A gas stove is one of the most reliable and efficient kitchen appliances, providing precise control over cooking temperatures. However, one of the most common and annoying issues that homeowners encounter is a gas stove that keeps clicking even after the burner has been lit—or worse, when it’s completely off. This persistent clicking sound can be more than just an irritation; it’s often a sign of an underlying issue with the igniter switch or moisture trapped within the burner assembly. Understanding the causes and solutions can help prevent damage, ensure safety, and restore your stove’s proper functioning.
Why Your Gas Stove Keeps Clicking
When you turn the knob on your gas stove, the igniter produces a series of rapid clicks designed to create a spark and ignite the gas. Normally, once the flame appears, the clicking stops. However, if your stove continues to click, it indicates that the igniter system is still trying to generate a spark—usually due to a malfunction.
The two most common reasons are a stuck igniter switch and moisture in the burner. Let’s look at each in detail.
1. Stuck or Faulty Igniter Switch
Each burner knob is connected to an igniter switch, which sends electrical current to the spark module when the knob is turned. If the igniter switch becomes stuck or shorted, it can continuously send the signal to spark—even when you’re not trying to light the burner.
This issue can happen for several reasons:
- Spills and grease buildup: Food or liquid can seep beneath the knob and into the switch, causing it to stick.
- Worn-out switch contacts: Over time, frequent use can cause wear on the electrical contacts, leading to improper disconnection.
- Electrical faults: A damaged wire or short circuit in the ignition system can also make the igniter misfire.
How to fix it:
Unplug your stove or turn off the circuit breaker before inspecting. Remove the burner knobs and clean the area around the switches with a mild cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Allow it to dry completely before reconnecting power. If the problem continues, the switch or wiring may need professional replacement.
2. Moisture in the Burner or Igniter
Another frequent cause of continuous clicking is moisture—often from spills, overboiling pots, or recent cleaning. Water can seep into the burner cap, igniter electrode, or the area around the spark module, shorting out the electrical components and triggering repeated clicks.
How to fix it:
- Let the stove dry: Turn off all burners and unplug the appliance. Leave the stove open to air dry for several hours.
- Use a hair dryer or fan: To speed up the process, gently blow warm air over the affected areas for 15–20 minutes.
- Avoid over-cleaning: When wiping your stove, avoid soaking the burners or letting water pool around the knobs.
Once the moisture evaporates, the clicking should stop.
Other Possible Causes
While a stuck igniter switch or moisture are the most common culprits, there are other possible issues:
- Dirty igniter tip: Grease or debris can block the spark, causing the system to misfire repeatedly. Clean the igniter tip carefully with a toothbrush or a dry cloth.
- Misaligned burner cap: If the burner cap is not seated correctly, the gas may not ignite properly, leading to continuous clicking. Ensure each cap is properly centered.
- Defective spark module: If none of the above solutions work, the problem could lie in the spark module itself, which distributes electrical current to the igniters.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
- Clean regularly but carefully: Wipe down your stove after each use to prevent buildup, but avoid excessive moisture.
- Inspect the igniter area: Check that each igniter is clean and properly aligned.
- Keep burners dry: After cleaning, make sure all parts are completely dry before turning the stove back on.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Strong cleaners can corrode electrical components and shorten their lifespan.
Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your stove but also ensures safety and reliable operation.
When to Call a Professional
If your gas stove continues to click after drying and cleaning, or if you notice electrical sparks, burning smells, or difficulty igniting multiple burners, it’s time to call a professional technician. Ignition systems involve both electricity and gas, which can be dangerous to handle without proper training.
A qualified repair technician can quickly diagnose whether the issue is with the igniter switch, wiring, or spark module and perform the necessary repairs safely and efficiently.
Don’t ignore continuous clicking—it’s your stove’s way of telling you something’s wrong.
If your gas stove won’t stop clicking or shows any signs of malfunction, contact Poway Appliance Repair Service Center. Our certified technicians specialize in diagnosing and repairing all types of gas stove issues. We provide fast, reliable, and affordable service to keep your kitchen running smoothly and safely.
Call Poway Appliance Repair Service Center today and get your gas stove working perfectly again!
Contact us
(858) 203-0990
