An igniter clicking without lighting and a gas smell near the range can happen together, which makes it tempting to treat them as one problem. They’re not, and knowing the difference matters.
Clicking Alone Is Usually Minor
By itself, a burner that clicks without catching typically means a worn spark module or a burner port clogged with debris — a mechanical, localized issue that’s inconvenient but not urgent. It’s reasonable to leave it alone for a day or two while arranging a repair, as long as you switch the burner off between attempts rather than letting it click unattended.
A Gas Smell Changes Everything
If you catch any odor of gas near the range — whether or not a burner is clicking — treat it differently. Shut the control knob off, don’t attempt to light it again, get fresh air moving through the kitchen, and close the gas supply at the shutoff valve.
Why They’re Different Categories
A worn igniter or a dirty port is a fault contained to one burner. A gas odor means gas is escaping somewhere in the supply line itself — potentially a loose fitting or a failing valve — which is a supply-side problem, not an ignition one.
Booking the Right Visit
For ordinary ignition trouble, our Fisher & Paykel range repair page gets you a standard appointment. If you ever smell gas, don’t wait for a scheduled slot — call and treat it as urgent.