What a gas range igniter does and when to replace it

A gas range igniter is the part that creates the spark to light the burner flame. When you turn the knob, electricity flows through the igniter, which heats up and glows red-hot. That heat ignites the gas coming from the burner. If your burner won't light even though you hear clicking or smell gas, the igniter has likely failed and needs replacement.

You'll know the igniter is bad if you turn the knob and nothing happens, or if you see a spark but no flame appears. Some igniters click repeatedly without producing heat. The igniter sits at the base of the burner, usually visible as a small ceramic or metal rod with a wire attached. Replacement takes 10 to 20 minutes and costs $15 to $40 for the part itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off the gas at the control knob and unplug the range from the wall outlet before you start any work.
  • The igniter is a small ceramic or metal rod at the base of the burner that you can access by lifting the cooktop or removing the burner cap and ring.
  • Disconnect the wire clip holding the igniter in place, then slide the igniter out of its bracket and replace it with the matching part number.
  • Test the new igniter by turning the burner knob and listening for a clicking sound and watching for a red glow at the base of the burner.
  • If the new igniter doesn't work, the problem may be a faulty spark module or control board, which requires professional service.

Gather the right tools and the correct replacement part

Before you start, you need a replacement igniter that matches your range model. Find the model number on a sticker inside the oven door frame or on the back of the range. Write it down and search online for "[your brand] [model number] igniter" or call the manufacturer's parts line. The part number matters—igniters are not universal, and installing the wrong one will not work.

You will need a screwdriver (usually Phillips head), a flashlight or phone light to see into the burner area, and a pair of needle-nose pliers to help disconnect the wire clip. Some ranges have the igniter accessible from the top; others require you to remove the burner grates and lift the cooktop. Check your range manual if you have it, or search online for "[your brand] [model] igniter replacement" to see which access method applies to your model.

Turn off the gas and power before you begin

Safety comes first. Turn the burner control knob to the off position, then turn the main gas valve at the back of the range to off if your model has one. Unplug the range from the wall outlet—do not skip this step. The igniter runs on electricity, and you need to cut power to avoid shock or accidental ignition.

Wait a few minutes for any residual gas to clear. You should not smell gas near the burner. If you do, open a window and wait longer before proceeding. If the smell persists, do not work on the range—call a service technician instead.

Access the igniter under the cooktop or burner

Most gas ranges have the igniter mounted at the base of the burner, underneath the cooktop surface. To reach it, you will need to lift the cooktop or remove the burner cap and ring. Check your manual for the exact method, but the most common approach is to lift the cooktop by gripping the front edge and pulling up gently until it rests at an angle. Some cooktops have a hinge and will stay open; others you hold open by hand.

Once the cooktop is open or tilted, look at the base of the burner you need to fix. You will see a small ceramic or metal rod with a wire attached to it. That is the igniter. Use your flashlight to see clearly. The igniter sits in a bracket or holder and is held in place by a wire clip or connector. Do not touch the igniter with bare hands—oils from your skin can damage the ceramic surface.

Disconnect the old igniter and remove it

Locate the wire clip or connector attached to the igniter. It is usually a small plastic or metal clip that slides onto a pin or terminal. Use your needle-nose pliers to gently pull the clip straight off the terminal. Do not yank or twist—pull straight and steady. If the clip is stubborn, wiggle it slightly side to side as you pull.

Once the wire is disconnected, the igniter should slide out of its bracket easily. Grasp it gently and pull it straight toward you. If it does not move, check that the wire is fully disconnected and that no screws are holding it in place. Some models have a small screw at the base of the bracket—remove it if present. Keep the old igniter for reference so you can confirm the new one looks the same.

Install the new igniter and reconnect the wire

Take the new igniter and slide it into the bracket in the same position as the old one. The ceramic or metal rod should point toward the burner opening. Push it in until it sits flush in the bracket. If your model uses a screw, insert and tighten it now—snug but not forceful.

Reconnect the wire clip by sliding it back onto the terminal. You should hear or feel a small click when it seats properly. The wire should be tight enough that it does not move when you tug gently. Do not force it; if it does not slide on smoothly, check that the terminal is clean and the clip is aligned correctly.

Test the new igniter and close the cooktop

Plug the range back into the wall outlet. Do not turn on the gas yet. Turn the burner control knob to the ignite position and listen. You should hear a rapid clicking sound coming from the burner area, and you should see a small red glow at the base of the burner where the igniter sits. The clicking should continue for a few seconds, then stop. This is normal behavior.

If you see the red glow and hear clicking, the igniter is working. Turn the knob back to off. Now turn the gas valve back on (if you turned it off), and test the burner by turning the knob again. You should hear the click, see the glow, and the burner flame should light. If the flame lights, the job is complete. Close the cooktop carefully and make sure it is fully seated.

If the new igniter does not click or glow, unplug the range and check that the wire clip is fully seated on the terminal. If it is and the igniter still does not work, the problem may be a faulty spark module or control board, which requires professional service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I touch the igniter with my bare hands?

Avoid it. Oils and moisture from your skin can damage the ceramic surface and cause the igniter to fail prematurely. If you do touch it, wipe it gently with a clean, dry cloth before installing it.

What if the igniter clicks but the burner does not light?

The igniter may be working but positioned incorrectly, or the burner opening may be clogged with food or debris. Check that the igniter rod points directly at the burner opening. If it does, clean the burner opening with a small brush or pipe cleaner. If the burner still does not light, the spark module or gas valve may be faulty.

How do I know which igniter part number to order?

Find your range model number on the sticker inside the oven door frame or on the back of the unit. Search online for "[brand] [model number] igniter" or call the manufacturer's parts department with the model number. They will give you the correct part number. Do not guess—the wrong igniter will not fit or work.

Do I need to turn off the main gas valve?

It is safer to do so, but not always necessary. If your range has a main gas shutoff valve at the back, turning it off prevents any gas from flowing while you work. If you do not turn it off, make sure the burner control knob is in the off position and do not turn the knob while you are working on the igniter.

What if the new igniter still does not work?

Check that the wire clip is fully connected and the igniter is seated properly in the bracket. If those are correct, the spark module or control board may be faulty. These parts require professional replacement and are not user-serviceable on most ranges.