How Ignition Fails
A sealed gas burner needs three things to light: a clean spark, gas flowing from an open valve, and a burner cap seated so the flame can travel around the ports. Ignition problems almost always come from one of those. A spill that wet the igniter, a cap knocked askew during cleaning, or a clogged port are the everyday culprits.
Common Causes and What We Check
| Symptom | Likely Cause | What a Technician Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks, no flame | Wet or dirty igniter, misaligned cap | Clean and dry, align cap, clear ports |
| No spark at all | Cracked igniter or switch | Igniter and its circuit |
| All burners click | Spark module or moisture | Spark module and wiring |
| Lights then goes out | Weak flame or valve | Gas flow and valve |
Notes by Brand
Wolf: Sealed burners light reliably once the igniter is clean and the cap is seated; a boil-over that soaked the igniter is the most common Wolf ignition call.
Viking and Thermador: A single dead burner is often a cracked igniter, while all-burner clicking points to the shared spark module.
La Cornue: These handcrafted ranges use robust burners; ignition issues usually trace to the igniter or a clogged port and are diagnosed by symptom.
Dacor and Monogram: Spark modules and switches are the recurring ignition parts we replace.
Gas Safety First
If you smell gas, turn the burner off, do not operate switches or keep clicking the igniter, and ventilate the room. If the smell is strong, leave and call your gas utility before booking a repair.
When to Book a Repair
If cleaning and reseating the cap does not restore the flame, the igniter, module or valve needs testing. Book a range or cooktop repair.
Burner Still Won't Light?
Book a visit. Diagnostic and travel fees, if applicable, are confirmed before the appointment and before repair approval.