How to Troubleshoot a Gas Ignition for an Outdoor Fireplace

Turn off the gas fireplace and wait for it to cool before troubleshooting the igniter.

Close the gas valve in the pipe connected to the fireplace.

Take off the access plate using a screwdriver. On some models, you can access the igniter system from below or behind the control panel without removing an access plate, so this step may not apply to you.

Clean the L-shaped contact on the end of a ceramic electrode igniter with a piece of steel wool. Press the igniter button to watch for a spark on the electrode tip.

Push the connector on the end of the wire from the push-button assembly onto the contact on the igniter and test again. If the unit only clicks but does not spark, the igniter is likely worn out and should be replaced. Continue troubleshooting to test an electronic system.

Replace the battery in the battery pack below the control panel on an electronic ignition system with a fresh 9-volt battery.

Press the ignition button. If the igniter does not produce a spark near the burner, continue troubleshooting.

Pull the wiring harness plug on the end of the igniter out of the socket on the battery pack.

Hold the two probes on the ohmmeter to the two contacts on the plug at the end of the igniter. If the ohmmeter reads zero, the igniter is defective and must be replaced.