Gas Range Igniter Not Working: Complete Safety & Repair Guide

A gas range igniter that clicks but won't light - or worse, doesn't click at all - leaves you unable to cook and creates potential safety concerns. Gas appliance problems require immediate attention, as ignoring ignition issues can lead to gas leaks, carbon monoxide production, or even fire hazards. Failed igniters affect approximately 30% of gas ranges over 8 years old and represent the most common gas stove repair we perform.

At Nika Appliance Repair, we've diagnosed and repaired over 2,900 gas range igniter problems across Toronto since 2017. Gas appliance repair requires specialized knowledge, proper safety protocols, and compliance with Ontario's TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) regulations. While some homeowners attempt DIY igniter replacement, gas system work carries serious safety risks - professional service ensures proper ignition, prevents gas leaks, and maintains your home's safety. We provide same-day gas appliance repair with certified technicians, genuine OEM parts, and comprehensive 90-day warranties on all gas work.

Critical Gas Safety Information

Before attempting any gas appliance troubleshooting or repair, understand these critical safety protocols:

Natural Gas Safety Basics

• Natural gas is odorless: Utilities add mercaptan for detectability - smells like rotten eggs or sulfur
• Lighter than air: Gas rises and accumulates at ceiling level in enclosed spaces
• Explosive range: 5-15% concentration in air creates explosive mixture
• Carbon monoxide risk: Incomplete combustion produces deadly CO gas (colorless, odorless)
• Immediate action required: Any gas smell requires immediate response - evacuate and call gas company

Emergency Response for Gas Leaks

IF YOU SMELL GAS:

1. Evacuate immediately: Get everyone out of home - don't waste time gathering belongings
2. Don't create sparks: No light switches, phones, doorbells, or electronics - any spark can ignite gas
3. Leave door open: Allow gas to dissipate as you leave
4. Call from safe distance: Once outside, call Enbridge Gas (Toronto provider) emergency line: 1-866-763-5427
5. Don't re-enter: Wait for gas company technician to declare home safe

Ontario TSSA Regulations

Ontario law regulates gas appliance work for public safety:

• Licensed technicians required: TSSA requires gas fitters license (G2/G3) for gas appliance repairs
• Permit requirements: Some gas work requires permits and inspections
• Liability considerations: DIY gas work may void insurance coverage if fire or leak occurs
• Homeowner exception: You can work on your own appliances, but bear full liability for safety
• Professional recommendation: Given safety stakes, professional service strongly advised for all gas work

Understanding Gas Range Igniters

Modern gas ranges use electronic ignition systems that replaced standing pilot lights in the 1980s-1990s:

How Electronic Ignition Works

1. Spark ignition (cooktop burners):
   • Turning burner knob activates spark module
   • Module sends high voltage (typically 3,000-5,000V) to igniter electrode
   • Electrode creates visible spark that jumps to burner, igniting gas
   • Clicking sound indicates spark generation
   • Once lit, spark stops (flame sensor detects flame and deactivates spark)
2. Glow bar ignition (oven burner):
   • Oven igniter is ceramic element that heats when powered
   • Element glows bright orange (1,200-1,800°F)
   • Hot igniter triggers gas valve to open
   • Gas flows over glowing igniter and ignites
   • Igniter remains glowing during oven operation to maintain flame

Common Igniter Types

Cooktop spark igniters:

• Metal electrode positioned near burner port
• Gap between electrode and burner frame creates spark path
• Typical lifespan: 12-15 years
• Failure modes: cracked ceramic insulation, corroded electrode, fouled with food residue

Oven glow bar igniters:

• Silicon carbide or silicon nitride ceramic element
• Positioned near oven burner tube
• Typical lifespan: 8-12 years
• Failure modes: weak heating (most common - igniter glows but can't trigger valve), cracked element, open circuit

Common Gas Igniter Problems

Based on our 2,900+ gas igniter repairs in Toronto, here are the most frequent issues:

1. Weak or Failed Oven Igniter (42% of Cases)

Oven igniters fail more frequently than cooktop igniters due to constant high-temperature operation:

How oven igniters fail:

• Gradual weakening (most common): Igniter glows but doesn't get hot enough to open gas valve
• Ceramic element degradation: High heat cycles weaken ceramic over 8-12 years
• Electrical resistance increase: As igniter ages, resistance increases, reducing current flow and heat output
• Complete failure: Igniter doesn't glow at all - open circuit or broken wire

Symptoms of weak/failed oven igniter:

• Igniter glows bright orange for 30-90+ seconds but gas never lights (most common)
• Igniter glows faintly rather than bright orange
• No glow at all when oven turned on
• Intermittent operation - works sometimes, fails other times
• Takes multiple attempts to light oven

Repair solution:

• DIY difficulty: Moderate (requires working with gas system)
• Parts cost: $30-60 for replacement igniter
• Professional service: $180-260 including igniter, installation, safety testing
• Time required: 45-75 minutes complete

2. Dirty or Wet Cooktop Igniters (28% of Cases)

Cooktop igniter problems often result from cleaning or cooking residue rather than actual failure:

How igniters get fouled:

• Food residue buildup: Spills and boil-overs coat igniter electrode
• Grease accumulation: Grease creates conductive path that prevents proper sparking
• Moisture from cleaning: Water on igniter prevents spark until completely dry
• Soap residue: Cleaning products leave residue that affects spark generation

Symptoms:

• Continuous clicking but no spark visible
• Weak or inconsistent spark
• One burner won't light but others work normally
• Problem started immediately after cleaning range

Solution (often DIY):

• Remove burner caps and grates
• Clean igniter electrode with dry toothbrush (no water or cleaner)
• Use compressed air to blow debris from burner ports
• If wet from cleaning, let dry naturally 24 hours
• Check spark gap (should be 1/8" to 1/4" from electrode to burner frame)

3. Faulty Spark Module (15% of Cases)

The spark module generates high voltage for ignition electrodes:

How spark modules fail:

• Capacitor failure: Component that stores charge weakens over time
• Moisture damage: Water infiltration from cleaning corrodes circuitry
• Power surge damage: Lightning or electrical surge burns out module
• Component aging: Electronics degrade after 12-15 years

Symptoms of failed spark module:

• No clicking sound when burner knob turned (module not activating)
• All burners fail to spark simultaneously (rules out individual electrode problems)
• Clicking sound but no spark at any electrode
• Continuous clicking that won't stop even when burner lit

Repair solution:

• Professional service required: Electrical diagnosis needed
• Parts cost: $80-150 for spark module
• Complete repair: $200-280 including diagnosis, module, installation

4. Gas Valve Problems (10% of Cases)

The gas valve controls gas flow to burners:

How gas valves fail:

• Valve sticking: Internal valve mechanism sticks partially closed
• Solenoid failure: Electrical coil that opens valve burns out
• Pressure regulator issues: Gas pressure too low for reliable ignition
• Safety valve malfunction: Valve won't open even with properly functioning igniter

Symptoms:

• Igniter works perfectly but gas doesn't flow
• Delayed ignition - long wait before gas lights
• Weak flame even when fully opened
• Gas smell without ignition (dangerous - evacuate immediately)

Repair solution:

• Professional service essential: Gas valve work requires licensed technician
• Complete repair: $240-340 including valve, labor, testing
• Safety critical: Improper valve work creates serious hazards

5. Damaged Wiring or Connections (5% of Cases)

Electrical connections to igniters can fail:

Common wiring problems:

• Loose wire connections: Vibration or heat loosens terminals
• Corroded contacts: Moisture causes corrosion at connection points
• Broken wires: Wire insulation cracks from heat, allowing bare wire contact
• Terminal damage: Push-on terminals loosen and create intermittent contact

Repair solution:

• Professional diagnosis: Requires multimeter and electrical knowledge
• Repair cost: $140-220 depending on extent of rewiring needed

For detailed gas range troubleshooting, see our comprehensive guide on stove repair Toronto.

Safe Troubleshooting Steps

Follow these steps to diagnose igniter problems safely:

Step 1: Basic Safety Checks

1. Smell for gas: If you smell gas, evacuate immediately and call gas company (1-866-763-5427)
2. Verify gas supply: Confirm gas shutoff valve behind range is fully open
3. Check other burners: If all burners affected, likely power or module problem; if one burner, likely that electrode
4. Verify power: Gas ranges need electricity for ignition - check if range is plugged in, breaker hasn't tripped

Step 2: Cooktop Burner Testing

For burner that clicks but won't light:

1. Turn off all burners and remove grates and burner caps
2. Visually inspect igniter electrode for damage, food buildup, or corrosion
3. Clean electrode with dry toothbrush (no water)
4. Check spark gap - should be 1/8" to 1/4" between electrode and burner
5. Dry room, turn burner on, look for bright blue spark jumping to burner
6. If no spark visible but clicking heard, igniter electrode likely cracked
7. If spark visible but gas won't light, clean burner ports with wire or compressed air

For burner that won't click at all:

• Check if any burners click (helps identify module vs. individual electrode problem)
• Verify range has power (clock display working indicates power present)
• Inspect wire connection at affected electrode
• If all burners dead, likely spark module failure - professional repair needed

Step 3: Oven Igniter Testing

Visual igniter test:

1. Remove oven racks for clear view
2. Set oven to 350°F and observe igniter (located near burner tube at oven bottom)
3. Igniter should glow bright orange within 30-60 seconds
4. Gas should light within 30-90 seconds of igniter glowing
5. If igniter glows bright orange but gas never lights (wait 2-3 minutes), igniter is weak - replace
6. If igniter glows faintly (dull red) or not at all, igniter has failed - replace

Electrical igniter test (requires multimeter):

• Turn off power and gas supply
• Access igniter and disconnect wires
• Measure resistance across igniter terminals
• Should read 50-400 ohms depending on igniter type (consult service manual)
• Infinite resistance indicates open circuit - failed igniter
• Much higher than spec resistance indicates weak igniter

Step 4: Temporary Manual Lighting (If Safe)

While waiting for repair, you can manually light burners if needed:

Safe manual lighting procedure:

1. Open windows: Ensure good ventilation
2. Have ignition source ready FIRST: Long match or long lighter in position near burner
3. Turn burner to LITE: Should hear gas flowing
4. Immediate ignition required: Gas should light within 1-2 seconds
5. If doesn't light immediately: Turn burner off, wait 60 seconds for gas to dissipate, try again
6. NEVER: Turn on gas without ignition source already in position
7. NEVER: Let gas flow more than 3-4 seconds without lighting

Professional Repair Procedures

Gas igniter replacement requires following proper safety protocols:

Oven Igniter Replacement (Professional Recommended)

Why professional service recommended:

• Requires gas supply shutoff and proper reconnection (leak testing critical)
• Igniter positioning critical - too close/far from burner causes safety issues
• Must verify proper gas valve operation after replacement
• Ontario TSSA regulations favor licensed technician work
• Improper installation can cause gas leaks, carbon monoxide, or fire

Professional procedure:

1. Turn off gas supply at valve behind range
2. Disconnect electrical power
3. Remove oven racks and oven bottom panel
4. Disconnect igniter wire connector
5. Remove mounting screws securing igniter
6. Install new igniter in exact same position as original
7. Connect wiring and secure all panels
8. Restore gas and power
9. Test ignition timing (should light within 30-90 seconds)
10. Verify flame pattern (should be blue with possible orange tips)
11. Leak test all gas connections with soap solution
12. Check for carbon monoxide production

Cooktop Electrode Replacement

Somewhat DIY-friendly (with caution):

1. Turn off power to range
2. Remove grates and burner components
3. Locate and remove igniter electrode (usually clips or screw)
4. Disconnect wire connection
5. Install new electrode maintaining proper gap to burner frame
6. Reconnect wire and test spark generation
7. Verify proper ignition before replacing burner components

When Emergency Service Needed

Call for immediate professional service if you experience:

• Gas smell at any time (evacuate and call gas company emergency line first)
• Yellow or orange flame instead of blue (indicates incomplete combustion - CO risk)
• Delayed ignition causing small explosions when gas finally lights
• Soot buildup around burners
• Any physical symptoms (headache, dizziness) when range operates
• Visible flame coming from anywhere except burner

When you need urgent gas appliance repair, our emergency appliance repair service provides 24/7 response for gas safety issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Safe, Reliable Gas Ignition

A properly functioning gas igniter is essential for safe, convenient cooking. While some igniter problems like cleaning-related issues can be resolved with simple troubleshooting, failed igniters require replacement - and gas appliance work demands professional expertise to ensure safety.

At Nika Appliance Repair, we've specialized in gas appliance repair across Toronto for over 8 years. Our technicians are TSSA-compliant, carry gas fitter certifications, and stock common gas igniters for same-day repair. We understand the serious safety implications of gas appliance work and never compromise on proper procedures, thorough testing, and leak verification.

Whether your oven igniter glows but won't light, your cooktop burners won't spark, or you're experiencing any gas range ignition problem, we provide expert diagnosis, professional repair, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your gas appliance is safe. Don't risk DIY gas work - call Nika Appliance Repair for certified, warrantied service from Toronto's gas appliance specialists.