Spark, Gas, or Both
A gas burner needs three things at once: a clean spark, a clear gas port, and a properly seated cap that shapes the flame. When it will not light, one of those is missing. If you hear clicking, the spark module is working but the spark is not reaching the gas, usually because the igniter or cap is dirty, wet, or misaligned. If there is no click at all, the spark module or the switch for that burner has failed. And if it clicks and you smell gas but get no flame, the gas is arriving but not igniting, which is the case to stop and address before trying again.
Most Common Causes
- Dirty or wet spark igniter not producing a strong spark
- Burner cap off-center or seated incorrectly after cleaning
- Clogged burner port from spills or debris
- Failed spark module or igniter switch for one or all burners
- Moisture in the burner after a spill or cleaning
- Weak spark from a cracked igniter ceramic
- Gas supply issue affecting the whole cooktop
Notes by Brand
On Wolf sealed-burner ranges and cooktops, a burner that clicks without lighting is most often a dirty igniter or a cap that is slightly out of place; the fix is frequently cleaning and reseating. Viking open-burner and sealed-burner ranges can foul the igniter from cooking spills. Thermador star-burner cooktops rely on precise cap placement to spread the flame. La Cornue ranges use their own ignition and burner design, so we treat them by symptom rather than a code. Dacor and Jenn-Air gas units commonly need an igniter or spark module.
Symptom-To-Cause Reference
| Pattern | Likely Cause | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks, no flame | Dirty igniter or misplaced cap | Clean and reseat, dry burner |
| One burner dead | Clogged port or bad igniter | Clear port, replace igniter |
| All burners click, none light | Spark module or gas supply | Test module, check supply |
| No click at all | Igniter switch or module | Replace switch or module |
| Weak yellow flame | Port fouling or air mix | Clean burner, adjust air |
Stop If You Smell Gas
If a burner clicks and you smell gas but it will not light, turn it off, ventilate the kitchen, and do not keep sparking it. If the smell persists after the burner is off, leave the home and contact your gas utility before booking appliance service.
Book an Ignition Diagnosis
Diagnostic and travel fees, if applicable, are confirmed before the appointment and before repair approval.