In this article
When you turn the knob, gas flows to the burner and a small electrode makes a spark that lights it. If any part of that chain is wet, dirty, out of place or worn, you get clicking with no flame, or no clicking at all.
The usual causes
Wet or dirty burner
The most common cause by far, especially right after cleaning or a pot boiling over. Water and food block the small holes and the spark can’t reach the gas.
Burner cap not sitting right
If the cap is slightly off after cleaning, gas escapes unevenly and won’t meet the spark.
Worn or cracked spark electrode
The small white ceramic stick next to the burner. If it is cracked or the spark looks weak and orange, it needs replacing.
Ignition switch or module
If none of the burners click, the fault is usually the ignition module or a switch behind the knobs, often after liquid has got in.
Empty cylinder or a faulty regulator
If every burner is weak or none will light, check the gas supply before anything else.
Flame lights, then goes out
Many cookers have a safety device that cuts the gas if the flame goes out. If the burner lights but dies when you release the knob, that device (the thermocouple) is usually the cause. This one needs a technician.
Cooker repair
Gas and electric cookers, ovens, burners, ignition, gas valves and thermostats.
- Ignition
- Weak flame
- Gas valves
- Oven not heating
What you can check safely
-
1
Turn every knob offWait a minute so any gas in the air clears.
-
2
Check the cylinderIs it empty? Is the regulator fitted firmly and the valve open?
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3
Dry and clean the burnerRemove the cap and head, dry them fully, and clear the holes with a toothpick, not a needle.
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4
Refit the capMake sure it sits flat and doesn’t rock.
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5
Try once moreIf it still won’t light after a few seconds of clicking, stop and call.
When to stop and call
- You can smell gas, even faintly
- The flame lights but goes out when you release the knob
- None of the burners click at all
- The electrode is cracked, or the spark is weak and orange
- The flame is yellow and smoky after cleaning
| What you notice | Likely cause | DIY? |
|---|---|---|
| One burner clicks, no flame | Wet, dirty or misaligned burner | Yes, dry and clean it |
| No burners click | Ignition module or switch | No |
| Lights, then goes out | Thermocouple / safety valve | No |
| All burners weak | Cylinder or regulator | Check the cylinder only |
Questions people ask
Can I light it with a match instead?
Only if you can’t smell any gas and the burner lights straight away. If it doesn’t, turn it off and call.
Is a clicking cooker dangerous?
The clicking itself isn’t, but repeated clicking with gas flowing can let gas build up. Don’t keep trying for long.
Do you replace ignition parts at home?
Yes. Electrodes, switches and ignition modules are usually replaced on the same visit.
