What’s With That Clicking Sound?
You go to cook something, turn the knob on your stove—and all you hear is click, click, click. But there’s no flame.
Frustrating, right?
If your gas stove is clicking but not lighting, you’re not alone. This is a super common issue in kitchens everywhere. The good news? It’s often not a serious problem or a major breakdown.In many cases, it’s something simple you can check yourself before calling for help.
Let’s go over the most likely reasons your stove’s clicking, what you can do about it, and when it’s time to get a pro involved.
1. There’s Moisture in the Burner
Maybe you wiped down the stove earlier or had something boil over while cooking. That water or liquid cleaner might have dripped into the burner. In that case, you’ll hear the igniter clicking, but the flame just won’t start.
What You Can Do:
Give it time to dry out. Let it sit for a few hours or use a blow dryer on low to help it dry faster. Once it’s dry, try turning the burner on again.
2. The Burner Cap Is Out of Place or Dirty
If the cap on the burner isn’t sitting just right—or if it’s greasy or covered in food—it can stop the flame from starting. That can trigger the non-stop clicking.
What You Can Do:
Wait for the stove to cool, then lift the cap and wipe it clean. Be sure to set it back in the correct position.. Try the burner again and see if it lights.
3. The Holes Where Gas Comes Out Are Blocked
The little holes where the gas comes through (called burner ports) can get clogged with crumbs, grease, or old food. That makes it hard for the flame to light, even if the igniter is working.
What You Can Do:
Use a toothpick or a safety pin to gently clear the holes. Be careful not to scratch anything. Give it another try after that.
4. The Igniter Is Worn Out
If your stove has been around for a while, the igniter might just be getting old. When it’s worn out, it might click and spark weakly—or not at all.
What You Can Do:
This one’s a bit more technical. If basic cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, it’s likely time to replace the igniter. A repair tech can do this quickly and safely.
5. There’s an Issue With the Switch or Wiring
If the clicking doesn’t stop—even when the burner lights—or if all burners are acting up, there could be something off with the wiring or a stuck switch inside the stove.
What You Can Do:
Unplug the stove for a few minutes to see if that resets anything. If the clicking doesn’t stop after basic checks, it’s best to reach out to a professional repair technician. Don’t try to mess with the electrical parts yourself.
Quick Checklist Before You Call for Help
Try these simple steps first:
✅ Dry out the burner
✅ Clean off the burner caps
✅ Check that everything is sitting in place
✅ Try another burner—see if the problem is with just one or all of them
✅ Unplug and reset the stove
If you still hear clicking and nothing’s lighting—or you smell gas—stop and call a professional right away.
Is It Safe to Use a Stove That Keeps Clicking?
Not really. If your stove keeps clicking and won’t light, turn it off right away to stay safe. That clicking means the spark is trying to work, and the gas might be flowing. If it builds up, it can be dangerous.
Tip: If you smell gas at all, leave the area, open windows, and call your gas company. Don’t take any chances.
When Should You Call a Stove Repair Tech?
If you’ve cleaned the burners, dried them out, and double-checked everything but it’s still clicking, it’s time to call in a pro. Here’s when to make the call:
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Clicking won’t stop
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You smell gas
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The same issue is happening on more than one burner
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You’ve tried all the easy stuff with no luck
An expert can spot the issue fast, replace any broken parts, and make sure your stove is safe to use again.
How to Avoid This Problem in the Future
Here are some quick tips to keep your stove working like new:
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Wipe it down regularly
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Don’t use too much water when cleaning
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Keep the burner caps clean and in place
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Don’t let food or grease build up
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Let it dry completely after a deep clean
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Get a pro to check it once a year if possible
A little care goes a long way when it comes to keeping your stove running smoothly.
FAQs—Let’s Clear Up a Few More Things
Q: My stove clicks but still lights. Is that okay?
A: If the burner lights but keeps clicking, that’s still not normal. The igniter or switch may be acting up and should be checked.
Q: It’s just one burner clicking. What does that mean?
A: That’s good news—it means the issue is likely limited to that one spot. It’s probably just dirty or wet.
Q: How much does it cost to fix this kind of problem?
A: Most repairs like this fall between $100 and $100–$250, depending on your stove type and the parts involved.
Q: Can I spray cleaner right on the burners?
A: You can, but don’t overdo it—and make sure it’s totally dry before turning the burner back on.
Q: Do I need to replace the whole stove if it keeps clicking?
A: Not at all. This is usually a small fix. Most stoves last many years if you keep up with simple maintenance.
Final Word: Clicking Stove? Don’t Stress It
A stove that clicks but doesn’t light can seem like a big deal—but it usually isn’t. Most of the time, it’s just something simple like moisture, crumbs, or a loose cap. Try the steps above, and if you’re still stuck, don’t wait. Get a pro to check it out so you can get back to cooking without the stress.
Need help from a local stove repair expert? We’re just one call away.
