Viking’s burner igniters are mostly mechanical, which means a few minutes of routine attention prevents a good share of the clicking-without-lighting calls we get.
Wipe, Don’t Scrub
Once the burner has fully cooled, wipe the ceramic igniter tip with a dry cotton swab or a soft, dry cloth. Avoid spraying cleaner directly on the igniter itself — the spark gap is small enough that even a light film of moisture can prevent a clean spark.
Clear the Ports Around the Cap
The small holes ringing each burner cap fill with grease and dried food over time, and a clogged port is a common reason a burner clicks normally but the flame won’t catch. A soft brush, or a toothpick worked gently into each port, clears them without risking damage.
Let Everything Dry Before Relighting
After any wet cleaning of the cooktop surface, give the burner area time to air-dry completely before attempting to light it — trying too soon is one of the most common self-inflicted causes of a burner that won’t catch.
When to Call Instead of Clean
If cleaning doesn’t restore reliable ignition, or if you smell gas at any point, stop and book a range repair visit rather than continuing to test it yourself.