Maytag Gas Stove Burner Not Lighting — Igniter, Spark Module & Gas Supply Fix

Common Symptoms

• Burner clicks rapidly but gas does not ignite
• No clicking sound at all when the knob is turned to LITE
• Burner lights with a manual lighter but not with the igniter
• Only one burner fails to light while others work normally
• All burners fail to click or spark simultaneously
• Burner lights but flame is weak, uneven, or only on one side

Most Likely Causes

1. 1

   Dirty or Wet Igniter Tip (Most Common)

   The ceramic igniter tip sits next to the burner head and produces the high-voltage spark that lights the gas. Food boilover residue, grease, and moisture are the most common causes of ignition failure — they create a conductive bridge that shorts the spark to ground instead of letting it arc across to the burner. A toothbrush and dry toothpick are all you need to clean the igniter tip. Never use water or cleaning spray on the igniter — always dry thoroughly after any cleaning.

2. 2

   Misaligned or Dirty Burner Cap

   The burner cap must sit flat and centered on the burner head for the gas ports to align correctly with the flame path. A tilted or offset cap blocks gas flow to the igniter's spark gap, causing the burner to either not light or produce an uneven flame that extinguishes immediately. Lift the burner cap, clean both the cap and the burner head ports with a dry brush, and reseat the cap firmly before testing. Cap misalignment after cleaning is the second most common cause of repeat ignition problems.

3. 3

   Failed Spark Module (WP9782262 — All Burners Dead)

   The spark module WP9782262 is the electronic control box that generates the high-voltage pulse for all surface burners simultaneously. If ALL burners fail to click at the same time, check the 120V circuit breaker for the range first — Maytag gas ranges require household current to power the igniter system. If the breaker is fine, the spark module has likely failed. The module mounts under the cooktop and costs $40–$80. One failed spark module kills all ignition; an individual failed igniter or switch kills only one burner.

4. 4

   Failed Igniter Switch (WP74007294 — Single Burner)

   Each burner has its own igniter switch integrated with the knob assembly. When you turn the knob to LITE, the switch signals the spark module to fire that burner's igniter. A failed switch means the module never receives the trigger signal — result: no clicking from that burner only. Test with a multimeter: the switch should show continuity when the knob is held in the LITE position. Open circuit = replace WP74007294.

5. 5

   Worn Surface Igniter (WP74007720 — Single Burner)

   Even with a functioning spark module and switch, the ceramic igniter electrode itself can crack or wear to the point where it no longer produces a strong enough arc. A worn igniter may click weakly or spark erratically, failing to ignite the gas reliably. This is most common on the front burners, which are used most frequently. If the module and switch both test good, replace the individual surface igniter WP74007720 ($15–$40).

Quick DIY Checks

1. 1Try lighting with a long lighter while holding the knob in LITE position — if it lights manually, the igniter is the issue, not gas supply
2. 2Remove burner cap and head — clean igniter tip with a dry toothbrush or wooden toothpick; food debris is the #1 cause of no-spark
3. 3Dry the igniter thoroughly — moisture from boilovers causes misfires; use a hair dryer on low for 2 minutes

1. 4Inspect burner cap seating — cap must sit flat and centered; misalignment causes uneven flame or no ignition
2. 5Listen for clicking when turning the knob to LITE — no click = check spark module WP74007720 ($40–$80) or igniter switch
3. 6Test igniter switch continuity — switch should show continuity when knob is in LITE position; replace WP74007294 if open
4. 7If one burner fails but others spark: replace individual surface igniter WP74007720 ($15–$40); if ALL burners fail to click, replace spark module WP9782262 ($40–$80)

Repair vs Replace

Recommended Tools & Parts

• Maytag Spark Module (WP9782262)

  Replacement spark ignition module for Maytag gas ranges. Controls high-voltage spark generation for all surface burners. Replace when ALL burners fail to click after confirming 120V power is present at the range. $40–$80.

  $40–$80

  Buy on Amazon →

• Maytag Surface Igniter (WP74007720)

  Replacement surface burner igniter electrode for Maytag gas ranges. Replace when one burner fails to spark but the module and switch test good. Ceramic electrode tip produces the arc that lights the gas. $15–$40.

  $15–$40

  Buy on Amazon →

• Maytag Igniter Switch (WP74007294)

  Replacement igniter switch for individual Maytag gas range burner. Signals the spark module to fire when the knob is in LITE position. Replace when switch shows open circuit on multimeter continuity test in LITE position.

  $15–$30

  Buy on Amazon →

Links are Amazon affiliate links (tag: fixitfastai-20). Prices are estimates.

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