A Noisy Ignition on a Kenmore Gas Range

Check Control Knob

• Don't leave your control knob in the "LITE" position after you turn the burner on. If you do, the igniter will continue to tick and attempt to light the burner. Instead, as soon as the burner is lit, turn your control knob counterclockwise to the desired setting. If your igniter continues to tick, make sure you haven't accidentally bumped any of the control knobs into the "LITE" position.

Check Power Supply

• Check that the stove is plugged in properly. If the stove isn't plugged in, the igniter ticks but the burner won't light. If the stove is plugged in, the outlet could be bad. Check another appliance in the outlet to see if this is the case. If the outlet is bad, you'll need an electrician's help; in the meantime, you can manually light the burner with a match after turning the control knob all the way to "LITE."

Clean Burner

• If the igniter continually ticks but the stove never lights, your burner might be clogged. Check this before attempting to replace the igniter or otherwise servicing the stove. Turn off the burner and wait for it to cool. Clean the burner port with a small needle, and turn the burner back on to see if it lights. If it lights partially, the burner is still clogged. Repeat these steps until the burner lights fully. Work with the burner only when it is cool.

Delayed Ignition

• If the igniter ticks noisily for several seconds or minutes and then the stove lights, you have a serious problem. This is called delayed ignition, and it can lead to an explosion or gas fire. The igniter isn't catching right away like it's supposed to, and as a result gas builds up in the stove. Turn the stove off, evacuate the area and call for service if your stove appears to be experiencing delayed ignition.