Gas burner igniter keeps clicking
Some clicking is by design.
Soon Clicking on its own is not a gas leak, but a spark that will not stop should be shut off at the breaker, and any smell of gas is a call for the gas utility's emergency line.
What this symptom usually means
Some clicking is by design. GE explains that on sealed-burner ranges and cooktops, one spark module feeds every igniter, so all the burners click when you turn one to Lite; only the one you turned will light. Whirlpool says the same. And some models have a re-ignition feature: if a flame goes out from a spill, a draft or the hood fan, the igniter clicks until it relights. Whirlpool notes that clicking can persist on those models when there is a draft in the room or the burner is on a very low setting.
Clicking that goes on with the knob off, or after the flame is steady with no draft, is not normal. Both makers name moisture as a cause: water from cleaning or a boil-over sitting around the burner or the knob shaft makes the spark switch fire on its own until it dries. GE also says to check that the knob has returned fully to Off. If the burner is dry and the knob is off and it still clicks, the spark switch behind that knob, the wiring, or the spark module may be at fault, and the range should be switched off at the breaker until it is looked at.
Checks you can do yourself
- Smell firstIf you smell gas at any point, stop the checks. Do not touch light switches or appliances, do not use a phone inside, and do not light anything. Get everyone out, leave the door open behind you if you can, and call from outside or a neighbour's: in Ottawa, Enbridge Gas at 1-866-763-5427; in Gatineau, Enbridge Gaz Québec at 819-771-8321, option 1. You can also call 911. Come back to the checks below only after the gas utility has confirmed it is safe.
- Is it the normal kind?Turn one burner to Lite and watch. All burners clicking while one lights is normal on sealed-burner ranges (GE, Whirlpool). The clicking should stop once that burner is lit and the knob is turned off Lite, unless your model has re-ignition.
- Knob fully offIf clicking continues with the burners off, turn each knob firmly to Off. GE says a knob that has not returned fully to Off can keep the igniters clicking.
- Let it dryAfter cleaning or a boil-over, turn everything off and let the burners dry completely. GE says this can take several hours. Whirlpool suggests speeding it up with a hair dryer on a cool setting aimed at the burner and around the knob shaft.
- Drafts and low flamesOn a model with re-ignition, close a nearby window, turn the hood fan down, or raise the flame slightly. Whirlpool notes drafts and very low settings can keep the igniter clicking.
- Stop it if it will not stopIf clicking continues with every knob off after the burners have dried, switch the range off at the breaker (or unplug it if you can reach the plug safely) until it is looked at.
Nothing above involves gas, wiring, refrigerant or removing panels.
What you notice, and what it can point to
Listed in no particular order. They help you describe the problem; only an inspection confirms the fault.
All burners click when you light one
Could point to: Shared spark module on a sealed-burner range; normal (GE)
Next step: None needed once the burner lights and the knob leaves Lite
Clicking starts after cleaning or a boil-over, even with knobs off
Could point to: Moisture around the burner or knob shaft (GE, Whirlpool)
Next step: Let it dry for several hours or use a hair dryer on cool; book if it continues
A lit burner clicks now and then on low or in a draft
Could point to: Re-ignition sensing a lost flame (Whirlpool)
Next step: Reduce drafts, raise the flame slightly; book if it happens at normal settings
Clicking with a knob that sits slightly off the Off mark
Could point to: Knob not fully returned to Off (GE)
Next step: Turn it firmly to Off; if it still clicks when dry, switch off the breaker and book
Clicking together with a smell of gas
Could point to: Possible gas leak or unlit gas flowing
Next step: Stop, leave the building, call the gas utility or 911 from outside
How it differs by design
Sealed burners with a shared spark module. GE explains that on sealed-burner ranges and cooktops all the igniters run from one spark module, so every burner clicks when any knob is at Lite.
Re-ignition models. Some ranges and cooktops watch for a lost flame and spark again to relight it. Whirlpool describes this, and notes that on these models some clicking at low settings or in a draft is expected. Without re-ignition, the clicking should stop as soon as the knob leaves Lite.
Range versus separate cooktop. The checks are the same, but a built-in gas cooktop's plug or junction box may be inside the cabinet below, and the breaker may be the easiest way to stop continuous sparking. A dual-fuel range has a gas cooktop and an electric oven; the clicking belongs to the cooktop side.
What is not in this guide. Burner valves, orifices, the manifold and the gas connection are handled only by a certified gas contractor. The only gas-side action for a homeowner is to leave and call the utility if there is a smell.
What our technician checks
These need panels off, live electrical tests or a licensed trade, so they are left to the technician:
- Removing the cooktop or control panel to reach switches, the spark module or wiring
- Any work on burners, igniters, gas valves, orifices, the manifold, connector or supply line
- Leak testing, or adjusting the flame or air shutters
- Anything past the appliance connector, which goes to a licensed gas fitter
Waived when you go ahead with the repair. You get the cause, the price and our repair-or-replace verdict in writing before any work.
Repairs a technician may recommend
After inspection, not from the symptom alone.
Spark switch replacement
When one knob's switch fires with the knob off, for example after moisture has damaged it. The technician identifies which switch is at fault.
Spark module replacement
When the module keeps sparking with all the switches off, or sparks erratically.
Igniter electrode or wiring repair
When an electrode is cracked, out of position, or its lead is damaged or shorting. Igniter work is done by the certified gas contractor RepairWell works with.
Burner head or cap replacement
When a warped head or damaged cap stops the burner lighting cleanly or holding a steady flame. Burner work is done by the certified gas contractor RepairWell works with.
Control knob or knob shaft repair
When a knob does not return to Off or does not seat on its shaft.
Gas-side repairs
Any work on burners, igniters, valves or the gas connection is done by the certified gas contractor RepairWell works with, never by a homeowner.
Brands we see with this problem
Codes, parts and access differ by brand; the brand pages cover where the model label is and what to expect.
Cost, and whether to fix it
What the repair costs depends on the part, the labour and whether a second visit is needed for an ordered part; the written finding gives the total before any work. Our guides on what drives repair costs, stove & range repair costs and repair versus replacement explain how to weigh it.
When to book
Book when the clicking continues with the knobs off after the burners have dried for several hours, when one burner keeps re-sparking with no draft at a normal flame, or when a burner clicks but will not light. Tell us which burner or knob it follows, whether it started after cleaning or a spill, and whether your model has re-ignition. RepairWell diagnoses gas ranges; repair work on burners, igniters, valves and the gas connection is carried out by the certified gas contractor we work with. The diagnostic is $89 (+tax), waived if you go ahead with the repair. If you ever smell gas, call the gas utility first; we come after the supply has been confirmed safe. See stove and range repair or cooktop repair.
We handle this across Ottawa and Gatineau
Related problems
Gas burner igniter keeps clicking: questions
Why do all the burners click when I light one?
On sealed-burner ranges one spark module feeds every igniter, so GE and Whirlpool both describe all the burners sparking together as normal. Only the burner with gas flowing lights.
It keeps clicking after I wiped down the stove. Is it broken?
Probably not. Both GE and Whirlpool name moisture from cleaning as a cause. Turn everything off and let it dry fully; GE says this can take several hours. A hair dryer on cool helps. If it still clicks when dry, book.
My burner clicks every so often while it is lit on low.
If your range has re-ignition, it sparks when it senses the flame has gone out. Whirlpool says drafts and very low settings can keep it clicking. Reduce drafts or raise the flame a little. If it happens at normal settings in a still room, book.
Is constant clicking dangerous?
The spark itself is not a gas leak, but it means a switch or the module is misbehaving, and it can wear the parts. Switch the range off at the breaker until it is checked. If you smell gas at any point, leave and call the gas utility.
Who do I call if I smell gas?
Your gas utility, from outside the building: Enbridge Gas at 1-866-763-5427 in Ottawa, Enbridge Gaz Québec at 819-771-8321, option 1, in Gatineau, or 911. Not an appliance repair company.
Sources
- Whirlpool Product Help: Burner(s) sparking or clicking, gas cooktop
- Whirlpool Product Help: Clicking or ticking, gas cooktop
- GE Appliances: Gas range and cooktop, one or more burners are clicking
- GE Appliances: Gas range and cooktop, surface burners sparking
- Enbridge Gas (Ontario): Smell natural gas?
- Enbridge Gaz Québec: Safety and prevention
- Ville de Gatineau: Natural gas installations
Sources checked 2026-09-24.
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- $89 diagnosticWaived when you go ahead with the repair
- Written finding on every visitCause, price and our repair-or-replace verdict
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