Gas fireplace clicks but won't light

Last updated October 23, 2026 · Reviewed by the Fireplace Helpline tech team

What the clicking means

On electronic-ignition fireplaces (most with a remote or wall switch made in the last 15 years or so), the control module sends a spark to the pilot each time you call for a fire. Each spark is a click. If the pilot lights and the module senses the flame, the clicking stops and the main burner comes on. If it never senses a flame, it keeps clicking for a while, then gives up and locks out.

Some clicking is normal. Heat & Glo's IntelliFire Touch service guide, for example, describes a spark pattern of about 8 seconds on and 2 seconds off, repeated for up to 60 or 90 seconds while it tries to light. A few cycles on the first fire of the season isn't a fault.

Safe checks you can do

1. Is the gas on? Find the manual shut-off valve near the fireplace (often behind the lower grille). The handle should line up with the pipe. Napoleon's troubleshooting table lists the gas supply first for "pilot sparks but will not light."
2. Propane? Check the tank gauge. An empty tank is on the same list. If the tank actually ran empty, don't turn the gas back on yourself; see propane fireplace won't light.
3. Fresh batteries. Weak batteries in the receiver or backup pack can make a weak, slow spark. Heat & Glo's guide says reduced voltage on battery backup means less spark energy at the pilot, and to fit new AA cells.
4. First fire of the season? The pilot line can hold air after sitting all summer. Napoleon's manual says to repeat the ignition process several times.

Don't keep resetting it

If it clicks, stops and won't respond, the module has probably locked out. Use the reset steps in your owner's manual once (on many Proflame systems that means turning the fire off for a couple of seconds and back on, per SIT's instructions), and give it time between tries. Napoleon warns not to reset its module more than once in five minutes, because gas can build up in the firebox. If it still won't light after a couple of proper tries, stop and get help.

Clicks, the pilot lights, then it keeps clicking

If you can see the pilot flame but the clicking carries on and the main burner never comes on, the module isn't sensing the flame. The manufacturer tables point to the flame sensor, its connections or the system ground. Those are tech-level checks, so this is a good one to show us on video. See pilot is lit, burner won't come on.

When it's a job for a tech

Past the checks above, the usual causes are a dirty or damaged pilot assembly, a weak flame sensor, a wiring or grounding problem, low gas pressure, a receiver that needs resetting or replacing, or the valve itself. Gas pressure, wiring and gas-valve parts need a qualified technician.

On a video call, a tech will have you show the pilot while it clicks, any lights on the control module and the rating plate for the model number. That's usually enough to pinpoint which part it is, so you only order or pay for what you need. If it needs hands-on work, we'll help you find a local pro.

Common questions

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