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.
