One of my gas burners won't work anymore - what to do?

Tova Pearl
by Tova Pearl
Hi hometalkers! my upper left oven burner does no longer work. I have taken off the top disc to clean under it and see nothing out of the ordinary... the burner itself seems clean too. What can it be? The burner does turn on and lights for a few seconds but then right away goes out. It seems it is doing this because the flow of gas is so weak, but I don't know how to fix that, or how to see if something is blocked. What do you suggest? thanks!icon


This photo shows a range like mine, except that my range has an electric oven underneath (it's not countertop-set, it's combination range-oven). My range is also pretty clean overall, like this one is, though it's not as new.
  10 answers
  • William William on Feb 22, 2017

    A lot of videos here. You may also check your owners manual for troubleshooting or get the model and serial number of your range and Google it.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP3l5AW3YrI

  • Sam Sam on Feb 22, 2017

    I think fooling around with gas is dangerous. should call a pro to take a look at it.

    it could just be a minor thing, but then again, it could be a major thing. and if you have never done anything like this, better to get someone that has. you don't want to end up hurt. or gas leaking into your home.

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Feb 22, 2017

    the gas holes might be clogged, its worth taking a toothpick and cleaning them out. If that doesn't do the trick, a professional can delve even deeper. Good luck!

  • Joseph Glackin Joseph Glackin on Feb 22, 2017

    #1----TURN OFF THE GAS! At the stove/line connection, at least. Then remove the burner from the stove. Make sure the line is clear TO the burner (use pipe cleaners). Then boil the burner in water for at least 1/2 hr (you can use a crock-pot to do this). then use stiff wires or pipe cleaners to clear all obstructions. When you reconnect, use teflon tape on all connections. Before you turn gas on, put liquid soap around all connections. When gas comes on, WATCH FOR BUBBLES! If you see any, shut it down.


    Good luck, and BE CAREFUL. If it works correctly, I would ask my gas company come and check all the connections before I used it again.

    • See 1 previous
    • Tova Pearl Tova Pearl on Feb 23, 2017

      Actually i do have access to the gas line - it is a line to the stove that has a little handle that i can turn off the flow of gas. The thing is, all the other burners seem to get a good flow, and just that one isnt.

  • Sam Sam on Feb 23, 2017

    yes, understandable... but still not something one wants to fool around with.

  • Linda M. Taylor Linda M. Taylor on Feb 23, 2017

    If you clean your stove with Windex, it messes up the igniter. You may need a new one.

  • Tova Pearl Tova Pearl on Feb 23, 2017

    thanks everyone! i looked under the "donut" and there was gunky stuff in the little well. I cleaned it out and scraped it off the actual gas opening with a sewing needle. working much better now! not 100% as strong as the other burners but almost.

  • Daw3000588 Daw3000588 on Feb 24, 2017

    Call a service man. Has is dangerous. Even if you turn it off to work on the burner you could have a problem when you turn it back on.

  • Joye R. Foster Joye R. Foster on Feb 26, 2017

    If I were you, I would look at the owners manual (if lost go on line for download). Get serial number, model number, and if possible date of purchase. Go to manufacturer's web site, and get customer service number. They may be able to help. If not and If you feel confident, look in the manual and order the needed parts to install.


    Gas is dangerous. You may need to get professional help.


    Good luck.

  • JB JB on Feb 26, 2017

    My unlcle (91) had an old (early 50's) 6 burner range, where NONE of the burners worked. I was able to remove the cast-iron arms which directed the gas (once turned on) to the flame. I boiled them all in a very large pot to soften the old grease and then poked each hole with an open paper clip. It took some doing, but now all 6 burners are working like brand new.