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  1. Repair

Cooktop not working

Common reasons your cooktop not working

The most common reasons your cooktop is not working are a defective electronic control board, broken igniter or a faulty infinite switch.

  • 34%

    34% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 21%

    21% of the time it's the
    Igniter

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the
    Infinite Switch

  • 29%

    29% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Common cooktop repair parts you may need

    Replacing one of these cooktop parts may fix your problem.

    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    If your cooktop is malfunctioning, a faulty electronic control board might be the reason behind the problem. This board is responsible for sending electrical current to the surface elements. It operates by closing electrical relays to allow current flow to the burners when you set them to heat. However, if the internal logic or circuits within the electronic control board fail, current won't reach the burners. If your cooktop has power but none of the elements are working, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect the electronic control board and replace it if it's defective.


    Igniter Replacement

    When the igniter is broken, it stops burners from lighting on the cooktop. Certain cooktops utilize an ignition system that relights burners if the control doesn't sense a flame on a burner being used. When a cooktop relies on electronics to detect a burner flame, a broken igniter can cause electronics to short out or harm other components in the burner ignition system, leading to the cooktop not functioning properly. It's recommended to have a Sears Home Services Appliance Repair Technician inspect and repair your cooktop if it isn't working.

    Infinite Switch Replacement

    When your cooktop isn't working, it could be due to a faulty infinite switch. This switch has electrical contacts that manage turning a surface element on and off, as well as regulating its heat level. If the internal switch contacts short out, it can cause the electrical circuit breaker to trip, cutting off power to the cooktop. If you're unable to reset the circuit breaker because it keeps tripping again immediately after resetting it, there's a possibility that a faulty infinite switch is preventing the cooktop from functioning properly. It's recommended to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect and repair your cooktop in such cases.

    What to expect when you experience a cooktop not working issue

    Repair advice for a cooktop not working problem

    Fixing most issues with the cooktop not working typically requires replacing the electronic control board, igniter, or infinite switch. However, since there are numerous possible causes, a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for solving the problem. Having an accurate diagnosis is important for understanding the cost of the repair.

    Sears Home Services tips for dealing with a cooktop that is not working

    When the cooktop isn't functioning, there could be various reasons behind it. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we suggest having a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the root cause of the issue. Our technicians have extensive experience in diagnosing all types of cooktop failures.

    How to deal with a cooktop not working

    Identifying issues with modern appliances can prove challenging without adequate knowledge and training. Attempting to fix your cooktop problem without employing proper diagnostic techniques may result in merely replacing parts based on guesswork. Over the past decade, appliances have significantly advanced, with many models incorporating electronic components that are intricate to test. As a result, DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming progressively more challenging.

    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    fixed my oven within minutes!

    i had previously had a technician out 3 times in the past 1 1/2 years, who was chosen by my home warranty company. The oven never worked, it was always a temporary fix. Shareef listened to the issues i was having and what i thought was the problem and fixed it within minutes! The oven works perfectly now, it does not turn on and off any longer and all 4 burners are hot. He was personable, efficient, and a true professional.


    Julie B, Mt Pleasant, SC

    He tried

    Sometimes things don't work out as planned. Tim tried to fix my oven. Previous guy misdiagnosed the problem. So i am still without. Tim tried and communicated with me about the issues.


    Diane U, Royal Oak, MI

    Excellent Service, prompt and curious!

    Excellent Service, Friendly and courteous! Prompt and eager to fix the stove!


    Mike Barrett, Duluth, MN

    Repair Range Resources

    Title image for blog article "How Do Gas Stoves Work?"
    8 min readNov. 25

    Learn how gas stoves work and how to safely use the cooktop and oven.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Pressure Regulator Work?"
    6 min readNov. 13

    Learn how a pressure regulator works on a gas range.

    Title image for blog article "How Does an Electric Range Work?"
    7 min readNov. 13

    Learn how an electric range works and how to troubleshoot common problems.

    Homeowner replacing a burnt out stove element
    6 min readOct. 23

    Need help replacing a burnt out stove element? Trust Sears Home Services for professional stove repairs and replacements.

    Glossary Terms

    BTU, or British Thermal Unit, measures the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

    A thermocouple is a sensor used for measuring temperature, consisting of two different metal wires joined at one end, which generate a voltage proportional to temperature changes.

    A K-type thermocouple is a sensor used for temperature measurement, consisting of two dissimilar metal wires that generate a voltage proportional to temperature changes, widely recognized for its accuracy and wide temperature range.

    A range sensor in a kitchen stove or oven is a technologically advanced feature that detects and regulates the temperature within the oven, ensuring precise cooking conditions for optimal culinary results.

    Common cooktop symptoms to look out for

    • Cooktop not turning on
    • Cooktop burner not working