Gas fireplace won't light

Symptoms

• No flame appears when turning the fireplace on
• Clicking sound from the igniter but no flame
• Pilot light may be out

Likely causes

• CommonPilot light outMany gas fireplaces need a lit standing pilot before the main burner can ignite.
• CommonDead batteries in a remote or wall switchBattery-operated ignition systems won't spark without fresh batteries.
• CommonGas shutoff valve closedA valve behind the fireplace or in the gas line may have been turned off.
• PossibleDirty pilot assembly or thermocoupleDebris or dust can prevent reliable ignition or flame sensing.
• Less commonFailed igniter or control moduleElectronic components can fail with age, especially on units unused for months.

What to do

1. Check that the gas valve supplying the fireplace is fully open.
2. Replace batteries in the remote control or wall switch, even if they seem to still work.
3. Check whether the fireplace has a standing pilot; if so, follow the printed instructions to relight it.
4. Listen for a clicking or sparking sound when trying to ignite; no sound at all often points to a dead battery or switch issue.
5. Clean visible dust from the pilot assembly area with a soft brush, with the gas off.
6. If the pilot lights but the main burner won't ignite, or nothing happens at all after these checks, call a technician.

Tools and parts

• Soft brush
• New batteries

When to call a pro

Call a gas fireplace technician if the pilot won't light, the main burner won't ignite after the pilot is lit, or you suspect a control module failure.

Safety