Gas Burner Clicking but Not Lighting? GE's Fixes
Updated
Short answer
GE says most burners that click without lighting are wet or dirty, have an electrode not seated, or a cap and head not matched. After cleaning, a burner keeps clicking until the ports dry: air-dry the parts or set them in a warm oven for 30 minutes. No click at all means check the breaker.
- Turn the knob to Lite. Clicking? Go on. No clicking? Check the breaker; if it is fine, the range needs service (GE).
- Remove the grate, cap and head. Clear the burner holes with a needle or paper clip.
- Wipe the electrode tip with a dry paper towel and press it down.
- Reassemble with the cap seated on its head; Whirlpool's manuals stress aligning the cap's pins with the base (Whirlpool).
- Recently cleaned or boiled over? Dry the parts fully first (GE).
Still failing: an igniter runs $150 to $300 and a burner $120 to $250 (Angi). On propane, also see LP conversion. If you smell gas at any point, leave and call Nicor Gas at 888-642-6748 and 911.
Quick answers
Why does my gas stove click but not light?
GE says wet or dirty burners, a misplaced electrode, or a cap and head that are not matched are the most common causes.
Why does my burner keep clicking after cleaning?
Moisture in the ports. GE says to shake out water and let the parts dry, or set them in a warm oven for 30 minutes.
Rather have someone fix it?
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