Gas range not starting: Top 5 reasons & fixes 

Is your gas range refusing to start, leaving you staring at unlit burners when dinner ought to be sizzling away? Fret not; the culprit could be a faulty igniter or a sneaky spark module issue that’s standing between you and a delicious meal. Dive into our step-by-step guide below—complete with an easy-to-follow how-to video—to troubleshoot and tackle those pesky problems, getting your kitchen back on track in no time!

Need a part for your stove? Search below using your specific stove/range model number to identify the exact part needed:

Reasons why a gas range won’t start

Faulty oven igniter

The oven igniter lights the gas burner in the oven cavity. It’s typically a ceramic “glowbar” that signals the gas valve to open and heats up to over 1200°F when energized.

If the igniter has loose mounting or cracks in the ceramic body or only glows a faint orange color, that means it’s defective.

Faulty spark module

The spark module creates the electric spark that ignites the gas on the cooktop burners. If the burners won’t light, the spark module could be defective.

Damaged cooktop igniter

The surface burners each have a dedicated igniter that sparks to light the gas. If the igniters are sparking but the flame doesn’t ignite (after thoroughly cleaning the burner head and base), the burner igniter likely needs to be replaced.

Defective oven temperature sensor

The oven temperature sensor monitors the internal oven temp and feeds data to the control board. If it fails, it can prevent the oven from operating.

Malfunctioning oven control board

The oven control board is the brains of the entire appliance, controlling all oven functions. If it’s defective, the oven and sometimes the cooktop won’t operate.

Troubleshooting steps

1. Check the oven igniter

1. See what color the igniter glows. It should glow a very bright orange if it’s working correctly.
2. Turn off the range and unplug it.
3. Open the oven door and remove the oven racks.
4. Take out the bottom oven panel (for the bake burner).
5. Detach the flame spreader shield. The igniter on the bake or broil burner should now be exposed. 
6. Look over the igniter. It should be intact and firmly secured to the burner. Look for loose mounting or cracks in the ceramic body.

To test the oven igniter:

1. Set your multimeter to the continuity test setting.
2. Disconnect the igniter wiring harness.
3. Touch the multimeter probes to two igniter wire terminals. 

If you don’t get continuity, it means the igniter has failed and the part needs to be replaced.

If the igniter visually checks out but the oven still won’t start, the igniter likely is weakened and needs to be replaced. If it only glows a faint orange, it’s not reaching the proper temperature to open the gas valve.

2. Check the spark module

You can find the spark module underneath the cooktop or behind the range in the back cabinet or console.

To test the spark module:

1. Unplug the range and disconnect the incoming power wires to the module.
2. Set the multimeter to the volts AC setting.
3. Touch the meter probes to the incoming power terminals.
4. Turn on the burner knobs to the ignition position.
5. Plug the power cord back in.
6. Check for 120 volts at the module during the ignition attempt. If you get 120 volts AC here, that means the spark module is faulty and needs to be replaced.

3. Check the cooktop igniter

To access the cooktop igniter, you’ll need to lift up the cooktop on most models. You may also need to remove the burner caps and heads.

1. Examine the igniter for any cracks in the ceramic body or damage to the wire terminal. Even small cracks can prevent the spark from lighting the burner. If any damage is present, you’ll have to replace the igniter.
2. Clean any debris off the igniter tip and burner head.

4. Check the oven temperature sensor

1. Access the wiring at the back of the range.
2. Detach the temperature sensor wires.
3. Set your multimeter to the Ohms setting.
4. Touch the meter probes to the sensor terminals.
5. Compare the ohm reading to the reference chart for your model’s normal resistance range. If the reading doesn’t fall within the specified range, the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced. 

5. Check the oven control board

1. Find the control board inside the range console or behind the control panel.
2. Find the tech sheet for your range model number.
3. Follow the troubleshooting tree or error code diagnostics on the tech sheet to test the board. If the board fails any of the tests, it needs to be replaced.

If you need a replacement board, make sure the new one has the same part number as the old one. You’ll also need to transfer any removable wires over to the new board.

Gas range maintenance and safety tips

• Avoid using aluminum foil anywhere in or around the oven since it can disrupt airflow and cause overheating, which can lead to burns or fires.
• Clean the range regularly to prevent grease buildup, which is highly flammable. While cleaning, pay close attention to the oven, cooktop, burner drip pans, and under the range.
• Always use the range hood when cooking to avoid grease and moisture buildup in the kitchen.
• Never leave the range unattended when cooking at high temperatures, as this is the leading cause of cooking fires.
• If you smell gas, immediately turn off the gas valve, evacuate the area, and call the gas company. Don’t operate any electrical switches.
• Have the range serviced annually by a professional to inspect all gas connections, perform a gas leak test, and check that all burners are functioning correctly.

Where To Find Us 

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

Stay connected with the latest DIY tips, tutorial videos, and repair guides by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We love hearing about your repair stories and successes. If you need more help or want personalized guidance, feel free to contact or call us at 877-477-7278. We’re ready to help you take on your next project with confidence!

Since 1999, AppliancePartsPros.com has helped millions of people repair their broken appliances by providing high-quality original parts at well below retail prices, free support and troubleshooting, and award-winning customer service from an expert, friendly, US-based customer support team! 

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.