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Whirlpool Stove Burner Covers: Troubleshooting & Fix

Quick Answer

If your Whirlpool burner won't light, the cover or drip pan is likely sitting crooked or is caked in grease. First, ensure the burner cap is centered perfectly on the base and that the small notch in the cap is aligned with the spark electrode.

Honestly, I'd say about 70% of the ignition calls I go on are just dirty or crooked burner caps. It's that simple. But don't ignore it, because if spills keep dripping past a rusted drip pan, you'll eventually fry the spark module underneath, and that's an $80-$150 part instead of a $15 cap. I've watched people let this drag on for months and then wonder why their whole igniter board is shot.

WhirlpoolOvenSeverity: moderateDifficulty: easy95% DIY Success
Time to Fix
5–20 min
Difficulty
easy
Parts Cost
$15 – $55
Tools Needed
Safety pin or sewing needle, Old toothbrush (medium bristle)

What Does the IGNITION-FAILURE Code Mean?

OK so here's the deal with this one. It's probably not a serious problem. Nine times out of ten it's a filthy burner cap or a crooked one, and that's a cheap, easy fix. A set of replacement covers runs like $15-$25 depending on your model, and you can swap them yourself in about five minutes. Whirlpool gas burners are actually pretty forgiving once you get the cap seated right.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Misaligned burner caps45%
Clogged burner ports/Grease buildup30%
Warped or rusted drip pans15%
Moisture interference10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Burner clicks over and over like a machine gun but nothing ever lights, even after you've held the knob down for a solid five seconds.
  • The flame that does come on is mostly orange or yellow instead of that clean blue ring you'd normally see, which usually means the gas ports are at least partially blocked.
  • You can physically rock the burner cap back and forth with one finger. It's not locking into position at all.
  • There's visible rust flaking off the drip pan and you can actually see holes or burn-through spots worn into the bottom of the metal.
  • The spark is jumping sideways at the cover instead of arcing across to the burner base, and you can watch it going the wrong direction if you turn the lights off in your kitchen.

Can you reset a Whirlpool oven to clear the IGNITION-FAILURE code?

Most gas ignition issues do not require a digital reset. However, if your stove has a lockout feature, press and hold the 'Control Lock' or 'Gas Lockout' button for 3 seconds until the beep sounds. This will re-enable the spark modules if they were electronically disabled.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Safety pin or sewing needleOld toothbrush (medium bristle)Phillips #2 screwdriverHair dryerMild dish soapMicrofiber cloth or paper towelsFlat surface (to check drip pan for warping)

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range0–100 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Burner Drip Pan SetW10196406 · $25–$55
Burner Cap KitWPW10339442 · $15–$40

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put Whirlpool burner covers in the dishwasher?
Depends on the material. Porcelain-coated steel covers are generally dishwasher safe and they'll usually come out looking great. But chrome-plated drip pans will dull and start rusting way faster if you run them through a dishwasher cycle. The detergent and the heat strip the protective coating off over time. I just hand wash with warm soapy water and an old toothbrush. Takes maybe two extra minutes and the covers last a lot longer.
Why does my stove keep clicking after I cleaned the covers?
Almost always moisture. Even a tiny drop of water sitting on the ceramic igniter or inside the burner switch behind the knob can complete the circuit and cause that constant clicking. It's annoying but it's not dangerous. Let it air dry for 24 hours with the grates off, or grab a hair dryer and spend a few minutes on each burner base. The clicking should stop completely once everything's dry. If it's still going after a full day of drying, the igniter switch itself might be sticking and that's a different fix.
How do I know what size burner covers to buy?
You need your model number. It's hiding on the frame just inside the oven door or behind the bottom storage drawer. Look it up and search for replacement drip pans or burner caps using that exact number. Whirlpool gas ranges use different cap sizes depending on the BTU rating of each burner, so the big power burner cap won't fit the simmer burner. Don't just eyeball it and grab something that looks close at the hardware store. Wrong size caps cause exactly the ignition problems you're already trying to fix.
My burner cap is discolored, is it safe to use?
Yeah, discoloration from heat is completely normal. Every gas burner cap I've ever seen turns some shade of brown or grey over time. That's fine, don't worry about it. What you're watching for is pitting, flaking metal, or a thick layer of soot that won't scrub off. Heavy soot buildup usually means your gas-to-air mixture is off or the ports are partially blocked, not just a dirty cover. Clean it well, and if the soot comes right back after a couple uses, that's worth digging into further.
How often should I replace the drip pans on a Whirlpool gas range?
Honestly, most people never replace them until they break or rust through, but every 3-5 years is pretty reasonable if you cook regularly. Do a lot of high-heat cooking with boil-overs? Maybe sooner. The porcelain coating chips over time, and once water's getting to the bare metal underneath, rust moves fast. A full set of replacement drip pans for a Whirlpool typically runs $20-$40. That's cheap insurance compared to letting a rusted pan drip water onto your spark module for an entire winter.

Same Fix on Other Brands

Maytag ovenIGNITION-FAILURE: Maytag Stove Burner Ignition Issues

Models Known to Experience IGNITION-FAILURE Errors

This repair applies to most Whirlpool ovens with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WFG505M0BS, WFG515S0ES, WFG320M0BS, WGE745C0FH, WFG540H0AS, WFG520S0FS, WFG775H0HZ

MS

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 17, 2026