Gas stove won't light or keeps clicking: causes, safety and repair cost
Clicking with no flame — or clicking that never stops. Usually moisture, grease or a spark part; occasionally the gas supply.
A burner that clicks but will not light is usually a wet or grease-fouled igniter, a misaligned burner cap, or a clogged burner port; if all burners fail, suspect the spark module or gas supply. A burner that clicks nonstop even when off has a shorted igniter, a wet spark switch or a failed module. Smell gas with no flame? Turn it off, ventilate, and call your gas utility first. Repairs run $100–$280.
Which symptom do you have? Quick checks and what they mean
Safe checks only — anything involving line voltage, gas or refrigerant is for the technician.
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| One burner clicks, no flame | Wet/dirty igniter, cap misaligned, port clogged. | Dry and reseat the cap; clear ports with a pin; if no change, call |
| All burners click, no flame | Gas supply off/regulator, or spark module (rare to fail all igniters at once). | Confirm gas is on; then call |
| Lights then goes out / yellow flame | Regulator, clogged orifice, air shutter — or a flame-sensing model with a bad sensor. | Call |
| Clicks constantly, even off | Moisture in the switch after a spill or cleaning, shorted igniter wire. | Let it dry 24h; if it continues, call |
| Smell of gas, no flame | Unburned gas from the valve. | Turn off, ventilate, gas utility first |
What each repair typically costs
| Repair | Typical cost (parts + labor) |
|---|---|
| Igniter electrode | $100 – $220 |
| Spark switch | $120 – $250 |
| Spark module | $150 – $280 |
| Burner cap / head / orifice cleaning | $80 – $180 |
| Regulator | $150 – $300 |
| Gas valve | $180 – $350 |
Repair or replace?
Repair if the quote is under half the price of a comparable new unit and the appliance is not near the end of its typical lifespan. The repair-or-replace calculator gives a quick answer for your appliance and age.
What happens when you call
Brand, model, what it does and does not do — two minutes.
An independent repair company covering your ZIP code.
Visit fee confirmed up front; repair on approval, often the same visit.
Common questions
Why does my gas stove click but not light?
The spark is there but the gas-air mix at the port is wrong — wet igniter, cap off-center or a blocked port. Dry it, reseat the cap, and try; if it still fails, the igniter or valve needs attention.
Is nonstop clicking dangerous?
Not usually — it is a short in the spark circuit, most often from a spill. Turn the breaker off to stop the noise until the visit.
Can I light the burner with a match while waiting?
On most standing-pilot-free stoves you can light a burner manually with a long lighter if the gas flows normally. Never do this if you smell gas beforehand.
Do they also fix induction and glass cooktops?
Yes — see stove & range repair.
Published 2026-09-22 · Updated 2026-09-22