Gas Oven Not Igniting — West Hollywood Repair

What this symptom usually means

A gas oven that doesn't ignite is almost always a weak or dead oven igniter. The igniter is a glow-bar part that has to get hot enough to open the safety gas valve. When it weakens, you hear clicks or smell gas briefly, but the burner never lights. Below is a breakdown of the most common causes we find on this exact problem, roughly in order of frequency.

Common causes, in order of likelihood

Weak oven igniter

The #1 cause. Igniters weaken with age; at some point they don't pull enough current to open the valve. Replacing it fixes the problem and usually prevents the broiler from dying next.

Failed safety gas valve

Less common, but a bad valve won't open even with a good igniter. Verification requires current measurement, which we do on site.

Bad spark module

On surface-ignited gas ovens, a spark module that's failed won't generate a spark at all.

Clogged oven burner

Spills or debris blocking the burner ports can prevent a clean light.

Gas supply issue

Rare in West Hollywood, but a partially closed gas shutoff or a problem upstream can mimic an igniter failure.

When it's time to call

Call as soon as you notice the oven won't light — especially if you smell gas briefly each time you try. We bring the common universal and brand-specific igniters.