A gas burner that clicks repeatedly without lighting is one of the most common range service calls, and in most cases it’s a straightforward, affordable fix. But there’s an important safety distinction to understand.
The Common, Low-Risk Cause
In most cases, a clicking-but-not-lighting igniter means the igniter itself is worn, or the burner cap and port are clogged with food debris or moisture, preventing a spark from reaching the gas properly. This is generally safe to leave alone briefly while you arrange a repair, as long as you turn off the burner between attempts.
The Scenario That Requires Immediate Action
If you smell gas at any point — whether or not the burner is clicking — turn off the burner, do not attempt to relight it, ventilate the area, and leave the gas turned off at the shutoff valve until a technician can inspect it. A gas smell combined with an ignition fault should always be treated as a potential safety issue, not a routine repair.
What Causes the Difference
A worn igniter or dirty burner port is an ignition problem. A gas smell indicates a supply issue — potentially a loose fitting or valve problem — which is a different and more serious category of fault.
Getting It Fixed
For routine igniter issues, visit our range repair page to book a standard visit. If you ever smell gas, treat it as urgent and call us immediately.
Not Confident Doing This Yourself?
A factory-trained technician can diagnose and fix it safely, usually same-day.