Gas Cooktop: Why won't my cooktop's gas burners ignite or spark?

A surface burner igniter switch and a spark module control the sparking for burners. A power supply problem, failed igniter switch, bad spark module or wiring failure in the spark ignition circuit can prevent the electrodes from sparking.

On most cooktops, the igniters will spark on all burners when you turn on any one of the burner knobs. If only one of the burner knobs fails to initiate sparking when you turn that knob on, then the burner switch or wiring for that burner likely failed. Unplug the cooktop, check the wiring for that burner and repair any broken wires. If the wires are okay, you'll likely need to replace the burner switch for the burner you turned on because the switch isn't sending a signal to the spark module.

If none of the burner switches initiate sparking, then a power supply problem, wiring failure or a failed spark module is likely preventing the igniters from sparking. Make sure you have the cooktop plugged into a working electrical outlet. Check the electrical outlet for power by plugging a small lamp or appliance into the outlet. If the outlet is dead, reset the house circuit breaker for that outlet. If the outlet still doesn't work, have an electrician repair the electrical outlet. If the electrical outlet is okay, unplug the cooktop and replace the power cord if damaged. If the power cord is okay, check the wiring in the entire ignition circuit and repair any broken wires. If the wires are okay, you'll likely need to replace the spark module because it isn't sending current to the electrodes.

If all burners spark when you turn on a burner but none of the burners light, check the gas supply shut-off valve to make sure it's fully open. If the shut-off valve is fully open, you may need to have your gas supplier check the gas supply pressure. If gas supply pressure is okay, a failed pressure regulator on the cooktop may be preventing gas from flowing to the burners.

If only one burner fails to ignite and that burner's electrode sparks, then a spill may be blocking the burner head's ignition port. Clean the burner if it's clogged.