Kenmore Gas Stove Burner Won't Turn Off — Causes

Shut it down first#

Turn the wall shutoff valve so its handle is perpendicular to the pipe; if you can't reach it, close the gas at the main meter. Leave the knob alone — forcing it can break the valve stem and create a gas leak — open a window, and don't use the range until the valve is fixed.

Which maker built your Kenmore#

Kenmore ranges are built by Whirlpool, LG, or Electrolux depending on the model, so the valve you need is the parent brand's. The first three model-number digits tell you which: 110 is Whirlpool, 796 is LG, and 253 is Electrolux.

Why the burner won't shut off#

• A stuck gas valve (most common). The valve opens and closes as you turn the knob, and over time grease and debris work into the stem so it sticks open; heat cycling also wears the valve seat. Cleaning isn't a dependable fix — the valve gets replaced.
• A stripped knob or shaft. The knob grips the valve through a D-shaped or splined shaft. If the knob's fitting strips or the shaft rounds off, the knob spins freely while the valve stays open. Try a new knob first; if the shaft is damaged, the valve assembly is next.
• A broken valve spring. An internal spring helps snap the valve shut at off. When it breaks, gas pressure lets the valve drift open. The spring isn't sold separately, so the valve is replaced.

What you can check safely#

With the gas off, turn the knob — if it spins freely, the knob or shaft is stripped. Pull the knob and look at the D-shaped or splined hole and the shaft for stripped teeth or rounding. If the shaft looks good, fit a new knob; if the shaft turns the valve but gas still flows, the valve mechanism has failed and needs a licensed technician.

Keep it from happening — before the season#

A little upkeep heads off surprises: clear the burner ports monthly with a pin, soapy-water-test the gas connections once a year, and check the igniters for cracks or carbon. It's worth running that check before the holiday cooking season so a stuck burner doesn't sideline your range mid-meal. Valve replacement — disconnecting the gas line, pulling the control panel, and leak-testing — takes a licensed technician roughly 45 to 90 minutes; book a visit and don't run the range until it's done.