Gas Stove Keeps Clicking: Common Reasons and Solutions

If you have a gas stove you will hear a clicking sound when you ignite the gas. But if the clicking sound continues without the gas igniting, or clicks even when the gas is ignited there may be something wrong with your stove that will need to be repaired.

In this guide, we are going to look at the most common reasons why this occurs and give you a solution for each one so you can start using your gas stove again.

Before you go any further, make sure the gas isn’t still coming out of the burner when your stove is turned off. If you can smell gas, you need to turn the main gas supply line off and call a technician to come and inspect your gas supply.

The burner cap might be out of place

The first reason a gas stove might continuously click is if the burner cap has come out of alignment on your stove. When this occurs your gas stove might not be able to ignite and will instead make a clicking noise.

Here’s how to check the burner cap, and if necessary fix it:

1. Make sure the gas stove has completely cooled down.
2. Once cool, remove the burner grate.
3. Make sure the burner caps are all in the center. If not, realign them.
4. Once checked and/or realigned, try to ignite your gas stove.
5. If your stove doesn’t ignite or if the clicking sound keeps coming from the igniter, clean the burner (see below).

The burner might be dirty

The next thing to investigate if your stove keeps clicking is if the burner is dirty which can stop gas from being able to flow properly. When this happens, your gas stove might keep clicking.

Here’s how to give the burner a quick clean:

1. Start by removing the burner grate.
2. Next, remove the caps off the burner caps.
3. Remove all loose food debris.
4. Spray and wipe the entire stove area – making sure you clean in all the hard-to-reach places. You can use any commercial cleaning spray.
5. Thoroughly dry the stove area and then leave it to air dry for 20 minutes or so. Once it’s dry, put the stove components back together again.
6. Next, try to ignite the gas burners.
7. If the clicking continues after you’ve ignited the burner or if it doesn’t ignite at all, check the gas supply (see below).

The gas supply might be faulty

The next thing to check out is if the gas supply has stopped working. When this occurs, the igniter will just continuously click and will not ignite. The main reason your gas supply stops flowing is if something is blocking it.

Here’s how to check, and if necessary, fix the gas supply:

1. Remove the grate from the burners.
2. Remove the burner cap off the burner that doesn’t work.
3. Once removed, locate the small hole that the gas comes out of (it’s at the back of the burner).
4. Once located, check that nothing is obstructing the hole. If so, remove it. You may need to use a small metal pin or a toothpick to get into the hole to remove any grease and grime.
5. Once clean, put the burner caps back onto the burners and try to ignite them.
6. If your igniter continues to click, check the spark igniter connections (see below).

The spark igniter connections might be loose

The next possible thing to investigate is whether the spark igniter connections have become loose. When they become loose, your stove might not be able to ignite and instead, you’ll hear a clicking noise.

Here’s how to check the igniter connections, and if necessary, fix them:

1. Start by turning the power off to your stove.
2. Remove the burner head.
3. Make sure that all the wires that are connected to the burner head (from the range top) are securely connected. If any are loose, tighten them. If any wires are damaged beyond repair, replace them.
4. Next, check the wires are connected to the igniter unit correctly. If loose or damaged, repair or replace them.
5. Once repaired, put all of the stove components back together and then check if your oven can now ignite correctly. If not, you may need to replace the igniter unit (see below).

The igniter might need to be replaced

If you still haven’t found the reason why your gas stove is clicking, the next step is to replace the igniter unit. Before replacing the igniter you will need to order the correct replacement part.

Here’s how to replace the igniter:

1. Switch the power and gas supply off.
2. Remove the burner head from the stove (consult your user manual if you’re not sure how).
3. Disconnect the wires from the igniter (you will need to turn the burner heat over).
4. Remove the igniter by unthreading any screws that hold it in place.
5. Make sure the wires are all fine. If any are damaged, replace them.
6. Attach the new igniter and secure it in place with the screws you removed earlier.
7. Reattach the wires to the new igniter unit.
8. Once the new igniter is attached, put your stove back together again.
9. Test if your gas stove can now operate correctly without a continuous clicking sound. 
10. If your stove is still making a clicking sound or the gas won’t ignite at all, you will need to get a qualified technician to come and inspect your appliance.