A clicking sound from your cooktop ignitor can be irritating, especially when you’re trying to cook. We know how disruptive it feels when your appliance acts up, even in small ways. At Quick & Pro Appliance Repair, we deal with this issue often, and there are some common causes that are worth checking before assuming the worst.
Sometimes the fix is simple. However, other times that persistent clicking is a sign of a bigger issue you’ll want to address before it leads to a total failure. In this post, we’ll walk through why your ignitor might be clicking, what you can safely do about it, and when it’s best to call for help.
The Ignitor’s Job and Why It Clicks
The clicking sound you hear comes from the ignitor attempting to create a spark. This spark lights the gas when you turn the burner knob. It’s normal for it to click a few times when you’re turning on the burner. However, constant clicking when the burner is already lit—or when no burner is in use—usually points to a problem.
To clarify, the ignitor is only supposed to spark when the burner knob is turned. When it clicks without a burner being activated, something is misfiring. Most importantly, you shouldn’t ignore it. That persistent clicking could mean moisture buildup, grease, or a stuck switch.
Moisture Buildup Is a Frequent Culprit
We often see moisture as one of the main reasons for this issue. After cooking or cleaning, water or steam can get into the ignition system. Consequently, the ignitor keeps firing as if it’s being told to light a burner.
This happens a lot when someone wipes down the cooktop using too much water. Similarly, boiling large pots without a lid can cause steam to rise and settle inside the ignitor. In either case, the components inside the ignition system sense the moisture and keep trying to spark.
To fix this, try letting the cooktop air out for a few hours. Use a fan or even a hairdryer on a low heat setting to gently speed up drying. If the issue was due to moisture, the clicking should stop once things are dry.
Grease and Food Debris Can Cause Misfires
Cooktops get messy. It’s easy for food, oil, or sauces to spill onto the surface and make their way into the ignition area. Grease buildup around the burner head or cap can confuse the ignitor sensor. Therefore, it clicks because it thinks the burner hasn’t lit properly.
You’ll want to clean the cooktop thoroughly. Remove the burner caps and heads and clean them with a soft brush and warm soapy water. Make sure everything is dry before reassembling. Likewise, clean around the ignitor itself with care. A dirty ignitor can keep sparking long after it’s needed.
If you’re unsure how to remove parts safely, it’s best to leave it to someone familiar with cooktop repair. We offer cooktop repair in Los Angeles and often handle this exact issue during routine service calls.
The Burner Cap Might Be Misaligned
Believe it or not, something as simple as a misplaced burner cap can make your cooktop behave strangely. If the burner cap isn’t seated properly, the ignitor may think the burner hasn’t lit and continue clicking to compensate.
After cleaning or moving burners, double-check that all the caps are resting evenly and securely in place. A loose or tilted cap throws off the flame path and causes the ignitor to spark repeatedly. This is a fast fix, but one many people overlook.
Similarly, a cracked cap or burner head can disrupt flame detection and confuse the ignition system. If you suspect a damaged component, it’s wise to have it looked at by a professional in appliance repair in Santa Clarita.
A Faulty Ignitor Switch Could Be to Blame
Each burner has its own ignitor switch, and these are activated when the control knobs are turned. Over time, especially with heavy use, these switches can wear out or become stuck. As a result, they may continue sending power to the ignitor even when the knob is turned off.
To test for this, turn off the power to the cooktop and gently wiggle each knob. If one feels looser than the others or doesn’t click as expected, its switch may be failing. Replacing an ignitor switch usually requires disassembling parts of the cooktop. Therefore, if you’re not comfortable doing that, it’s safer to reach out to a technician.
We see this frequently in units that are several years old, especially in high-use kitchens. It’s a part that naturally wears down and can be replaced without replacing the whole cooktop.
Electrical Issues or Control Board Failures
If everything seems clean and dry and the ignitor still won’t stop clicking, the issue may lie in the wiring or the control board. Loose wires, damaged connectors, or moisture inside the electrical system can keep sending power to the ignitor.
These problems are harder to diagnose without tools. In addition, accessing the control board requires opening up the cooktop, which isn’t usually safe for DIY. If you’ve already ruled out the obvious issues, it’s best to let a professional assess it further.
When we respond to these issues, we bring the right tools to safely test for shorts, grounding issues, or control board malfunctions. Sometimes it’s a simple repair. Other times, it’s smarter to replace the faulty component entirely.
What You Shouldn’t Do
When your cooktop keeps clicking, it’s tempting to just unplug it or ignore the sound. However, that can lead to bigger problems down the line. Continuous sparking wears out the ignitor quickly. That is to say, you’ll likely have to replace it sooner than expected if the root problem isn’t addressed.
Likewise, do not try to force the knobs or take apart parts without knowing how they’re assembled. We’ve seen customers accidentally damage their cooktops by pulling too hard or trying to bypass a broken switch. If you’re unsure, pause and ask for help instead.
And never try to block the clicking with tape or cover the ignitor with foil. That’s a fire hazard. If it’s making noise, it’s doing so for a reason.
Keep Your Cooktop Dry and Clean Regularly
The best way to avoid ignitor issues is to prevent the conditions that cause them. Always let your cooktop cool before cleaning. Then, use a lightly damp cloth instead of a soaking wet one. After wiping, dry everything with a towel or allow airflow before using it again.
Additionally, clean up spills right away and check the burner caps every now and then. That way, you catch misalignments early. With routine care, you can avoid most of the causes of excessive clicking.
We also suggest doing a monthly deep clean. Remove burner heads and scrub them gently. Examine the ignitors for signs of buildup or corrosion. Small tasks like these save you from costly repairs later.
When It’s Time to Get Help
If you’ve cleaned the cooktop, dried the area, realigned the burner caps, and it’s still clicking, then it’s time to bring in someone experienced. Ongoing clicking is a sign that something deeper is going on, and leaving it unresolved can lead to larger failures.
We’ve helped many local homeowners by providing quick and safe cooktop fixes. If you’re in the area and need appliance repair in Santa Clarita, we can help identify the issue and handle it efficiently.
For any stubborn issues or questions, contact us to set up a service call. We’ll make sure your cooktop works the way it should without the annoying sound of a misfiring ignitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my cooktop keep clicking after I clean it?
This usually happens because water or cleaning solution got into the ignitor area. Let it dry completely, and the clicking should stop once the moisture is gone.
Can I use my cooktop if the ignitor won’t stop clicking?
It’s possible, but not recommended. The constant sparking can wear out parts and potentially cause further damage. It’s best to address the issue first.
How long should an ignitor last?
Ignitors generally last several years with proper care. However, heavy use or exposure to spills and moisture can shorten their lifespan.
Is it safe to repair an ignitor switch myself?
Not unless you’re familiar with cooktop components and safety. Ignitor switches are tied into the electrical system, so it’s better to leave this task to a professional.
Does every clicking sound mean something is broken?
Not always. Sometimes it’s just moisture or a loose burner cap. However, if the clicking happens without touching the cooktop, it should be checked out.
