Why does my Thermador cooktop keep clicking?#
Most non-stop clicking on a Thermador Star Burner comes down to moisture: a boil-over leaves water sitting in one of the five ignition wells, and the spark keeps firing because it grounds out on wet metal instead of lighting the gas. A tired spark module or a spill-shorted igniter switch causes most of the rest.
Thermador Star Burner clicking: what's actually causing it#
The five-point Star Burner has deeper wells and more gas ports than a round burner, so it traps spilled liquid longer — which is why moisture leads the list on models like the SGSX365FS, SGS365FS, PCG365W, and SGSXP365TS. Here are the faults in the order we see them.
| Likely cause | How common | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture trapped in a Star Burner ignition well | Most common | One or more burners click continuously after a boil-over or a wipe-down |
| Spark module relay stuck or weak | Common | A faint spark, or clicking across several burners at once |
| Igniter switch shorted by a spill between the star points | Less common | Clicking that started right after a messy spill and won't quit |
| Burner cap set down crooked after cleaning | Occasional | Clicking plus a lazy or off-center flame on one burner |
| Heat-damaged wiring insulation near the burner housing | Rare | Intermittent clicking, a blown fuse, or a fault code |
Safety first: Thermador appliances often contain high-voltage components and live gas connections. Do not attempt repairs beyond basic inspection and drying unless you have professional training.
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How to stop a Thermador cooktop from clicking#
The best news is that the most common cause is free to fix.
- Turn off all the burner knobs so a burner can't light unexpectedly while you work — sparking with no gas flowing is harmless, but an open knob is not.
- Lift off the Star Burner cap and dry all five ignition wells thoroughly with a cloth, then finish with a hair dryer on low aimed into each well. Leave the cooktop open to air-dry for several hours if the clicking continues.
- Reseat the cap perfectly flat and square — even a slight tilt aims the spark away from the gas and mimics a failure. Clean both mating surfaces first.
- If one pair of burners sparks weakly while the others are strong, that spark-module channel is failing; the module is a sealed, non-serviceable unit and gets replaced whole.
- Inspect the harness near the burner housing for darkened, cracked, or melted insulation, and re-sleeve or replace any damaged run with high-temperature (200°C-rated) wire.
Drying and reseating a cap are well within DIY reach. Spark-module replacement, a shorted igniter switch, and any wiring repair on a luxury gas cooktop are technician work.
Is it worth repairing a clicking Thermador cooktop?#
Almost always, because the leading cause costs nothing but a little drying time. If the clicking survives a thorough dry-out, a spark module or an igniter switch is the likely fix — proprietary Thermador parts run higher than mass-market brands, so on an older cooktop weigh that against replacement. For a firm quote after diagnosis, book a Thermador specialist.
Safety First — Know the Risks
Appliances involve high voltage (120-240V), pressurized water, gas lines, and chemical refrigerants. Over 400 DIY repair injuries are reported yearly. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
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Thermador cooktop clicking: frequently asked questions#
Why does my Thermador Star Burner keep clicking after it lights?#
The five-point design traps boil-over moisture longer than a round burner, and any dampness in the ignition wells makes the spark module fire continuously. Pull all the caps and let it dry for several hours, speeding things up with a hair dryer on low.
Can constant clicking damage the cooktop?#
It won't start a fire — sparking without gas is harmless — but running that way wears the spark module out early. If the clicking persists after a full dry-out, plan on a module replacement.
Should I keep using the burner while it clicks?#
Turn that burner's knob off. You can still use the others, but leaving a knob open while it sparks risks an unintended light once the well dries and gas reaches the electrode.
Appliance Repair Technician · 8 years experience
Experienced technician with 8 years specializing in dishwasher repairs and European appliance brands including Bosch and Thermador.
