When one burner on a Kenmore gas range won’t light while the others work fine, the problem is almost always isolated to that specific burner’s components rather than the range’s gas supply as a whole.
Clogged Igniter Ports
Food debris and boil-over residue can physically clog the small ports on the igniter or burner cap, preventing gas from reaching the spark reliably. A gentle cleaning with a soft brush and warm soapy water resolves this more often than any other single fix.
A Clicking Igniter That Never Lights
If you hear the igniter clicking steadily but the burner never catches, the spark module itself is likely still functioning while the gas valve or the burner’s specific igniter electrode has failed — a targeted, usually affordable part replacement.
No Click at All
If there’s no clicking sound whatsoever from that burner position, check that the burner cap and base are seated correctly first, since a misaligned cap can prevent the spark module from firing that specific igniter.
When to Stop Troubleshooting Yourself
If you ever smell gas without an active flame, stop immediately and ventilate the area rather than continuing to test the burner — see our safety post on that specific scenario. For a straightforward non-lighting burner, our Kenmore range repair page can get a technician out.