An appliance that fails partway through a cycle and sometimes completes normally usually points to a specific stage — fill, wash, spin, heat or dry — not total failure. For gas surface-burner ignition, first after cooling, clean/dry approved parts and seat the cap before one test.
What this covers
- gas surface-burner ignition with this exact failure state
- Diagnosis across wet/dirty cap and ports versus electrode, gas supply and switch
What it does not cover
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedCapture the exact failure state
ReversibleNote exactly which stage the cycle stops or errors at, and whether it's the same stage each time. Expected behavior: spark and light promptly with a correctly seated clean burner.
Isolate the component boundary
ReversibleAfter cooling, clean/dry approved parts and seat the cap before one test. Run the specific stage in isolation where the appliance allows it, and repeat with a different, similar-sized load. Boundary to separate: wet/dirty cap and ports versus electrode, gas supply and switch.
Correct only the proven cause
ReversibleCorrect cap/port condition or use qualified gas service. Correct the loading, supply or setting proven to affect that one stage, or arrange service for a component fault confirmed at that stage.
Verify and stop safely
ReversibleRun two complete normal cycles in a row and confirm the same stage no longer fails. For a strong gas odor, do not operate switches — leave the building and call the gas utility or 911 from outside; turn off the gas and ventilate for repeated clicking without flame.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions