Hi all,

I am scratching my head, perplexed.  LP gas tends to make me cautious as it is, and now I have a bit of a problem...

If I turn on the gas on my stove and then turn the igniter, nothing happens - the flame does not ignite.  I do smell gas.  I went out to check the indicator on top of the tanks, and it was green - so it doesn't look like my first tank is empty.

I tried switching from the "empty" tank to the full one, and still no light on the stove.  I still smell gas when I turn the knob (I turned it off again immediately).

Can you tell me what you think is wrong?

Thanks much, Roberta

OK, if you smell gas, use an igniter (like for a b-b-q grill) to light it.  The piezo igniter may be in a too rich or too lean stream to light.  Matches also work.

Sometimes the built in igniter is moved away from the gas stream and fails to spark.  Are you seeing spark?  Have you tried to switch tanks?  Have you lightly tapped on the pressure indicator (green thingy) to make sure it is not stuck?

In my years with propane, sometimes when you are out of propane, you still get the ethyl mercaptan odor when you open a valve, just not enough flow to provide flame.  There can be a myriad of things keeping you from getting flame.

Good luck.

Excellent advice! Now that I think about it, I remember when I first got my RV that it wouldn't ignite and I ended up using a match - haven't had any more problems with it until now.

I will give that a try. :)

-- Edited by rheadabovewater on Thursday 25th of March 2010 08:15:10 PM

Do not let the gas run to long before striking the match or lighter, If you did, turn everything off, let it rest for a minute, turn it on, then light it immediately, G

Oh don't worry, I won't! (she says, then KABLOOEY!!!)  

We usually use a BBQ lighter instead of depending on the igniter. It's just a habit we've gotten into. We have a BBQ lighter with a magnet and stick it on the side of the vent hood so it's convenient.

Check to see if your ignitor is sparking. Take it to your service center and have it checked out. This could be a dangerous situation if you let it go too long.

I don't think it's sparking.  I'm thinking I should try turning the igniter when all my lights are out at night, to see.

I am not mobile so it may be a while before I can have it looked at.  Right now I'm using a bbq igniter and keeping it by the stove....

Is it easy to replace the igniter?

Thanks, Roberta

-- Edited by rheadabovewater on Tuesday 30th of March 2010 02:17:55 PM

Question: If your igniter thje twist knob manual sparker type? Or an electric zapping noise type? The reason I ask is because on our motorhome, the electric sparker type only works if you are plugged into shore power or have the inverter on. If we are only on battery power (12 volt) the igniter does not work. We keep the BBQ lighter handy in a drawer for just that purpose. (and I SLAP the hand that dares take it outside for the campfire!)

Hi Karen, it's the twist knob type. It turns out the problem was a loose wire - so simple to fix! Just stuck it back into the area it was supposed to be in, and it worked!! :D

Oh so glad you fixed it!!!   

OMG yes! I'm stationary in a park in Half Moon Bay, CA and I swear, since I bought this fiver everything that could possibly go wrong, has gone wrong!

I live with my 21-year old son and he knows nothing about fixing things, so I've had to learn everything about this rig and how to fix it....last week I replaced the PC board in the water heater and it came out fine. 

I've learned a lot about batteries, electricity, amperage, etc. 

Roberta

Ain't it great to learn to be able to fix things yourself?!?! I love when I can do my own repairs (with the help of forums)

I read your blog a couple days and think you are a most courageous and resourceful lady. There is most likely nothing beyond your imagination that you cannot fix when within your mechanical ability. Glad this minor problem was within your range.

Thank you so much!  (blush)