good burner (2) ignite.

(3) Extinguish bad (1) burner's flame with gas valve still open and gas flowing, no spark to reignite.

(4) Extinguish good (2) burner's flame in the same way, spark immediately reignites good burner. On 2023-01-20 by Kevin -

by InspectApedia Publisher - Dacor SGM304 (LP) has an ignition problem

@Kevin,

The 1st thing I would try is cleaning everything around that bad burner thoroughly including the igniter and the surface to which the igniter tries to send a spark. The 2nd thing might be to swap wires with one of the other ignitors. But I suspect the problem is going to be traced to a failing Ignition module.

Whirlpool gas cooktop GLS3074VS02 burners not igniting / Prima Oven & Hob Won't Ignite

Hello, I have whirlpool gas cooktop GLS3074VS02, i two burners spark comes but burner not igniting, am i getting enough spark?, what is the issue. please let me know. On 2022-09-05 by Anil Balireddy -

I have a Prima oven and hob. None of the four burners will spark or ignite even although the gas flows on each burner. Any ideas how I can resolve this issue.

by InspectApedia (mod) - Gas Burner Igniter Diagnosis

You're both on the right page. Please take a look at the table above titled:

Gas Burner Igniter Diagnosis Summary

where you'll see your issue is the first one listed in that table. Review the possible causes and check the listed repair steps. The details of those repair steps are then discussed throughout this page.

Let us know if you have additional questions

 

Kleenmaid 5 burner cooktop: large burner won't ignite - using a match

Hi there, I am having problems with a Kleenmaid 5 burner cooktop, the four smaller burners ignite all ok, however the large Burner does not ignite at all, need to use a match to ignite.. On 2022-07-30 by Yarno -

by InspectApedia-911 (mod)

@Yarno,

Did you try going through the diagnostic steps at the top of this page? That's the most complete approach that you might take. There are some other clues.

Assuming that you've got gas at the burner, which you do since you can light with a match, is the igniter clicking or is it silent? If it's silent, then you've got a missing or bad wire or bad module. If it's clicking and you've got a bad or dirty igniter.

 

GE Gas Cook Top burner front left keeps sparking after the burner is lit and control knob moved

GE gas cook top 4 burner - cleaned the cooktop thoroughly. Now, the front left igniter continues to spark after the gas ignites and the control knob has moved past the ignite position. Unplugging the power cord stops it of course, but igniter starts sparking when the power cord is plugged back in. On 2022-06-25 by Doug -

by InspectApedia (Editor) (mod) - common causes of igniter clicking - start by checking for a liquid spill

@Doug,

Above on this page we list common causes of igniter clicking - such as wet wires.

Was there a liquid spill during your cleanup?

Burner clicks but won't light on old GE gas stove - heat damage?

Old GE gas burner has two problems:

(1) it clicks but does not light. It will light if I turn on the gas and then turn one of the other burners to Lite.

(2) it clicks without pushing the knob in or turning it all the way to the "Lite" position.

If you just turn it very slightly without pushing it in it clicks. I am more concerned about this problem. Perhaps they are both connected? Thanks. On 2022-04-22 by Jim -

by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - check stove top for spills and burned food debris

@Jim,

I've seen this problem too. Before we start swapping wires or igniters, tell me if there has been a recent stovetop spill that might have got liquid into the stovetop.

by JIM - oven heat melted shafts on GE gas cooktop burner knobs

@Inspectapedia Com Moderator, There might have been, but I can't say for sure.

What definitely happened recently was that high heat from the oven melted the shafts on several burner knobs so they were too soft to turn. I replaced the knobs and they turn fine now, but this problem came up on one burner.

May have also been an earlier recent spill, but the burner worked ok after that.

by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@JIM,

Wow that's pretty extreme. It's possible that the control switch in your stovetop burner knob itself was damaged.

If damage isn't obvious by visual inspection and if it's possible to swap one of the other knobs in you could do that test before ordering new parts.

Else I'd try

1. disassemble the burner top to look for damage

2. try swapping igniters and wires.

by Jim - GE gas burner clicks but doesn't light - perhaps due to overheating damage

@Inspectapedia Com Moderator, Thanks, will give it a look and check these parts to see what I can do.