What Are the Most Common Gas Range Problems?

 

Imagine you are cooking your family Thanksgiving dinner. You turn on your stovetop to then discover two of your burners are not working.

It’s not the time for an ignition issue.

Unfortunately, broken or malfunctioning gas range igniters are the second most frequent repair call in the appliance industry. 

In this article, you’ll learn about the most common gas igniter problems, why they happen, and how to prevent them.

Before you buy any gas range, you should know how to maintain your range proactively, so Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t become a mad scramble.

Pro Tip: Before any holiday, use your self-cleaning mode and check every burner by turning them on. You don’t want to call for repair the day before Thanksgiving.

We do not recommend that you attempt to replace spark igniters, switches, or modules yourself.

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What Are The Most Common Gas Range Igniter Problems?

The most common issue with gas burners is trouble getting the spark to ignite the gas.

The issue can usually be attributed to a dirty igniter electrode, burner orifice, or porthole caused by a spill and general uncleanliness.

Last year, we serviced 14.3% of gas ranges. Most service calls were due to failed igniters. 

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Below are the most common gas range igniter problems we see in the appliance industry.

Igniter Won’t Light

Gas Range Spark Igniter Electrode 

A burner with a spark ignition may have trouble igniting after being cleaned, as left-over moisture may be on the igniter electrode.

If the spark igniter electrode has been moved out of its position, it also may not ignite the incoming gas and click continuously.

This can also happen if the burner cap or base is not in the correct position with the porthole facing the igniter electrode.

The gap between the igniter electrode and burner base should be about the thickness of two dimes.

If the burner is in the correct position, but the gas is still not igniting, check to make sure the porthole is clear by inserting a needle into the hole.

If the spark igniter lights the burner but does not stop clicking, the igniter electrode is likely dirty, and the metal rod of the electrode should be scrubbed clean.

We recommend using sandpaper or a fine steel brush to clean the electrode.

Spillovers can cause the igniter to develop a barely visible film on the metal of the electrode. It may still allow the burner to ignite, but not be able to sense that the flame is lit to stop the sparking.

For reference, here is a video of a functioning gas range igniter and electrode in slow motion.

Fully Functioning Direct Spark Ignition In Slow Motion [VIDEO] 

Igniter Constantly Clicks

After being scrubbed clean, if the spark igniter is still clicking continuously, the electrical polarity at the outlet may be reversed, or the outlet may not be grounded; this would likely only be the case if the range is newly installed.

Ceramic Base Is Broken

A spark igniter electrode is made of metal, but the base of the igniter is ceramic. This ceramic base can withstand the high temperatures put out by the burners.

However, the ceramic is fragile and can be broken by a pot or surface grate. If you break the ceramic, you will have to replace the igniter.

Burner Color Changes

A properly operating spark igniter will produce about three to five blue sparks per second while igniting. If the sparks are very light in color, almost white, the igniter electrode may be weakened and will likely need to be replaced.

Igniter Sparks Erratically

If the igniter is sparking slowly, there may be a wiring issue. Erratic sparking usually indicates a bad spark module.

However, cleaning the igniter electrode should always be the first course of action.

If you are getting no spark at the igniter, check the power going to the unit, it may be disconnected. This could also be the result of a bad spark module.

How To Prevent Gas Range Igniter Problems

Chances are, you will have an igniter issue at some point during the lifespan of your gas range.

The best prevention for igniter issues is to keep all parts of the igniter and burner clean.

What About My Gas Range Oven Igniters?

There is not much maintenance that can be done on the oven igniters of your range without having an experienced technician performing the service.

In most gas ovens, the bake igniter and gas orifices are hidden and not easily accessed.

The broil igniter may be exposed in the oven; these can be cleaned with sandpaper or a fine steel brush just like the cooktop igniters.

To keep the igniters and orifices clean in the oven, use the self-clean function if available.

Safety Disclaimer

Whenever performing any maintenance or cleaning on your range, be sure that the range is powered off and the gas is not flowing.

It is a good idea to disconnect the range’s power at the circuit breaker.

Yale does not recommend that our customers attempt to replace spark igniters, switches, or modules themselves.

This service should be performed by an experienced technician. Service performed by an unauthorized individual may void any manufacturer/servicer warranty.

Always read reviews before calling any repair agency.

You can read more about our most reliable freestanding gas ranges by clicking here.

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about the latest gas ranges and technology? Read the Yale Gas Range Buying Guide with features, specs and detailed profiles of every major brand. Well over 580,000 people have downloaded a Yale Guide.

Related Articles:

• The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Kitchen Range
• Most Reliable Gas Ranges
• Most Reliable Professional Gas Ranges 
• What Appliance Brands Have The Best Warranties?
• Are Extended Warranties Worth It?
• Why Doesn't Every Appliance Brand And Store Offer Service?

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