Important Safety Warnings
- If you smell gas in the room, do not attempt ignition. Ventilate immediately and call your gas provider.
- Never leave a burner flowing gas without ignition for more than 3 seconds.
What You'll Need
Step-by-Step Guide
Identify the Fault Pattern
Determine whether the clicking occurs on one burner, all burners, or randomly. A single-burner issue points to that electrode or burner assembly. All-burner clicking suggests the ignition module.
Check for Moisture
Moisture is the #1 cause of post-cleaning ignition failure. If clicking started after cleaning, place the cooktop under a warm oven vent or use a hair dryer on low to evaporate moisture from around the electrodes.
Clean the Electrode Tip
Using a cotton swab lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol, gently clean the ceramic electrode tip. Remove any food, grease, or carbon buildup. Allow to fully dry before testing.
Check Burner Cap Alignment
An improperly seated burner cap prevents the gas from reaching the electrode. Remove and firmly reseat the cap. It should sit flat with no rocking.
Test With Manual Ignition
If electricity is available but the spark is weak, use a long match to manually light the burner. If it lights immediately, the gas supply is fine but the electrode/module needs service.
Check for E0–E5 Error Codes
Electronic control models will display E0–E5 error codes for ignition circuit faults. E0 is an ignition timeout, E1–E4 relate to specific burner circuits. These require a technician's module diagnosis.
How La Cornue's Ignition System Works
La Cornue ranges use a piezo-electric spark ignition system. When you turn a burner knob to the "ignite" position, a module generates a high-voltage electrical signal sent to all burner electrodes simultaneously. The spark jumps across the ceramic-tipped electrode to the burner cap, igniting the gas. This is why turning one burner knob causes clicking at all electrodes — they are wired in parallel through a single control module.
The Most Common Causes by Frequency
- Moisture in the electrode area — from cleaning, boilovers, or high humidity (most common)
- Grease-coated electrode tip — insulates the spark gap
- Improperly seated burner cap — moves the gas port away from the electrode arc
- Burned-out electrode — ceramic cracks, short circuits to burner body
- Failed ignition module — no output voltage to one or all electrodes
- Damaged ignition wire — brittleness from repeated heat cycling
When to Call a Technician
If the burner will not light manually (checking gas supply is fine), you experience an E-series error code, or the electrode sparks visibly but produces no ignition, a technician should inspect the gas valve, orifice, and manifold pressure before further use.
Still Experiencing Issues?
Our factory-trained technicians are ready to diagnose and repair any La Cornue appliance.