Spark, Gas, and a Clean Path
A gas burner needs three things to light: a spark, gas flow, and a clean, correctly seated burner. When it clicks but will not light, the spark is happening but something is off. The most common culprits are a burner cap knocked out of alignment, moisture or food debris fouling the igniter electrode, or a spark module that has weakened. When several burners click together, a shared module or a switch shorted by a spill is usually to blame. At Colorado altitude, thinner air also makes a marginal igniter fussier than it would be at sea level.
Ignition Faults by Cause
| What You Notice | Likely Cause | What It Needs |
|---|---|---|
| One burner clicks, no flame | Fouled igniter or misaligned cap | Clean and reseat cap, replace igniter |
| All burners click together | Failed spark module | Replace spark module |
| Clicking after a spill | Shorted switch | Dry or replace the switch |
| Lights slowly then goes out | Weak flame sensor or low gas | Test sensor, verify gas supply |
| Yellow, lazy flame | Blocked port or air setting | Clean burner, set air for altitude |
Notes by Brand
Ignition faults present a little differently across the roster. Wolf sealed burners are sensitive to cap alignment and benefit from a clean electrode, and a failing spark module there makes several burners click at once. Viking open burners collect debris that fouls the igniter and needs cleaning. Thermador star burners light reliably once the cap is seated and the module is sound. La Cornue ranges use robust burners where flame quality and gas setting matter most, especially at altitude. Dacor and Monogram cooktops usually trace to the igniter or module. We test spark and gas flow, then replace only the failed component.
Burner Won't Light?
Book a diagnosis. Diagnostic and travel fees, if applicable, are confirmed before the appointment and before repair approval.