Grill Won’t Light? It Could Be the Grill Igniter

Igniters are responsible for lighting the gas in the grill’s burners. When they work well, igniters make grill-lighting as eay and convenient as pushing a button or turning a dial.

But, not surprisingly, considering they do their job in an abusive environment of high heat, acidic meat drippings, and corrosive weather conditions, sometimes things go wrong. In fact, igniter failure is a common complaint – and source of frustration – for gas grillers.

True, you can usually light the grill by manually inserting a long match or lighter through a hole in the base of the grill. But, replacing the igniter is an easy and relatively inexpensive fix that will have you back in business faster than you can say finger-lickin-good.

How Grill Igniters Work

Grill igniters use a spark to ignite gas within the burners. The magic happens behind the control panel, where a piezoelectric crystal generates an electric spark when activated. This spark travels through a wire to an electrode tip inside a collector box, where it ignites trapped gas, which then lights the burner.

Types of Grill Igniters 

1. Piezo Igniters: Produce a single spark with each push or turn.
2. Battery-Operated Igniters: Generate multiple sparks with a “click, click, click” sound, offering more reliable ignition.
3. Hot-Surface Igniters: Found in premium grills, these rods instantly heat to ignite gas and are resistant to corrosion, offering exceptional durability.

 

Troubleshooting Common Igniter Issues

• First, check the battery – it’s often the culprit. To replace a dead or corroded battery, simply unscrew the igniter button. Pop in a new AA battery and reposition the unit.

• If that doesn’t work, check the flexible wire. Are the connections tight?

• Is the wire’s electrode tip aligned properly within the collector box? Is the electrode corroded? Try sanding the tip with sandpaper or wiping it with alcohol.

• Is the collector box cracked? If so, it must be replaced. If not, try sanding the interior of the box.

 

When to Replace Your Igniter

If none of these easy fixes works, it may be necessary to replace the igniter unit. But before you do, try one more test. Manually light the grill with a match.

If it lights, the problem is likely the igniter. If it doesn’t light, the issue may actually be a clogged or dirty burner. Clean the burner and test the igniter again. If the grill lights, there’s no need to replace the igniter. If it doesn’t, a new igniter will probably do the trick.

 

Safety Tip: If a grill ever fails to light, always wait 5 minutes before attempting to relight it to allow the gas to dissipate.

 

Get Replacement Igniter Parts

Find the right igniter for your grill at Appliance Factory Parts. Select your grill brand and explore our full range of quality replacements to keep your grill in top condition.

David B. April 21st, 2015

Posted In: BBQ Maintenance