A Star Burner that clicks repeatedly without lighting is one of the most common range service calls, and in most cases it’s a straightforward, affordable fix. But there’s an important safety distinction to understand.
The Common, Low-Risk Cause
In most cases, a worn igniter or a clogged burner port is preventing a spark from reaching the gas properly. This is generally safe to leave alone briefly while you arrange a repair, as long as you turn off the burner between attempts.
The Scenario That Requires Immediate Action
If you smell gas at any point — whether or not the burner is clicking — turn off the burner, do not attempt to relight it, ventilate the area, and leave the gas turned off at the shutoff valve until a technician can inspect it.
What Causes the Difference
A worn igniter or dirty burner port is an ignition problem. A gas smell indicates a supply issue — a different and more serious category of fault.
Getting It Fixed
For routine igniter issues, visit our range repair page. If you ever smell gas, treat it as urgent and call us immediately.