Gas stove keeps clicking: How to fix

If your gas stove is clicking, it usually means the stove is trying to light, but if it doesn’t stop, you’ve got a more serious problem on your hands. It could be something simple, like a bit of spilled food or some water where it shouldn’t be, or it might be a sign of something a bit more technical going wrong with the ignition. Let’s figure out why this is happening so you can fix your cooktop yourself.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your cooktop while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The troubleshooting information in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Why does my gas stovetop keep clicking?

Here are some of the most common reasons behind igniters that keep clicking:

• Moisture or spills that get into the igniter area can cause a short circuit or interfere with the igniter’s function.
• Burner caps or grates that aren’t placed correctly on the cooktop after cleaning can press against the igniter and activate the spark mechanism.
• A dirty or damaged igniter that has food particles, grease, and debris around it can hinder its ability to generate a proper spark.
• Loose or damaged wiring within the cooktop’s ignition system can result in erratic sparking.

Read more: How to Clean a Glass Stovetop

Safety tips to consider before troubleshooting

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you troubleshoot:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Shut off the gas supply to prevent any gas leaks while you work.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

  Read more: Gas VS Electric: Which Range Is Right For You?

How to stop a gas stove top from clicking

Follow these steps to troubleshoot & fix a gas cooktop that clicks.

Step 1: Clean the stove/cooktop

Food particles or spills on a cooktop can interfere with the spark igniter switch and cause a clicking noise.

1. Unplug the stove and shut off the gas supply. Make sure the stove is completely cooled off.
2. Look over the burner heads for any visible food debris. Particles can accumulate inside the burner head or in the slots that release gas, so make sure to check both.
3. Use a soft brush or a cloth to remove any debris from the burner head. Make sure to clean inside the gas release slots as well. If you find any stubborn food particles that are difficult to remove, you can use a bit of sturdy wire or a similar tool that won’t break or get lodged in the burner head to remove them.
4. Dry the stove and inside the burners with a clean, dry cloth.

IMPORTANT: If the burner got wet, allow the stove to dry for a few hours or overnight.

Step 2: Check the spark electrode

The spark electrode creates the spark to ignite the gas and can be found inside the gas burner. If it’s faulty, you’ll need to disassemble the burner so you can access and replace it.

1. Open the burner assembly to access the spark electrode. This usually involves removing the burner grates and burner caps. The electrode is typically located near the burner and looks like a small ceramic nub with a metal tip.
2. Set your multimeter to test for continuity. This setting often looks like a sound wave icon or sideways WiFi symbol.
3. Attach one multimeter lead to the metal part of the electrode. Attach the other lead to a ground spot, such as the metal frame of the cooktop.
4. Check the meter reading. A sound or light from the multimeter means the electrode is capable of conducting electricity, which is a good sign. If there’s no response, the electrode may be faulty.
5. Look over the electrode for any signs of wear, cracks in the ceramic, or excessive soot. Any of these conditions could indicate that the electrode needs to be replaced, even if it passes the continuity test.

If you need to replace the spark electrode:

1. Detach the wiring connector to the old electrode.
2. Carefully unscrew or unclip the electrode from its mounting position.
3. Position the new electrode and secure it with the screws or clips. Reattach the electrical connector.
4. Make sure the electrode is aligned with the burner so it can spark correctly.
5. Put back the burner parts, caps, and grates.

Step 3: Check the spark ignition switch

This switch controls the flow of electricity to the spark electrode.

1. The ignition switches are usually located under the control knobs. Remove the knobs and control panel to access the switches.
2. Set your multimeter to the continuity or resistance (Ohms Ω) setting.
3. Detach the wiring from the ignition switch to isolate it for testing.
4. Attach one multimeter lead to one terminal of the ignition switch and the other lead to the other terminal.
5. Press the switch (as if turning on the burner).
6. Check the meter reading. You should get continuity here (usually as a beep or a zero resistance reading). If the multimeter doesn’t react, the switch may be defective.
7. Check the switch for any visible signs of damage such as melting, discoloration, or cracking.

If you need to replace the spark ignition switch:

1. Unscrew or unclip the defective switch from its position.
2. Align the new switch in the mounting position and secure it with screws or clips. Reattach the wiring to the corresponding terminals of the new switch.
3. Replace the panels or coverings and reinstall the control knobs.

Step 4: Check the spark module

If both the spark electrode and spark ignition switch are good, then the issue may be with the spark module. The spark module directs voltage to the electrode and controls spark generation.

1. Find the spark module, which is typically behind the control panel or underneath the cooktop. You may need to remove a few panels or coverings to access it.
2. Inspect the module for signs of burning, corrosion, or other damage.
3. Set your multimeter to measure continuity.
4. Check the wiring connections to and from the spark module for continuity. You’re looking for any broken connections.
5. Check the meter reading. If it doesn’t react with a beep or if it displays “OL,” then the spark module is faulty.

If you need to replace the spark module:

1. Carefully disconnect all wires connected to the module.
2. Unscrew or unclip the module from its position.
3. Place the new module in the correct position and secure it with screws or clips.
4. Reconnect the wires to the corresponding terminals on the new module and make sure they’re snug.
5. Reattach any panels or coverings that you removed to access the spark module.

Read more: Gas Range Won’t Start: Top 5 Reasons and Fixes

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your cooktop working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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