4 Causes of Gas Stove Malfunctions

Gas stoves or ovens can malfunction for a variety of reasons. This article discusses some common causes of malfunctions in stoves. You will also discover some suggestions about what you can do to resolve those problems affecting your stove.

The Igniter May Be Soiled

Your stove may have failed to light because the igniter has become soiled by dirt or food that has spilled onto it. You can resolve this problem by using a toothbrush to clean the igniter gently. Refer to the user manual to confirm where the igniter is if you have never used this method to clean your igniter before.

Poorly Aligned Components

Your gas stove may perform poorly (inadequate heating/burning of the gas, for example) due to a misalignment of its components. For instance, you may have failed to reassemble all the components after cleaning your stove. This can affect the flow of the gas to the burner, causing a potential safety hazard to you. It can also cause delays in preparing your food. You can solve this problem by reading the manual to confirm the right way to assemble the components. See the pictures in the manual to be sure that your stove is assembled in the same way as the pictures suggest.

A Cracked Gas Flame Igniter

Sometimes a cooking pot may boil over and spill soup or hot water onto the igniter. This spillage may eventually cause the igniter to crack. The next thing you will notice is that the igniter will start working intermittently. When this happens, inspect the igniter visually. Any visible cracks will confirm the cause of the intermittent (or total) failure as a cracked igniter. The only cure for this problem is to replace the damaged component. Buy a new igniter from a stove replacement parts store and follow the instructions in the manual as you fit the new igniter.

Wet Igniter Wiring

The igniter may fail to work because its wires are wet after a spillage or during cleaning. The igniter may light the stove, but the igniter will keep clicking. The solution to this problem is to wait for the wires to dry before you can use the stove again. If you insist on using it while it is clicking, the wires may melt after shorting.

Many manufacturers of stoves, such as Ilve stoves, strongly advise against DIY stove repairs. The main reason for this is that people who are not trained technicians may endanger themselves as they tinker with a malfunctioning stove. It is therefore better to call for professional help when you have attempted the fixes above but your stove remains malfunctioning.


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