A Whirlpool gas stove igniter keeps clicking when there’s a tripped circuit breaker, or a blown fuse, or a damp burner, a misaligned burner head or a clogged or defective burner component.
Key Takeaway
Why Does Whirlpool Gas Stove Igniter Keep Clicking?
Whirlpool gas stove igniter involves a spark module. It generates a high voltage electrical current to create a spark that ignites the gas.
As the knob is turned, the spark module sends a signal to the igniter electrode. This creates a spark that ignites the gas. When the spark module produces too weak a spark, there’s a repeated attempt to ignite the gas.
That’s the clicking sound on the Whirlpool gas stove. The spark module repeatedly trying to ignite the gas.
The spark module will continue to click until the gas is ignited. Or the knob is turned off.
The most common reason for the igniter to keep clicking is a blockage in the burner head or cap. However, it doesn’t stop at that.
The most common reasons the Whirlpool gas stove igniter keeps clicking is as follows:
1. Blockage In The Burner Head Or Cap
Food particles, grease, and spills can clog the igniter and burner ports. It stops the gas from flowing or lighting up.
A little bit of misalignment of the burner cap can cause the burner not lighting. Because the gas gets distributed away from the lighter’s arc.
2. Water Shorting Out The Electronics
Water spilled around the knobs cause the electronics to short out. It makes the Whirlpool gas stove igniter constantly click.
3. Defective Igniter
A faulty igniter doesn’t generate enough heat to spark. So your Whirlpool gas stove continues to click without lighting the gas.
4. Jammed Knob
If the knob is jammed down, it can cause the igniter to constantly click. The knob could be turned to the ignite position and stuck, for example.
Then the igniter will continue to spark and click. It especially happens if the knob is dirty or there is a buildup of grease or food particles around the knob.
5. Cobweb Or Other Blockage In The Center Hole Of The Burner
This can prevent the gas from flowing and igniting, causing the igniter to keep clicking. It prevents the gas from flowing or igniting. The blockage can cause the igniter to spark continuously, even when the stove is turned off.
6. Burner Is Damp
A damp Whirlpool gas stove burner from cleaning or a spillover does click. It may prevent the igniter from sparking and lighting the gas.
7. Burner Is Misaligned
The burner head or cap may simply not be aligned properly.
8. Defective Component
A defective Whirlpool burner component can cause the clicking. For example, a misshaped burner cap, or damaged body of the burner.
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How To Stop Whirlpool Gas Stove Igniter Clicking?
Here’s how you can stop Whirlpool gas stove igniter clicking:
- Check that the burner head or cap is aligned correctly.
- Remove the burner grates and caps. Following this, check for any debris or food particles that might be clogging the burners.
- Clean the ignition system by turning off the stove. Remove the burner cap, scrub around the igniter, unclog the fuel ports, and clean any grease or gunk off with rubbing alcohol.
- Replace the burner cap, reconnect your stove, and see if the clicking stops.
- Dry the burner. Dab the igniter with a clean, dry cloth, or aim a fan or hair dryer (on a low heat setting) at the damp area.
- Pull the power for 24 hours to give the switches time to dry. This will prevent the shorting of electronic components.
- Check for a defective component and replace it.
- Check for a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse, just in case.
- Consider using a stove cover. It will
- protect the knobs and other electronic components from spills and splatters.
How To Clean a Whirlpool Gas Stove Igniter?
To clean a Whirlpool gas stove igniter, you can follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to the gas stove.
- Remove the burner cap by lifting it off the burner head.
- Use a soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush to clean the burner head and cap. Pay extra attention to the burner ports and the igniter electrode. You can also use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away any debris.
- For stubborn messes, let it soak for 10 minutes. Then thoroughly wipe the surface with a damp cloth until clean.
- After cleaning, allow the burner cap to air dry completely before putting it back on the burner head. The drying time can go up to 24 hours.
- Clean the center hole of the burner. Remove the burner cap, check the center hole for blockages, and clean it out with a metal pin or paper clip. You can also use rubbing alcohol to clean the ignition system and unclog the fuel ports.
- Reassemble the burner. Reposition it on the burner head, paying close attention to the alignment marks. Make sure it’s seated properly.
- Turn on the power to the gas stove. Test the burner to see if it ignites properly.
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You can use the following products:
| Product | How To Use It |
| Water and baking soda | A toothbrush and bleach-free cleaner, such as water and baking soda, can be used for a more extensive cleaning job. |
| Vinegar | A 50/50 vinegar solution can be used to clean the surface of the igniter. |
| Dish soap | Dish soap can also be used as a cleaning solution. |
| Mildly abrasive cleaner | A mildly abrasive cleaner can be used to clean the cooktop grates and burner tops. |
| Non-abrasive plastic scrubbing pad | A non-abrasive plastic scrubbing pad can be used to clean the cooktop grates and burner tops. |
| Straight pin, needle, or small-gauge wire | A straight pin, needle, or small-gauge wire can be used to clean clogged burner ports. |
| Bristled brush | A bristled brush can be used to clean the burner components. |
| Paste of baking soda and water | A paste of baking soda and water can be used to scrub stubborn stains. |
Avoid using:
- Cleaners with bleach, ammonia, or any other chemical producing noxious fumes.
- Oven cleaners,
- Rust removers
- Wooden toothpicks.
Frequently Asked Questions -FAQs
Is Whirlpool Gas Stove Igniter Clicking Dangerous?
Whirlpool gas stove igniter clicking is not necessarily dangerous. Annoying, however? Yes indeed.
What is the best way to remove stains from a Whirlpool gas stove igniter?
Toothbrush and baking soda paste or vinegar solution (50/50 vinegar solution) to clean the surface of the igniter. Dish soap can also be used as a cleaning solution.
When To Replace Whirlpool Gas Stove Igniter When Clicking?
A visibly damaged igniter or a very old one that’s not functioning properly should be replaced immediately.
