Tips For Troubleshooting A Non-Responsive Gas Stove

If you've decided that it's time for tighter control over your cooking, you may have invested in a gas stove for your kitchen. These stoves are often preferred for the precision that they allow for heat control. That doesn't mean that they aren't without their problems. If you turn the burner on and don't get a flame, you can do a few things to narrow down the source of the problem.

Check the response from the igniter. If you push the knob and nothing happens, that's a key indication that the igniter isn't working. When the grates surrounding the burners are cool enough to touch, take them off the stove. Then, test each igniter by turning each burner knob individually. Listen closely for a click as you turn each knob. Make note of any burner that doesn't make that noise, because those are the ones you need to examine. Lift the range top, supporting it with the rod that's attached underneath. Locate the metal tube on each problematic burner. That tube is the burner's igniter. Check the wires connected to the igniter, pushing the connector together to be sure that it's secure. Test it again. If it doesn't work, replace that igniter.

Test the burner itself. If the igniter is clicking but the burner isn't turning on, that means there may be a problem with the burner. Turn the knob to the halfway point. This should open the gas line. Use a long kitchen torch to light the burner. If the burner doesn't light, that means something is blocking the gas from reaching the burner. You'll need a gas technician to resolve that problem. If the burner does light this way, that means the igniter needs to be adjusted. Let the burner cool completely, then loosen the hex screw on the igniter with a hex wrench. Slide the igniter toward the burner. Then, you can tighten the screw and test the burner again. If that doesn't work, call a repair technician to replace the control module.

With the information presented here, you can effectively troubleshoot your gas stove problems before calling a technician. With some simple fixes, you may even be able to avoid a service call altogether. It's equally important that you understand when it's time to call a service technician instead of trying to make the repairs yourself. These troubleshooting steps are a good place to start, but it's also important that you have a reliable service technician on call.

Contact a Kenmore parts stove professional for more help.

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