When your gas burner won’t ignite, it’s frustrating—but the good news is, you can often fix it yourself with simple steps. Whether it’s clogged ports, misaligned parts, or just a bit of grease buildup, this guide will walk you through everything you need to do to get your burner back in action.
Let’s jump right into the solutions, starting with the easiest and most effective fixes.
Check The Basics First
Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, check these simple things:
- Make sure all burner knobs are turned off.
- Confirm there’s no gas smell in the area.
- If your stove has a child lock or safety feature, check that it’s not activated.
- Ensure the stove is getting power (for electric ignition stoves).
Sometimes, solving the problem is as simple as turning a knob fully off and back on.
Ensure Proper Airflow Around The Burner
Gas needs oxygen to ignite. If there’s not enough air mixing with the gas, the burner won’t light.
Pro Tip: Try gently blowing across the burner from about two feet away. This airflow helps mix oxygen with the gas, improving ignition chances. For a safer option, use a piece of paper or a handheld fan instead of your breath to avoid exposing your face to sudden flames.
Realign Burner Caps And Burner Parts
Gas stoves have burner caps that sit over the burner heads. If the cap isn’t seated correctly, the gas won’t flow properly, and the igniter won’t catch.
- Lift the burner cap and check for any food debris underneath.
- Reposition the cap so it sits flush on the burner base.
- Many stoves have a small notch or alignment groove — make sure the cap fits into place correctly.
This one fix alone solves ignition problems for many users.
Clean Out Clogged Burner Ports
Over time, food spills, grease, and even cleaning soap can clog the tiny holes (ports) where gas flows out. If these are blocked, the igniter sparks, but there’s not enough gas flow to ignite.
Here’s how to clean them:
- Remove the burner cap and head.
- Use a soft brush, toothpick, or thin needle to clean each port hole.
- For deep cleaning, soak the burner head in a mix of vinegar and warm water.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before reinstalling.
Check The Igniter For Dirt Or Damage
The igniter itself might be dirty, greasy, or damaged. If it can’t spark cleanly, the burner won’t ignite.
- Wipe the igniter (the small ceramic and metal piece near the burner) with a dry cloth or cotton swab.
- Avoid water, as moisture can block sparks.
- If the ceramic is cracked, the igniter likely needs replacement.
Adjust The Igniter Electrode Position
The metal rod (electrode) that sparks the flame needs to be correctly positioned. If it’s bent out of place, the spark can miss the gas completely.
- Check if the electrode looks too close to the burner or is pushed too far back.
- Gently adjust it so it’s positioned evenly over the gas outlet, but without touching the burner directly.
This small tweak fixes burners that used to light but suddenly stopped.
Remove Grease Or Water Buildup
If you recently cooked something messy (like pasta water boiling over or frying oily foods), the burner could simply be gunked up with grease or moisture.
- Remove all burner parts.
- Wash them in warm, soapy water.
- Use a soft brush to scrub away any stubborn buildup.
- Rinse and let all parts dry completely before reassembly.
Moisture trapped in the burner or igniter can prevent ignition, so make sure every part is bone dry.
Use Gentle Cleaning Products (Avoid Harsh Chemicals)
Routine cleaning helps burners work smoothly, but aggressive cleaning can cause problems. Harsh scrubbing pads can damage burner holes, and some cleaning products leave behind residue that clogs ports.
Best cleaning mix:
- Baking soda + water paste for scrubbing.
- Vinegar rinse for dissolving grease.
- Soft cloth to dry.
Stick to gentle cleaning methods for long-term burner health.
Double-Check The Burner Knob Switch (If Applicable)
Some stoves have a small switch under the burner knob that triggers the igniter when you turn the knob to “light.” If this switch fails, the igniter won’t spark properly.
- If you’ve tried everything else and the igniter doesn’t spark at all, this switch may be faulty.
- Consult your stove’s manual to check if your model has this feature.
When To Contact Support Or A Professional
If none of these fixes work, or if you notice:
- Gas smells after the burner fails to light.
- Visible cracks or electrical damage to the igniter.
- Burners sparking constantly even when off.
It’s time to call for help. For common brands like GE, you can contact them directly:
GE Appliance Support
- Website: GEappliances.com
- Phone: 1-800-626-2005
Professional technicians can safely diagnose deeper issues like faulty gas valves or internal wiring faults.
Wrapping It Up
When your gas burner won’t ignite, it’s often a simple issue like clogged ports, misaligned caps, or grease buildup. By working through these fixes one by one, you’ll likely have your burner working again without calling for costly repairs. Keep your stove clean, avoid harsh cleaners, and check burner alignment regularly to prevent future issues.