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Furnace Clicks But Won't Ignite

A furnace that clicks but never ignites usually has a failing hot-surface ignitor or a dirty flame sensor. Both are common, inexpensive repairs — $150 to $400 professionally.

Reviewed July 2026

What does furnace clicks but won't ignite mean?

The clicking sound is the gas valve and ignitor trying to start a flame. If you hear clicks but never see burners light, the ignitor is the most likely culprit on modern furnaces. A dirty flame sensor can also cause the burners to shut off seconds after lighting.

What usually causes furnace clicks but won't ignite?

Failing hot-surface ignitormost common

Typical repair: $150–$400

Dirty flame sensorcommon

Typical repair: $100–$300

Gas valve not openingpossible

Typical repair: $350–$900

Find your exact error code

Select your furnace brand to jump to the code page for this symptom.

GoodmanE0Excessive retries or recyclesCarrier14Ignition lockoutTempstar6 FlashIgnition or flame-sense failureLuxaire1 BlinkFlame detected when the gas valve should be offYork1 BlinkFlame detected when the gas valve should be offIntertherm4 BlinksLimit circuit openedMiller4 BlinksLimit circuit opened

What should I check first when furnace clicks but won't ignite?

  1. Confirm the gas supply valve near the furnace is fully open.
  2. Watch the ignitor during a heat cycle — a cracked ignitor won't glow bright orange.
  3. If burners light then go out quickly, the flame sensor likely needs cleaning.
  4. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility.

What a repair costs

A furnace ignitor replacement typically costs between $150 and $400 nationally.

Typical repair cost
$150 – $400furnace ignitor replacement
Where the money goes
Part $25–$100Labor $50–$375Typical labor time: 0.5–1 hrs

This is general information, not professional advice. Gas, electrical, and combustion repairs can be dangerous — when in doubt, call a licensed technician.