Maytag gas range burner won't light

A gas surface burner that will not light is not getting a spark to the right spot, not getting gas, or not mixing gas and air correctly. Check for a wet or misaligned burner cap, clogged ports, a closed supply valve or no power to the spark system first; a failed spark switch, igniter electrode or spark module needs diagnosis. If you smell gas, leave and call the gas utility.

Quick checks first

• Check whether the burner clicks when the knob is turned to Lite; note whether other burners light.
• Make sure the burner cap is seated flat and centered on the burner base and the base is fully in place.
• Dry the burner after a spill or cleaning; moisture stops the spark and can take hours to dry.
• Clean food debris from the burner ports and around the electrode as your owner's manual describes, using no sharp tools in the ports.
• Check that the range is plugged in and the breaker is on; electronic ignition needs power.
• If no burner gets gas, check that the shutoff valve on the gas line behind the range is open, if it is the visible owner shutoff.
• If you smell gas, leave the home without using switches or phones inside and call the gas utility.

Burner cap and base Owner check

Sealed gas burners rely on the cap sitting exactly on the base so the flame ports line up with the spark electrode. A cap that is crooked, upside down or swapped with another burner's cap may click without lighting, or light with an uneven, yellow or lifting flame. Reseat the cap and base and try again.

Moisture and clogged ports Owner check

Boil-overs and cleaning water soak the burner base and electrode. The spark then jumps to a wet path instead of the gas, so the burner clicks but does not light. Let it dry fully; a short time in a warm oven or a fan helps. Burned-on food in the ports also blocks gas near the electrode. Clean the ports as the owner's manual says and never enlarge them.

Gas supply Owner check

If no burner and no oven lights, the gas supply is the place to look: a closed shutoff, an interrupted utility supply, or a propane tank that is empty. A range converted between natural gas and propane must have matching orifices and regulator settings, which is a technician job. If you smell gas, do not light anything, do not operate switches or unplug anything, leave the home and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.

Spark electrode, switch and module Technician

Each burner has a spark electrode, the knob has a switch that triggers the spark module, and the module sends sparks to all burners at once. No click anywhere points to power or the module; one silent burner points to its electrode or lead; clicking without a visible spark at a burner suggests a cracked porcelain electrode or a lead shorting to the cooktop frame. A technician inspects these parts and their wiring.

Gas valve and regulator Professional only

If spark and gas flow at the other burners are fine but one burner never gets gas, its valve or the gas path to it may be blocked. Problems that affect all burners, such as low flame on every burner, can involve the regulator. Work on gas valves, regulators and gas connections requires professional testing because a leak or an incorrect adjustment creates a fire and carbon monoxide hazard.

Repair cost

Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.

When to call for diagnosis

Call for service if a burner still does not light after the cap is seated, the burner is dry and the ports are clean, if the flame is yellow or lifting, or right away if you smell gas.

Model-specific information

Causes and codes differ by platform. Look up your model for its exact fault-code list, or start from a popular model:

• MGR6600PZ
• MGS8800PZ
• MGS8880DE
• MGS8880DH
• MGS8880DS
• MGR6600FB
• MGR6600FS
• MGR6600FW
• MGR6600FZ
• MGR8600DE
• MGR8600DH
• MGR8600DS