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  1. Repair

Cooktop burner not working

Common reasons your cooktop burner not working

The most common reasons your cooktop burner is not working are a cracked igniter switch, broken igniter or a cracked main top.

  • 58%

    58% of the time it's the
    Igniter Switch

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the
    Igniter

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the
    Main Top

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the
    Something else

  • Schedule your cooktop repair now!

    We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 600K cooktops. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

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    Common cooktop repair parts you may need

    Replacing one of these cooktop parts may fix your problem.

    Igniter Switch Replacement

    Commonly, a defective infinite switch can lead to a malfunctioning cooktop burner. Responsible for regulating the current to the element, a faulty infinite switch disrupts the flow of electricity, rendering the burner inoperative. Detecting such issues can be challenging. Seek assistance from a Sears Home Services Technician to inspect your cooktop and replace the defective infinite switch if necessary. During the repair, the technician will also assess potential damage to wiring or the element that could be attributable to the faulty switch.


    Igniter Replacement

    When your burner fails to light, it may be due to a faulty igniter preventing the spark needed for ignition. Restore the functionality of your cooktop burner by replacing the defective igniter. Our Sears Home Services experts can easily replace the igniter, even in gas cooktops where access is challenging. Don't let a broken igniter disrupt your cooking experience – schedule a service appointment today.

    Main Top Replacement

    If the top of your stove has a crack, spills can get into the wires and parts that make it heat up. This can make the stove stop working. Sometimes, the breaker in your house might trip because of this problem. Also, if there's a problem with one of the stove's burners, it could break the switch that turns it on. Even if you replace the broken part, the burner might not work. Make sure to have a Sears Home Services Technician examine your entire cooktop when they fix the cracked main top. They can find any other problems it might have due to the cracked top.

    What to expect when you experience a cooktop burner not working issue

    How do you fix a cooktop burner not working problem?

    Typically, resolving issues with cooktop burners not functioning involves replacing either the igniter switch, igniter, or main top. Yet, as various factors can contribute to the problem, a comprehensive assessment is vital for effective resolution. An exact diagnosis is crucial for determining the extent of repairs needed and the associated costs.

    Sears Home Services expert tips for a cooktop burner that is not working

    When the cooktop burner is not working it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of cooktop failures.

    How to accurately diagnose and fix a cooktop burner not working

    Identifying issues with modern appliances can be challenging without the right knowledge and training. Simply swapping out parts without employing proper diagnostic methods may not effectively resolve your cooktop problem. Over the past decade, appliances have become significantly more advanced, with many models incorporating electronic components that are complex to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming progressively harder to accomplish.

    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    fixed my oven within minutes!

    i had previously had a technician out 3 times in the past 1 1/2 years, who was chosen by my home warranty company. The oven never worked, it was always a temporary fix. Shareef listened to the issues i was having and what i thought was the problem and fixed it within minutes! The oven works perfectly now, it does not turn on and off any longer and all 4 burners are hot. He was personable, efficient, and a true professional.


    Julie B, Mt Pleasant, SC

    He tried

    Sometimes things don't work out as planned. Tim tried to fix my oven. Previous guy misdiagnosed the problem. So i am still without. Tim tried and communicated with me about the issues.


    Diane U, Royal Oak, MI

    Excellent Service, prompt and curious!

    Excellent Service, Friendly and courteous! Prompt and eager to fix the stove!


    Mike Barrett, Duluth, MN

    Repair Range Resources

    Title image for blog article "How Do Gas Stoves Work?"
    8 min readNov. 25

    Learn how gas stoves work and how to safely use the cooktop and oven.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Pressure Regulator Work?"
    6 min readNov. 13

    Learn how a pressure regulator works on a gas range.

    Title image for blog article "How Does an Electric Range Work?"
    7 min readNov. 13

    Learn how an electric range works and how to troubleshoot common problems.

    Homeowner replacing a burnt out stove element
    6 min readOct. 23

    Need help replacing a burnt out stove element? Trust Sears Home Services for professional stove repairs and replacements.

    Glossary Terms

    BTU, or British Thermal Unit, measures the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

    A thermocouple is a sensor used for measuring temperature, consisting of two different metal wires joined at one end, which generate a voltage proportional to temperature changes.

    A K-type thermocouple is a sensor used for temperature measurement, consisting of two dissimilar metal wires that generate a voltage proportional to temperature changes, widely recognized for its accuracy and wide temperature range.

    A range sensor in a kitchen stove or oven is a technologically advanced feature that detects and regulates the temperature within the oven, ensuring precise cooking conditions for optimal culinary results.

    Common cooktop symptoms to look out for

    • Cooktop not working
    • Cooktop not turning on