A gas burner that will not light often has a misaligned cap, wet or dirty burner ports, or an igniter that is not sparking correctly. If there is a strong gas odor or gas flows without ignition, turn the control off and ventilate rather than continuing to try.
Turn the control off if ignition does not occur promptly
Do not let gas continue flowing through repeated attempts. Turn the control off, allow gas to dissipate, and follow the manufacturer’s procedure before trying again.
Check burner cap and removable parts when cool
A crooked burner cap or incorrectly seated base can prevent proper flame spread. Remove and reseat parts only when the burner is cool and off, following the model’s orientation and fit.
Dry and clean burner ports without enlarging them
After a spill or cleaning, moisture can prevent ignition. Brush residue with a manufacturer-approved nonmetallic tool and let parts dry; do not drill or enlarge burner ports because that changes combustion.
Missing or irregular spark may be an ignition fault
If other burners work and one does not spark despite being clean and dry, the igniter or wiring may be faulty. Do not dismantle gas or high-voltage ignition components; arrange service if the problem persists.
Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) — Home Safety — Household safety around gas appliances, fires, and consumer-product hazards.