Why is my gas stove top not lighting?

Emma Marks
by Emma Marks

Hi there,


Emma here, a young homeowner and DIY enthusiast who's run into a bit of a kitchen dilemma. My gas stove top has decided to give me the cold shoulder - it just won't light up.


I've checked the simple stuff like making sure the gas is on and cleaning the burners. But still, I'm left with a stove that's not cooperating.


So, I'm reaching out to this handy community! Has anyone faced a similar issue with their gas stove top not lighting? If so, what was the problem, and how did you manage to get it back in action?


Thanks a bunch in advance for any insights or advice you can offer!


Cheers,

Emma

Gas stove top not lighting

  12 answers
  • I would check the igniter. See if the gas is getting to it. Here's a link:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDMLM6QLABs

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on May 28, 2023

    here are some ideas

    Soak the sealed burner base in vinegar or warm water and use a stiff brush to remove any debris. Finally, clean any remaining debris out of the burner holes with a toothpick, sewing needle or compressed air. Reinstall the burner, cover and the grill, and try igniting the burner once more.


    Why is my gas on but my stove won't light?

    The most common reason a gas stove won't light is that the igniter is clogged with debris. Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on the igniter and prevent it from sparking. If this is the case, you'll need to clean it off in order for the stove to work properly. If your stove igniter won't spark, give this a try.

    • Emma Marks Emma Marks on May 30, 2023

      Thank you Cheryl, I will soak the burner base and give everything a deep clean and see how that goes

  • William William on May 28, 2023

    Do you hear the igniter sparking and slightly smell gas? If the igniter is not sparking it has failed and needs to be replaced. Is it just one burner or all the burners? If only one burner and hear sparking then the igniter might be dirty. If all the burners and sparking then the gas valve is shot. Check out https://www.repairclinic.com/. They have repair guides, schematics, and sell parts. Put in the make, model #.

    • Emma Marks Emma Marks on May 30, 2023

      Hi William, it is only one burner and I can hear the igniter. I am going to take the burner base off and give the stove a good clean

  • Dee Dee on May 28, 2023

    Take the cap off where the gas comes out. There is a tiny hole under that cap that may be dirty. A paper Clip will clean it out and your gas will light again.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on May 30, 2023

    Check to make sure the top of each eye is secure. I have one that looks similar and if it's off a bit, they won't light. I think it's a safety feature.

    Are you sure gas is getting to the eyes? My mother's eyes quit working and they were clogged. We cleaned with an old toothbrush and that cleared them out.

  • If you clean it out and it still doesn't work, I would call a pro. Gas isn't something to mess around with. Best of luck.

  • Janice Janice on May 31, 2023

    I agree with Kim that if you've tried the suggestions and it still won't light and you smell gas, jut bite the bullet and call in a professional. Be safe!

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jun 01, 2023

    Sounds like a dirty igniter, just unscrew the burner base and soak it clean in warm soapy water, dry well and replace.

  • Is this a new cook top, or possibly still under warranty? If so, I'd contact the store or the manufacturer. Or too, contact the manufacturer for tips. Sometimes mine just give out and I use a long stick lighter to get them going.

  • Deb K Deb K on Jun 01, 2023

    Hi Emma, sounds like your igniter, can you hear it clicking?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZXz8_Md8hI

  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 01, 2023

    If all of the burners won’t light, check the gas supply valve behind stove to make sure it’s on.

    If you made sure the gas can flow, you cleaned the igniter, you can hear clicking but still no spark:

    Lift off your burner cap. Using your wire brush thoroughly clean the underside of the burner cap. Use alcohol or electrical cleaner to further clean the burner cap.



  • Annie Annie on Jun 30, 2023

    Hopefully this video will be able to help! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuK8QAtp0No