Gas Range & Cooktop - Common Causes for Slow Ignition, No Ignition or Clicking on Surface Burners

Gas surface burners are often slow to light or will not light at all because the burner or burners are wet or dirty, the electrode is not seated properly or the burner head and cap are not matched up properly. You can check the following if the appliance has power but the burners are not lighting.

Dirty or Wet Burners

Most ignition-related issues are because the burner head gets clogged after cleaning or after spillovers. If the cooktop or burners were recently cleaned, there could be moisture in the burner head ignition port (hole) and flame ports. The burner will continuously click and will not ignite until the ports are clear and the burner dries out.Before cleaning, disconnect power to the range or cooktop. After cleaning the burner heads and caps, shake out excess water and let them dry out thoroughly by air drying or by setting them in a warm oven for 30 minutes. Once dry, replace the burner heads and caps to their correct position, plug in the appliance and try lighting the burners again. It can take up to 10 or 12 clicks to ignite a burner.

View a Short Video about Cleaning Open Cooktop Burners

View a Short Video about Cleaning Sealed Cooktop Burners (Type 1)

View a Short Video about Cleaning Sealed Cooktop Burners (Type 2)

See the Owner's Manual for the model you own for specific burner cleaning instructions.

Electrode(s) Is Not Properly Seated

First, make sure all of the burners are off and are cool. Remove the grates, burner caps and heads to see the white ceramic electrode. If the electrode is not sitting flush with the cooktop, take your thumb and index finger and press down on the electrode using a twisting (clockwise) motion until the electrode sits flush with the cooktop.

Burner Cap and/or Burner Head in the Wrong Position

Make sure that each burner head is placed in the correct position on the cooktop. Also, make sure the burner cap matches its burner head. The burner cap will lay flat and fit securely if put on correctly.

Additional Support

If these tips do not help or the igniters do not click when the burners are turned on, service will be needed. For service, please schedule a repair appointment with GE Appliances Factory Service.