April 19, 2023

Gas Range: Why won't my range's gas burner spark or ignite?

A surface burner igniter switch and a spark module activate the spark electrode when you turn the knob on a gas range's cooktop to the "light" position. If you don't hear the ticking sound of a spark jumping from the igniter electrode to the burner head when you start a burner because the gas stove igniter is not sparking, check the igniter electrode first. Clean the electrode if it's covered with spilled food. Broken ceramic insulation on the spark electrode may result in the gas stove igniter not sparking against the burner head. Replace the electrode if the ceramic insulation is broken.

If the electrode is okay, you may need to replace the igniter switch or spark module.

gas range

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR GAS RANGE PROBLEM

JC-RA-Replace-the-range-spark-igniter-electrode

Replace the range spark igniter electrode

The spark igniter electrode-also called the surface burner igniter-is an insulated electrode that provides an ignition spark to light a surface gas burner. It sparks and makes a ticking sound when the burner switch is turned to the Lite position. Replace the spark ignition electrode if it fails to spark or if the ceramic insulation sleeve is cracked or chipped.

Range spark igniter electrode

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-RA-Replace-Range-Spark-Igniter-Electrode-Intro-Image
February 20, 2015

How to replace a range spark igniter electrode

If a range surface burner won't light, the problem could be the spark igniter electrode. This DIY repair guide shows how to replace the spark igniter electrode in less than 45 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
JC-RA-Replace-the-range-surface-spark-module

Replace the range surface spark module

The surface spark module is in the ignition circuit for the gas surface burners. When a surface burner control knob is turned to the 'Lite' position, it provides voltage to the spark electrodes on the gas surface burners. If the surface spark module fails to provide the electrodes with voltage, then it should be replaced.

Range surface spark module

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-RA-Replace-Range-Spark-Module-Intro-Image
February 20, 2015

How to replace a range spark module

The range surface burner won't light? It could be the spark module failed. This DIY repair guide shows how to replace the spark module on a gas range in 6 easy steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
JC-RA-Replace-the-range-spark-igniter-switch

Replace the range spark igniter switch

The igniter switch is an electrical switch on the stem of the gas surface burner control valve. This switch completes a circuit to the surface burner spark module, causing the burner igniters to spark when the burner switch is turned to the Lite position. Replace the burner igniter switch if the burners don't spark when you turn the burner control knob to the Lite position or if igniters spark constantly even when the burner knobs are in the Off position.

Range spark igniter switch

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-RA-Replace-Range-Spark-Igniter-Switch-Intro-Image
February 20, 2015

How to replace a range spark igniter switch

When a range stovetop burner igniter won't click or if it clicks constantly even with the burner off, the igniter switch could be the problem. This DIY repair guide shows how to replace the range spark igniter switch.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less

Most common symptoms to help you fix your ranges

Choose a symptom to see related range repairs.

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Most common repair guides to help fix your ranges

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your range.

How to replace a range oven door switch

How to replace a range oven door switch

The oven door switch detects whether the oven door is closed and helps control the oven light. Replace the switch if it …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a range oven door lock assembly

How to replace a range oven door lock assembly

Oven door not locking? You can replace the lock assembly in less than 30 minutes. Here's how.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your ranges

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your range.

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How to clean and maintain your stove

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Oven door won't open: troubleshooting door lock problems on a range video

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How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

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