When you’re preparing to whip up a new delicacy, you expect to hear the distinct “click, click, whoosh” of the gas burner on your stovetop; you don’t expect your trusty appliance to let you down in the heat of the moment. Unfortunately, it’s a common experience for homeowners with gas stoves. If it’s happening to you, you may be wondering what’s going on and how you can fix the problem. Below, our technicians from FixEm Appliance Repair explain why gas stoves keep clicking and how the issue can be resolved.
Why Gas Stovetops Click in the First Place
When you turn the knob on your gas stove, the igniter sends an electric spark to light the gas. That rapid-fire “click” is the sound of the igniter doing its job. Normally, the gas ignites quickly, and the clicking stops. But if it continues endlessly, it means ignition isn’t happening as expected, and your stove is trying over and over again to get the flame going.
Why Your Gas Stove Keeps Clicking
While a clicking stovetop is certainly a sign of something amiss, the good news is that it often points to a relatively minor issue that you might be able to fix yourself. For example, the problem can often be traced back to a bit of leftover pasta sauce (or any other type of food debris) blocking the gas port. A simple cleaning can typically get your stove back in tip-top shape. That’s why you should always start here when troubleshooting a clicking gas stovetop.
Dirty Burner Components
Over time, the burner head and cap can become clogged with food debris, grease, and grime. Think about all the times a pot has boiled over or something has splattered out of a pan. All that material can accumulate and block the small ports on the burner head where the gas is supposed to come out. If the gas can’t flow freely and mix with the air properly, the spark will have nothing to ignite.
Similarly, the igniter itself — a small, white ceramic prong located near the burner — can get covered in gunk. If the igniter is dirty, the spark it produces may be weak or may not be able to jump across to the burner to light the gas.
If you decide to clean the stove’s burners, make sure you follow these steps to stay safe and prevent further damage:
- Turn Off the Stove: Before you begin, make sure all the burners are off and the stovetop is completely cool. For added safety, it’s a good idea to unplug the stove from the wall outlet and turn off the gas supply valve, which is usually located behind the stove.
- Remove the Grates and Caps: Lift the metal grates off the stovetop and set them aside. Then, lift the burner caps off the burner heads. These usually just sit on top and are not screwed down.
- Clean the Burner Heads: Create a cleaning solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, or use a mild dish soap and warm water. Let the burner caps soak for about 20-30 minutes to loosen any baked-on food while you focus on cleaning the burner heads. Use a non-abrasive scrub brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub the burner heads. Pay special attention to the small holes (ports). You can use a paperclip, a sewing needle, or a specialized port cleaning tool to carefully poke out any debris that is stuck inside the ports. Avoid using toothpicks or anything that could snap off inside the port.
- Clean the Igniter: Use a toothbrush lightly dampened with water or rubbing alcohol to gently scrub the ceramic igniter. Be very careful, as this part is fragile. Wipe it clean with a soft cloth.
- Rinse and Dry the Burner Caps: Once the caps are clean, rinse them with water and ensure they are completely dry before you reassemble them. Any moisture left on the parts can interfere with the spark and prevent ignition. It’s best to let them air dry for a few hours.
- Clean the Rest of the Stovetop: Clean the stove’s surface around the burners thoroughly with warm, soapy water and let it dry completely.
- Reassemble and Test: After everything has had sufficient time to dry, put the caps on top of the burner heads and set the grates back in place. Restore the power and gas supply, and then test the burner.
Moisture Around the Igniter
If you’ve recently cleaned your stovetop or had a pot boil over, excess moisture might be the reason for the persistent clicking sound. This is because water (or liquid of any kind) can disrupt the electrical path of the spark and prevent it from igniting the gas.
The solution here is simple: drying the igniter. Soak up any visible moisture with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Then, let the burner air dry for a few hours (you can speed things up with a fan or hair dryer if needed). Once it’s completely dry, you can turn on the igniter once again and see if the clicking stops.
Misaligned Burner Cap
The burner cap is the flat, circular piece that sits on top of the burner head. Its purpose is to diffuse the gas, creating an even flame. If this cap is crooked or not seated properly after cleaning or a spill, it can obstruct the flow of gas to the igniter, causing the burner to click without igniting a flame. (In some cases, you may see an uneven or sputtering flame if the cap is out of alignment.)
Simply lifting the cap and carefully setting it back down so that it is level and securely in its designated groove can instantly solve the problem.
A Problem With the Spark Ignition System
If you have meticulously cleaned every part of the burner, ensured everything is dry, and double-checked that the burner cap is perfectly aligned, but the clicking persists, the problem likely lies deeper within the stove’s mechanics. Specifically, the problem may lie with the ignition switch, spark module, or spark electrode.
- Ignition Switch: Each burner knob has its own ignition switch. This switch tells the spark module to start sparking when you turn the knob to any temperature. If this switch is faulty, it might get stuck in the on position, causing the igniter to click nonstop, or it might not make a proper connection, preventing a spark from being generated at all.
- Spark Module: The spark module is a small box located inside the stove that receives the signal when you turn the knob and then generates the high-voltage pulse sent to the spark electrode. If this module fails, it might send a continuous signal, causing constant clicking, or it might not send a strong enough spark.
- Spark Electrode: This is the part you see, the ceramic-insulated prong that generates the spark. If the part is damaged, the burner will keep trying to ignite without success.
Note: These components involve intricate wiring and electrical systems. Attempting to fix them without the right tools or knowledge can be dangerous and may void your appliance’s warranty.
Gas Range Won’t Stop Clicking? Call FixEm Appliance Repair!
Our certified technicians at FixEm Appliance Repair have the expertise to safely diagnose and repair complex issues with clicking gas stoves and cooktops. Thanks to our extensive training and years of experience, we can quickly identify the faulty component and replace it with the correct part. Before you know it, you’ll be throwing together irresistible dishes once again — all without the accompaniment of a persistent clicking sound!
Get your kitchen appliance back to perfect working order by scheduling a gas oven repair in Alameda County or Contra Costa County. We service most major appliance brands and look forward to getting to the bottom of your stovetop’s problem.
