Clogged burner ports
Boil-overs block the small ports on gas burners and stop an even flame.
Appliance problem guide
Stove Burner Not Working
Gas burners usually fail because of clogged ports or igniter problems; electric burners because of a coil, receptacle or switch.
Short answer
On gas stoves, let the burner dry, make sure the cap sits flat and clear the ports of spills. On electric coil stoves, swap the coil with a working one of the same size. If the burner still fails, an igniter, spark module, receptacle or switch likely needs a technician.
For homeowners with a broken washer, dryer, oven, stove, cooktop or freezer. Not for refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, commercial appliances, parts orders or phone-only quotes.
What is usually behind it
Likely causes
When only one burner fails, the problem is usually local to that burner rather than the whole range.
Wet or cracked igniter
Spills can stop the spark; a cracked igniter may never spark.
Burned-out coil or receptacle
On electric coil stoves, the coil or its plug-in receptacle can fail.
Infinite switch
The control switch behind the knob can fail, leaving the burner off or stuck on high.
Safe first checks
What you can safely check first
- Let a gas burner dry fully after a spill
- Make sure the burner cap is seated flat and centered
- Clear burner ports with a straight pin, not a toothpick
- On a coil stove, swap the coil with a working one of the same size
- Check whether other burners work
Safety: gas and electrical work
If you smell gas, do not switch anything on or off and do not use a phone near the appliance. Leave the house and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
Turn off the breaker before removing electric coils or touching the cooktop. Never use a cracked glass cooktop.
When to call
When to call a technician
Call if the burner still will not light or heat after cleaning and swapping, if the igniter clicks constantly, or if a burner stays on high. Mention gas, coil, smooth-top or induction.
Related services
Services that cover this problem
Start with stove and cooktop repair, part of stove, cooktop and oven repair.
Stove and Cooktop Repair
Gas burners, electric coils, smooth-top and induction cooktops.
Stove, Cooktop and Oven Repair
Ranges, wall ovens and cooktops, gas or electric.
Markets and areas
Calling from your market
- Stove, Cooktop and Oven in Birmingham, AL
- Stove, Cooktop and Oven in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Stove, Cooktop and Oven in Huntsville, AL
- Stove, Cooktop and Oven in Mobile, AL
Markets
Regional areas
A mostly blue flame is normal. A large yellow or sooty flame can point to clogged ports or an adjustment issue. Clean the burner; if the flame stays yellow, have it checked.
A failing infinite switch is the usual cause. The switch controls how often the burner cycles, and when it fails the burner may stay on full.
Cleaning the burner and seating the cap correctly is safe. Replacing igniters, switches or gas parts should be left to a technician.
Next step
Still not working after the safe checks?
Call to describe what the appliance is doing and get connected with an independent local provider.