You’re all set to whip up a culinary masterpiece but discover you have a GE stove burner not working. It can be incredibly frustrating, but not to worry. We’ll help you get to the bottom of why your GE stove won’t turn on and guide you through various troubleshooting steps you can take for both gas and electric stove models.
Why Is My GE Stove Burner Not Working?
So your GE stove burner has gone rogue—don’t worry, you’re not alone! Whether you’re dealing with a gas or electric burner, there are several factors that could be the culprit. Let’s dive in to figure out what’s going on.
Gas Stove Burner Won’t Light
Moisture in the Burner
Steam, water spills, and even high humidity can lead to moisture accumulating in the gas burner. If you find that your GE range burner is not lighting and you’ve recently boiled water or experienced a spill, moisture is a likely suspect.
To address this issue, first, make sure your stove is completely off and the burners are cool to the touch. Use a dry cloth to blot out any visible moisture. You might also want to leave the burners uncovered for a few hours to allow trapped moisture to evaporate naturally. Prevention is key here—always use lids on pots to minimize spills and steam contact with the burner.
A Dirty or Clogged Burner
Grime, food particles, and grease can accumulate over time and clog your burners. When this happens, you might notice the stove clicking but not lighting. Here’s how to thoroughly clean a dirty gas stove burner:
- Turn off your stove and let the burners cool down.
- Remove the grates and burner caps.
- Gently lift the burner base.
- Soak the grates, caps, and base in a solution of dish soap and hot water.
- Use a non-abrasive scrubbing brush to eliminate stubborn dirt.
- For the burner holes, use a straight pin or needle to poke out any gunk. Be gentle to avoid enlarging the holes.
- Rinse and dry each part thoroughly.
- Reassemble the parts and test the burner.
Gas Supply Issues
Before going down the rabbit hole of extensive troubleshooting, it’s essential to consider whether your gas supply is active. If your other gas appliances or burners are working fine, then the gas supply is probably not the issue. If not, check the gas valve to make sure it’s on. You might need to call your gas supply company for further assistance if you suspect a gas outage or line problem.
Defective Gas Igniter
The gas igniter is a small but crucial component. If it’s defective, you’ll usually hear a clicking sound without the burner lighting up. An igniter is powered by electricity to generate a spark, and if the spark doesn’t happen, gas won’t ignite. To diagnose this:
- Listen carefully. A healthy igniter will produce a sharp, consistent clicking sound when active.
- Use a multimeter to test the igniter for electrical continuity.
- If the igniter is faulty, you might need to replace it. Replacing an igniter should ideally be done by professionals to maintain safety standards.
Electric Stove Won’t Heat Up
Burner Not Getting Power
You’d be surprised how often people are ready to declare their stove dead when the simple issue is that the burner is not properly plugged in. Check to see that your burner is securely seated in its socket. If it seems loose, realign it to establish a proper connection.
Broken Burner Switch
The switch is what transfers electricity to the heating elements of your electric stove. If your burner isn’t heating up, a broken switch could be the culprit. Use a multimeter to check the switch for continuity. If it’s not functioning correctly, it will need to be replaced. Replacement parts can vary by model, so make sure you purchase the right one for your stove.
Faulty Radiant Element
Your electric stove works through radiant heating elements under the surface of each burner. Over time, these elements can malfunction, resulting in inconsistent or nonexistent heating. To identify a faulty radiant element:
- Examine the element for visible damage, like cracks or blistering.
- Use a multimeter to check for continuity.
- If you find a fault, replacement is usually the only option.
In situations where you’ve tried everything but still have a GE stove burner not working properly, it’s probably time to call in the experts. Athens Appliance Repair is a trusted service provider for professional range and stove repair!
