Your gas range's spark igniter hates you. You know this because - it won't spark which is literally it's only job. Here's how to fix it.
- Identify the jerk spark ignitor. It'll be the one that doesn't spark.
2. Remove the top grate so you have access to the burner. Don't get distracted by the gunk or the fact you've never cleaned the gunk.
The white post in the middle of the burner is the spark igniter. Sparky. Only, with no spark. So Sparkless.
3. Unplug the spark igniter from the wire it's attached to.
Sparkless the spark igniter just plugs into a wire that leads to the spark module. You don't need to know about the spark module, but if you don't get a spark and replacing the spark ignitor doesn't fix the problem - you could have a defective spark module.
But let's just ignore that fact for now.
4. Because you're going to pull out the entire thing.
Each range is different, the spark ignitor is attached to the burner which is attached to the gas tube which in turn .... slips over the gas pipe.
A gentle tug and the gas tube will just pull right off of the gas pipe.
The ONLY way for your spark igniter to break is if it literally breaks or cracks. If you whack it with a pot for instance or crack it while cleaning it.
5. Flip the burner over and remove old Sparkless by removing the screw holding it in place.
6. Grab your new spark igniter. It'll be the one that doesn't look disgusting and hasn't disappointed you.
7. Screw it in where you unscrewed the original one.
8. Slip the burner and tube back into place. Make SURE the tube is placed over the gas line (which is inside the hole you can see near the end of the tube.
9. Now connect the new Sparky (fingers crossed) to the wiring again and give her a whirl.
Like I said if this DOESN'T fix the problem, you probably have a faulty spark module - which is also an easy fix that we'll get to next week.
How to Replace a Gas Range Spark Igniter.
How to fix your spark igniter to get your gas stove flaming again.
Materials
- Spark Igniter (for your make and model of range)
Tools
- Screwdriver
Instructions
- Unplug, or turn off electricity to range.
- Remove range grate.
- Disconnect spark igniter wire.
- Remove burner and gas tube by gently pulling it away.
- Flip the burner over and remove the old spark igniter by unscrewing it.
- Replace with a new spark igniter.
- Fit the burner, new igniter and tube into the range again, making sure you slip the tube over the gas pipe.
- Reconnect the wire from the spark igniter to the wire that leads to the spark module.
- Put the grate back on, restore power to the range and test the igniter.
- If it still doesn't work, the problem is probably your spark module.
Notes
* the price of your spark igniter will depend on the make and model of your range. It could be anywhere from $15 to $70.
I'm constantly amazed by how easy these fixes usually are.
If you've never tried to fix something around your house the notion of doing it probably seems ridiculous.
But a lot of things that break in your house aren't exactly complicated mystical contraptions. Except maybe your leg.
Appliances and electronics and doo-dads have parts that make them work. Identify the part that isn't working and it's usually pretty easy to order a new part and replace it.
Most times that's all there is to fixing something.
That or giving it a donkey kick. But we've established that a broken leg is a bit trickier to fix yourself so keep that in mind.
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Wow! I've never thought that this fix was possible. I grew up in a family that kept matches (now butane lighters) next to the stove to light the burners.
My own stove is touchy, and I have my own lighter for the random instances when it takes just a little too long to light. (Yes, I take precautions when/if there is excess gas in the room.)
I wonder, Karen, if you do these things because you like to tinker or because you want to save money. It may be both, but I admire your confidence in taking something on, and finding the answer.
I DO love figuring things out. But I do these things for a multitude of reasons. It's easier and faster for me to fix most things myself. It started because I had several things done around my house that were done completely wrong and for a LOT of money. I can definitely afford to have little things like this fixed, but it is honestly more of a pain to me to find a repairman, deal with how they act like it's such a MASSIVE inconvenience to fix whatever needs to be fixed and then raise my eyebrows at them when they quote me $100 just for walking in the door. ~ karen!
I get the repairman thing. I live in a very small town and sometimes accept less because it’s easier. “I can do hard things. I can do hard things....”
Amen to that
Thanks so much - you kicked my butt into fixing the range top!
Then my work here is done. ~ karen!
Thanks so much for this! I also have a Blue Star, so this is spot on for me... I suspect other ranges won't be quite as simple... I know the sealed burner on my old stove was much harder to access... (ps, I LOVE the Blue Star so much! Best part of my recent kitchen "refresh")
Excellent! I really like it too. The simmer burner is great. ~ karen!
I need to do this, have the part, mustered up my courage and....the screw. The stupid little screw is stuck. And I didn’t want to strip it. So now the question is, how to get the little screw out. Cause I can do the rest.
-Screwed in Vermont
Could you please tell us how to replace the burner tubes and carryover tubes on a gas grill? Mine is rusted through and I bought parts but can't see if there are screws or what holds the old ones together. I really don't want to start ripping things out. YouTube shows a lot of people talking about what they're going to do and then the finished project. So frustrating to watch people talk their heads off and not show the process. Thanks for this blog. Now I can fix mom's stove.
That is one impressive cooker!
I love it! But never recommend it to anyone with kids because it gets blindingly hot. ~ karen!
My experience with 'sparkless ignitors' is that they happen as a result of letting my pot boil over. The liquid hits the ignitor when the burner is hot, and the ceramic barrel on the ignitor cracks. An expensive lesson that I seem to need to learn over and over.
I never thought of water as being a source for cracking but it makes sense! ~ karen!
Hot wort when you are home brewing is how I killed mine