A Thermador gas burner clicks because its spark igniter is firing. A click about once a minute on a very low flame can be normal. Constant clicking, clicking with no flame, or clicking when every burner is off usually points to a wet or dirty igniter, a burner cap that is out of position, or a knob stuck in the lighting position.

This guide helps you match what you hear to the likely cause, run a few safe checks, and know when to stop and call a technician. It applies to Thermador gas ranges and gas cooktops, but steps vary by model, so keep your owner’s manual handy.

Gas smell? Stop and read this first. If you smell gas and the odor is strong, or you are unsure, leave the home right away and tell everyone to go with you. Do not use light switches, phones, appliances or anything that could spark inside. Call your gas utility or emergency services from outside or from a neighbor’s home. Do not turn the gas back on yourself after it has been shut off for a safety reason. A brief smell of gas for a few seconds when a burner lights can be normal; a smell that lingers after the knobs are off is not.

Match the Sound to the Cause

What you notice Likely cause Safe first step
A click about once a minute on a very low flame Normal on models with a low-simmer feature that cycles the flame Nothing to fix. Check your manual for your model.
Constant clicking with every knob off A knob stuck in the lighting position, or moisture after cleaning or a boil-over Turn all knobs to OFF and let the surface dry
Clicking but no flame Burner cap off its base, wet or dirty igniter, clogged burner ports, or gas supply off Reseat the cap, dry and clean, confirm the gas is on
One burner will not light while the others do That burner’s cap is not aligned with its base Realign it once the cooktop is cool
Clicking continues after you dry and reseat everything An electrical or ignition fault Stop and call a technician

Is the Clicking Normal?

Some clicking is part of normal operation:

  • Low-simmer cycling. On models with a very-low setting, the burner cycles the flame off and on, and each re-light makes a click about once a minute. This is expected.
  • Drafts. A breeze from a window, door or vent can blow a flame out, so the igniter fires again. Remove the draft and the clicking stops.
  • After a power outage. A click or two when power returns is normal.

Clicking that keeps going, or that happens with no burner in use, is worth checking.

Hand turning a Thermador gas range knob to the ignite position as the burner clicks

Why Is My Thermador Gas Stove Clicking When It Is Off?

Continuous clicking with every burner off usually has one of these causes:

  1. A knob stuck in the lighting position. If a knob is pushed in or sits at the spark setting, the igniter keeps firing. Turn each knob to OFF.
  2. Moisture. Water from cleaning or a boil-over can trigger sparking. It usually stops once the surface dries.
  3. A knob held past the child-lock position on some newer cooktops, which keeps the spark running. Check your manual for your model.

If clicking continues after the surface is dry and every knob is off, do not take the cooktop apart. Stop using it and call a technician. Some causes, such as a wiring fault or the way the gas regulator was installed, need a qualified professional.

Why Is My Thermador Burner Clicking but Not Lighting?

When you hear clicking but see no flame, work through these in order:

  1. Confirm gas and power. Make sure the gas shut-off valve is open and the cooktop has power. Check that the breaker has not tripped.
  2. Check the burner cap. The cap must sit flat and aligned with the notches on its base. A cap that is crooked or loose can stop a burner from lighting, and can also cause a gas odor.
  3. Dry the burner and igniter. A damp igniter may not light. Let the burner dry fully after cleaning or a spill.
  4. Clean a dirty igniter. After the cooktop has cooled, gently wipe the igniter with a cotton swab barely dampened with water, and remove any lint. Use as little water as you can.
  5. Clear the burner ports. Food debris can block the small openings. Follow your manual for how to clear them, and do not enlarge or damage the ports.
  6. Try lighting with a pan on the grate. Ignition can be faster with a pan in place. Light the burner on high, then turn it down once the flame is steady.

If one burner will not light while the others do, the cause is usually that burner’s cap, igniter or ports.

Hand turning a Thermador rangetop knob with a blue burner flame lit

What Not to Do

  • Do not keep trying to light a burner if you smell gas. Leave, then call the gas utility.
  • Do not disable or bypass the igniter to stop the clicking.
  • Do not take apart gas parts or wiring unless you are qualified.
  • Do not soak the igniter or burner with water or cleaner.
  • Do not turn the gas back on after it was shut off for a safety reason. Let the utility or a technician do it.

When to Call a Technician

Call a technician when:

  • The clicking continues after the surface is dry, the knobs are off and the caps are reseated.
  • A burner still will not light after you have cleaned and aligned it.
  • You smell gas that does not clear, or see signs of a leak.
  • Clicking happens with a knob turned on but no flame appears, which can point to an electrical fault.
  • Any burner sparks with no knob in use.

Gas and ignition faults involve gas lines and live electrical parts, so they are not DIY work. To book a visit, see our Thermador range repair or cooktop repair service, or contact us.

Technician looking closely at a gas burner on a Thermador range

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a clicking gas stove dangerous?

Clicking alone is not a leak. It means the igniter is firing. The risk is a gas smell. If you smell gas that does not clear after the knobs are off, treat it as a safety problem: leave, avoid anything that could spark, and call the gas utility.

Why is my gas stove clicking when it is off?

A stuck knob or moisture is the most common cause. Turn all knobs to OFF and let the surface dry. If it keeps clicking, call a technician rather than taking the cooktop apart.

Why is my Thermador burner clicking but not lighting?

Check that the gas is on, the burner cap is seated and aligned, and the burner and igniter are dry and clean. If it still will not light, call a technician.

Is it normal for a Thermador cooktop to click on low?

On models with a very-low setting, a click about once a minute is expected because the flame cycles. Check your owner’s manual for your model.

How do I stop my gas stove from clicking?

Find the cause. Turn knobs to OFF, dry the surface, reseat the burner caps and clean the igniter. Do not disable the igniter. If the clicking continues, schedule service.

Why does only one burner not light?

The usual causes are a misaligned cap, a dirty or wet igniter, or clogged ports on that one burner. Realign and clean it when the cooktop is cool.

Can I turn off the igniter if it keeps clicking?

No. The igniter is part of the safety and ignition system. Disabling or bypassing it can leave a burner unable to light safely. Call a technician instead.

How much does it cost to fix a clicking gas range?

The cost depends on the part, the model and the cause, so we do not quote a number here. A diagnostic visit gives you a firm price. For general ranges, see our range and oven repair cost guide.

Get Your Thermador Range Checked

If your Thermador burner keeps clicking or will not light after these checks, book a Thermador range repair or call (855) 920-0838. Our certified technicians can diagnose the igniter, burner and gas connections. To check whether we cover your area, see our service locations. For other oven and range problems, read our oven and range troubleshooting guide and our oven error codes guide.

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