You decided to boil a kettle or prepare soup, began to turn on the gas stove as usual, but after pressing the auto-ignition button and turning the knob (or turning the knob while pressing if the ignition is built into the handle), nothing happened: the burner did not light up. After turning it on again, you may notice that there is no ignition spark. Sometimes there is no spark on only one burner, and sometimes on all available ones. What could have happened and why the stove does not ignite using electric ignition will be discussed in our material.
Note! If there is a spark, but the burner does not ignite, refer to our material “The gas stove burner does not work.”
How does electric ignition work?
Electric ignition makes it possible to light the stove safely. It reduces the possibility of getting burned to a minimum, because with piezo ignition there is no need to use lighters or matches. There is also no contact with flame. With electric ignition, gas ignition occurs from the activation of a piezoelectric element on the gas device. The piezoelectric element gives a spark, after which automatic electric ignition takes place without the use of other devices. Repair of gas stoves with electric ignition can be done either with the help of a specialist or with your own hands: it all depends on the type of breakdown and knowledge about the operation of the structure.
Repair features
You can repair the electric ignition device yourself, but you must first conduct a thorough inspection of the device. It is important to first establish the cause of the breakdown and the degree of complexity. If the problem is simple, you can fix it yourself.
If the electric ignition function does not work well, the repair process is usually performed the same for all models of household products. All gas stoves have this function in a standard way.
It is advisable, before starting the repair process, to carefully study the structure of the stove: you can find information on the Internet or study the attached instructions for use. If you know how the device works, this will help you perform high-quality and correct repairs.
Repair of electric ignition depends on the type of failure. To understand how it is produced, it is worth considering the types of breakdowns and their elimination:
- The burner should be lit using matches or a special lighter. Carefully examine the appearance of the flame: it should be even, light, and spread over the entire circumference of the divider. If a yellow color is observed, this will indicate an incorrect gas-to-air ratio. To fix this problem, you need to clean the nozzle or completely replace it. Perhaps the cause of the malfunction is that the divider holes are clogged or there is moisture in them. It is also advisable to take preventive measures: blow out all the holes, remove the burner body and carefully examine it;
Causes of failure
Why doesn't the gas stove work? There are two most common reasons for poorly functioning electric ignition:
- electrodes do not produce a spark;
- the electrodes spark without stopping.
One of the reasons why the electric ignition of a gas stove does not work well is grease on the buttons. Solving the problem is very simple: just clean and dry the components of the hob, all the buttons in order to repair the electric ignition of the gas stove caused by contamination.
Another possible cause of failure is a crack or broken ceramic insulation on the spark plug. A dirty spark plug can fail if dirt accumulates on it. Also, the spark plug may stop working properly due to poor sealing or oxidation of the rod made of steel. In addition, the element may crack due to careless handling. In this case, the spark begins to strike to the side. The only way out of the situation is to replace the spark plug.
When the spark generation unit (ignition transformer) burns out, the button you press does not create a spark. If the piezo ignition on a gas stove does not work, it is easier to buy it than to repair it. It is possible to repair this element, but it is too expensive - it is cheaper to purchase a new one.
When washing the stove, water very often gets into the contact area of the power buttons. High humidity creates all the conditions for these contacts to oxidize, become hard and break over time. In some cases, the opposite happens - the contacts may stick together and not work correctly. It’s easy to solve a similar problem with automatic ignition not working - just cleaning and drying is enough, after which the functionality of the hob will be restored.
The principle of operation of the piezoelectric element
The electric ignition function is used only on gas stoves, allowing blue fuel to be ignited automatically, thereby eliminating the need for the user to come into contact with an open flame.
This seemingly convenient piezo ignition function is considered one of the most capricious and unreliable devices of a modern gas stove.
The electric ignition system is equipped with special piezoelements, which, when turning the switch on the control panel, produce a spark to ignite the gas flow.
If we consider the principle of operation of piezo ignition of a gas stove in more detail, it looks like this:
- when you turn the switch of a certain burner, voltage is applied to the capacitor area;
- then the capacitor begins charging, after which the level on the thyristor increases;
- as soon as the level reaches the set limit, the capacitor begins to discharge;
- the resulting voltage activates the spark gap, and as a result, a spark ignites the gas.
The process of igniting gas by turning on the electric ignition takes a matter of seconds, while in new models of stoves the spark always hits the area of the switched-on burner. The piezo ignition device operates from an electrical network with a voltage of 220 volts.
Often, a breakdown of the electric ignition system of a gas stove occurs as a result of a sharp jump in voltage, which may require repairing the device and replacing failed parts.
Why doesn't it light up the first time?
Some equipment owners are faced with the problem of the burner taking a long time to ignite. Does the gas go out immediately after the button is released? the burner itself stop working on a gas stove after a while? The reason is most likely the thermocouple, which is located near each burner.
A thermocouple is an alloy of two metals. When this element heats up, an electric current begins to be generated. It is this that causes the magnetic valve to remain pressed, thus preventing it from closing the passage of gas through the burner. A dirty thermocouple is the most common reason why a gas stove does not ignite the first time.
You can clean the thermocouple using sandpaper, which you can buy at any store that specializes in selling building materials.
After cleaning, the element begins to heat up well, the gas no longer goes out. In some cases, cleaning does not help: the equipment still does not light up the first time. This may be due to the fact that the thermocouple itself has failed - you need to replace or change the piezoelectric element.
The charger has failed
Most often, the electric ignition on a gas stove does not work due to grease or food getting on it. In some cases, the cause may be detergent that gets on the device while cleaning the surface of the gas stove. You can fix the problem yourself. To do this, you need to take fine sandpaper, clean the part and leave it to dry.
Symptoms of a problem
Are you trying to light a burner but the ignition is not working? This is a fairly common problem for owners of gas appliances. If you notice problems with the electric ignition, you should call a technician to your home. You can carry out preliminary diagnostics and try to determine the problem, but it is not always worth repairing the electric ignition of a gas stove yourself - this can only aggravate the problem.
Signs by which you can determine that the electric ignition has stopped working are:
- continuous clicking of the electric ignition;
- When you press the button, the electric ignition does not work;
- ignition continues after the button is released;
- constant appearance of sparks when the button is turned off;
- the burner in the gas stove does not work or works with varying degrees of success;
- knocking out the machine gun in the dashboard.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
You can learn how to independently repair the piezo ignition of one gas burner from the following video:
How to restore the operation of electric ignition on two gas burners is explained in detail in this video:
A breakdown of the piezo ignition of a gas stove today is not a disaster, because with all the necessary knowledge, now anyone can repair the device on their own. The main condition is to carry out diagnostics of all elements of the electric ignition system to correctly identify the breakdown.
If you have already had to independently repair the electric ignition of a gas stove, then please share your experience with our readers and tell us what nuances you should pay attention to during the repair process. In a special block after the article, you can leave a comment telling your story of successfully restoring the operation of the piezo ignition of a gas stove.
Electric ignition does not work on one burner
Why doesn't the gas stove light up? Many models of this equipment are designed in such a way that a person does not come into contact with open fire. Automatic ignition is very practical, because it can be turned on with gas supply or using a specially designed button. But what to do if you suddenly notice that the electric ignition does not work on one burner?
If you press the ignition button and nothing happens, or you hear clicks but no spark appears, it means that the electric ignition has started to work incorrectly. At such moments, when only one burner does not light, and all the others are working properly, it can be judged that the high-voltage wire going to the ignition electrode is functioning intermittently. This may also be the result of a broken ignition device or failure of the ignition unit. Most often, one burner does not work when the nozzle of the burner nozzle is dirty. Food debris prevents gas from flowing through the hole, so the injectors need to be cleaned or replaced.
In addition to this problem, quite often one burner from the entire panel does not work due to a malfunction in the gas control system. In this case, the part may light up, but immediately go out after the button is released. It is necessary to replace the thermocouple, solenoid valve or the entire gas control system. Sometimes the combustion does not work because the gas valve is stuck. The handle does not turn well because small particles of carbon deposits get into the faucet mechanism or the lubricant dries out. You need to disassemble the gas valve, clean it and lubricate it.
How does electric ignition occur?
The electric ignition system is quite simple. When a person presses a button or turns a lever to start cooking, a signal in the form of voltage is sent to a special capacitor. As soon as the maximum voltage appears on it, it begins to slowly discharge. At this moment, a spark begins to jump between the discharge unit and the burners. In turn, gas is already supplied to the burner. In the process of reaction of gas and spark, a flame appears, which is later used for cooking or other things.
Modern models of electric ignition begin to work only when the cable is plugged into an outlet, since power is supplied through charging with a voltage of 220 V (volts). It is not recommended to use less voltage, otherwise the stove will begin to make a clicking sound and may subsequently fail. Therefore, when purchasing a gas stove with automatic electric ignition, you need to think about the installation location. Indeed, to use all the functionality of the device, in addition to connecting to the central gas pipeline, it will be necessary to connect it to the electrical network.
Electric ignition does not work on two burners
In some cases, a gas stove on two burners does not light. Sometimes lighting it with a match helps - everything works normally, without interruption. The cause of this malfunction is damage to the spark plug responsible for ignition. We repair electric ignition as follows: clean the spark plug and look at its condition; perhaps it’s enough just to clean the spark plug’s power wire.
If there is a crack on the element, we buy a new part and put it in place of the old one. The electric ignition may also break down due to a faulty ignition button. Moisture or small debris could have gotten into it, or it could have been damaged mechanically. To fix this, you need to clean the oxidized buttons or replace them if they are mechanically damaged.
How to identify a breakdown and where to begin repairs
Diagnostics of the device, in particular, electrical ignition, is carried out passively, that is, without connecting to an external source. Most often, the ignition sparks without stopping or, on the contrary, does not produce a spark . Troubleshooting begins by disconnecting the electric ignition of the gas oven from the voltage source. Next, you should remove the high-voltage and electronic units. They are placed on the same substrate, but on separate boards. There may be other options depending on the model.
The malfunction can be easily identified by the following signs:
- there is no spark when pressing a knob or button;
- a constant clicking sound is heard, the automation works constantly, but there is no spark;
- after releasing the handle, a spark continues to be produced, the system does not turn off;
- the ignition constantly sparks when the burner is off;
- the machine gun is knocked out in the dashboard;
- The oven burner does not light or lights with difficulty;
- The electric ignition or piezo ignition circuit is closed.
Burnt connections and tracks
To begin with, you can evaluate the quality of solder connections and tracks in the ignition unit. The conductors can be protected with a layer of varnish, which is required to protect them from external factors, in particular moisture, but the fault is immediately visible.
If there is carbon deposits, it can be cleaned off with fine (zero) sandpaper. The connection is degreased with alcohol, if necessary, and covered with a new layer of varnish. Torn, peeled tracks of electrical ignition circuits are restored (cleaned, tinned, soldered, varnish is applied to the cooled solder). However, most often the block is simply replaced with a new one.
Oven heating element failure
There is no spark on any of the stove burners
In the most severe cases, the electric ignition of a gas stove does not work on all burners. This may be due to the fact that:
- there has been a transition to low-pressure gas - a broken gas stove is repaired by replacing the burner nozzles, which are designed for low pressure;
- there was a break in the wiring on the electric ignition side - the breakdown is eliminated after restoring the wiring;
- The auto-ignition unit, which generates a spark, has broken down - the owner of either Bosch, Ariston or Beko may encounter this problem - the entire electric ignition unit needs to be replaced.
How can you tell if the electric ignition is broken?
Main signs of failure:
- When you normally hold down the button or turn the knob in the right direction, the electric ignition stops working.
- When using the stove for its intended purpose, the electric ignition makes a sound similar to a click.
- After turning off in the usual way, the electric ignition continues to work for some time.
- Electric ignition produces sparks even if the stove is not in use.
- It is impossible to set the burner on fire the first time; you constantly need to make every effort.
- The machine in the dashboard is constantly knocking out.
Ignition produces a spark, but the burner does not ignite
In cases where the electric ignition produces a spark, but the burner does not ignite, you should try replacing the thermocouple. Sometimes the problem is related to the solenoid valve, and after updating it, the equipment operates normally. You should check the ignition unit, because if everything is fine with it, but ignition does not occur, you need to look for a problem in the power wire or burner spark plug.
If a spark is supplied, the flame lights up, but immediately goes out, try holding the gas button longer. It is likely that the sensors responsible for the formation of the flame simply do not have time to warm up.
Fat fouling
Electric ignition may break down due to contamination. If there is grease present, this should be removed by cleaning and drying . You can use alcohol to clean the area around the ignition handle by pressing it periodically. However, it would be nice to completely dismantle the handle by carefully pulling it towards you.
You should act carefully, preserving the spring that is inside. The collar is removed, washed with alcohol, and the structure is assembled in the reverse order. I advise you to treat all surfaces of the collar and panels that are in contact with each other. This way the faucet will operate smoothly and softly, almost like new.
If the electric ignition stops working after washing the gas stove or panel
When washing the hob, water or detergent, one way or another, even in a small dose, can get inside the burner. The moisture inside oxidizes the steel rod of the spark plug, causing the spark to become almost invisible, ignite the gas poorly or completely absent. Check whether the spark plug is intact: if it is not cracked, but is simply dirty or oxidized, it can be easily repaired. It is enough to simply clean the candle from the oxidation product and from now on try to pour less water and soap solution onto the hob.
Resistor failure
If a resistor burns out, this can be seen by its blackness. If this is not the case, you can use a multimeter to check functionality. When choosing a replacement, you need to look at the rated power of the part, but it is not forbidden to install a more powerful element . If this part fails, first of all, the equipment is disconnected from the outlet. In addition to the resistor, an inspection of the electronic, high-voltage unit, printed circuit board, and conductor protection circuit (it looks like a silver strip coated with varnish) is required.
How to fix an electric ignition yourself
In order to repair the electric ignition of a gas stove, you first need to find the cause of the problem. If you are unsure of your knowledge, you should not start repairing it yourself; it is better to entrust this matter to a specialist. Well, if you decide to repair a gas stove with your own hands, below are the methods in the form of instructions for this process:
- Initially, you need to light the faulty burner manually or using matches. If the gas burns properly, the flame will be blue and uniform. The faulty element burns with a yellow or sluggish flame. If gas combustion occurs only on one side of the burner, it means that the divider is uneven or deformed. The problem occurs due to a malfunction in the fuel mixture ratio, which is why the burner does not ignite from a spark. You can fix the problem with electric ignition yourself by cleaning the injectors and reinstalling the divider.
- All electrodes, ignited by a spark, are powered through the ignition unit, and in order to turn on the unit, you need to use different buttons. Try using the following ignition scheme: light one burner by pressing the button while holding down the second one. This method is relevant if the first part did not ignite manually when the gas tap was open, but a spark did not form. If this burner did not give a spark this time (one of the two clamped), we can conclude that the electric ignition switch is broken.
- If, when trying to light the hob, the ignition starts to crackle continuously, this may be due to the contacts of one of the switches closing. This can happen due to moisture or grease getting into the middle of the structure, as well as due to oxidation or bending of the contacts. In order to solve this problem with a gas stove, you need to clean and dry all the elements. Carrying out preventive maintenance will affect the return of equipment to serviceable condition.
>When cleaning switches, remember that they operate under a voltage of 220 V - you should follow safety precautions in order to repair the equipment without causing damage to yourself.
Causes and troubleshooting
Regardless of the age of the gas stove, the electric ignition function can break down at any time, and the cause of the breakdown is not always a consequence of improper operation.
Of course, sometimes a malfunction of the piezo ignition occurs after wet cleaning of the hob, as a result of which moisture, along with the detergent, gets inside the stove. In this case, the breakdown can be easily eliminated without repair.
If during operation of a gas stove one or more of the previously listed symptoms are observed, then the problem lies precisely in the piezo ignition.
Failure of such an important function may occur for any of the following reasons.
- No spark at the electrodes.
- Moisture or grease entering the system.
- The appearance of a crack on the surface of a ceramic candle.
- Damage to the insulation of the wire going to the spark plug.
- Burnout of the transformer - spark generation unit.
- Oxidation or contamination of the power button contacts.
When to contact a specialist
Most of the breakdowns that cause defects during the operation of electric ignition are not dangerous to humans. But the continuous crackling and clicking can get pretty boring. What to do if the electric ignition does not work, and you couldn’t fix the problem yourself? A gas stove is a dangerous technique because it can cause gas leakage. It is better not to try to disassemble and repair the electric ignition yourself. Find out how to check the ignition unit of a gas stove, and if a problem is detected, contact a specialist. Repair of electric ignition in Moscow is carried out by calling a specialist to your home.
Why should you contact a specialist?
All the universal problems that even an inexperienced person can cope with on their own in cases where the electric ignition on a gas stove has stopped working have been described above. However, it is worth understanding that this is a complex device that sometimes requires thorough testing. It is impossible to do it with a regular screwdriver and a flashlight. Of course, the services of a specialist will cost a little more than repairing it yourself, but in this case you can ensure the safety of your family and extend the life of the device. Indeed, in case of improper cleaning or replacement of a part, there is always a risk of damage. And a new stove will cost much more than the service of a professional.
Oxidation of contacts
You can say a few words about piezo ignition of gas ovens. The system consists of two components: a piezoelectric generator and a drive element. This whole thing works like an ordinary piezo lighter . The most common problem is the power button. The element cannot be repaired; it must be replaced with a new one.
Troubles occur when cleaning the oven, during which water can seep into the contacts of the ignition button. Under the influence of heat and humidity, they oxidize, become rough and break, or stick and wedge. The ignition may crackle continuously.
Restoration requires cleaning and drying; regular maintenance will not hurt . During cleaning, you should remember that the system operates under voltage of 220 V. Compliance with safety precautions is required.
To eliminate any problems, clean:
- contact connections of electric ignition with wires;
- contact connections of spark plugs and wires, it would be good to check each wire from the spark plugs, their tips;
- contact connections of wires and electric ignition buttons;
- the buttons themselves (here you can use an indicator screwdriver to check the contacts for inclusion).
Requirements for a stove with electric ignition
The main requirement for a device with electric ignition is to connect the device to an electrical network with a voltage of 220 volts.
For this purpose, the stove comes with a cord - a three-core cable with a cross-section of at least 1.5 mm, ending with a grounding plug. An outlet with a grounding circuit is installed near the installation site of the device.
To ensure additional safety, a special residual current device is installed on the common incoming panel, which blocks the network in the event of a current leak.
Important . It is better to invite an electrician to carry out the work.
Security measures
When carrying out work on setting up the electric ignition of the stove, you should adhere to certain safety measures that will help you not only avoid unwanted injuries, but also prevent the occurrence of additional malfunctions in your home. If you had to disassemble the top part of the stove, do not forget to first turn off the electricity and cut off gas access to the stove. After carrying out repair work to check the operability of the stove, gas and electricity should be supplied to it in a short-term mode and only after the work is completely completed, full access to these communications can be given to it.
Thus, even with little experience with technology, you can independently troubleshoot minor problems in its operation. However, if a major breakdown occurs, you should still consult with a service technician about repairs or allow the service department to help you fix the problem.
Household appliances Stove
If there are other flame problems
In addition to the ignition malfunction, other damage should be excluded. If you light a gas oven burner with matches, the flame should be uniform and consistently blue. Sluggish combustion with yellow tongues is the main sign of improper combustion and you should dance in this direction .
If the flame burns on one side of the burner, this may suggest deformation or unevenness of the structure. In addition, the proportions of the gas mixture may be disrupted. With such problems, the burner will not light even if there is a spark. This requires cleaning the injectors or reinstalling them .
Other troubles may lie in the timer module, if the gas oven has one. This point should also be checked. The burner often does not ignite due to its malfunction.