How to Light a Gas Grill (Troubleshooting Tips!)

Are you trying to light your gas grill and having a tough time? We are here to help!

In this TheGrillingDad.com article, you will discover:

  • How to light a gas grill
  • Tips for troubleshooting a gas grill
  • And much more!

What You Need to Know About Lighting a Gas Grill

A gas grill is one of the most convenient grills in the marketplace. Typically they are easy to use and hold temperature really well compared to other types of grills like those which run on charcoal.

But occasionally, it can be a bit difficult to get your gas grill to light, and you may need to try a few tips and tricks. There may also come a time when your gas grill won’t light at all, and what do you do then?

Read on to find out more about how to light your gas grill! 

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What You Need to Light Your Gas Grill

Usually, you don’t need any special materials in order to light your gas grill. Rather, you just need the grill itself! But occasionally, you may have difficulty getting your gas grill to light. In that case, you may want to have the following on hand:

  • Long matches
  • Long lighter

Don’t use these until you’ve tried lighting the grill without them, though–as normally, you shouldn’t need them! They’re only for certain situations, which we will discuss later. 

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How to Light Your Gas Grill

Ready to start cooking? Here are step-by-step instructions for lighting your gas grill. 

Step 1: Open the Lid

This step is critical, you must open your grill lid. If you don’t, you could cause an explosion.

Step 2: Check the Gas Tank

Your gas grill certainly won’t light if there isn’t any gas in it! Check to be sure you have some before going on to the next step.

Step 3: Turn on the Gas

Press the knob on your grill to start the gas. (Not sure which knob this is? Check your owner’s manual!)

Step 4: Press the Ignition

While the gas is flowing, press the ignition button or hit the switch until the grill lights. 

Step 5: Double-Check

Let the flame burn for about 30 seconds, then carefully hold your hand near the grill to ensure you feel heat. Then close the grill and let it preheat for 10-15 minutes, and you are ready to grill!

Related >> How To Start a Gas Grill Without an Automatic Starter

Troubleshooting Tips: Gas Grill Won’t Light

Are you having issues getting your gas grill to light following the above instructions? Then follow the following troubleshooting tips to try and get to the bottom of the issue!

Try Again

Before you begin troubleshooting, it is common practice to try and light your gas grill a second time. Give the grill 1-2 minutes to let built-up gas dissipate, then try the steps for lighting your grill a second time. 

Check the Ignition Batteries

Most ignition switches are powered by batteries. Try replacing these first before you do anything else. 

Light the Grill Manually

If the grill still won’t light after the batteries have been changed, then it may be time to try and light the grill manually. Double-check your manual to ensure there are no specific instructions or locations for manually lighting a gas grill.

If your grill doesn’t specify, take a long lighter or match in a match holder, and hold it near the burner while you turn the gas knob. As soon as it lights, remove the match or lighter and extinguish it. 

Change the Gas Tank

Every now and then, you could get a gas tank that has a bad dial. It may tell you there is gas when there really isn’t. In this case, the grill should light fine once you switch out the gas tank following the above steps. 

Clean Your Grill Burner

Sometimes grill burners get clogged with bits of debris and food which prevents the gas from escaping. Try to clean your grill thoroughly, using a toothpick to get all the bits out of the burner. Also, check the gas hose to ensure nothing is clogging it! Then try to light your grill again. 

Call Customer Service

If you have tried all of the above troubleshooting tips and still can’t get your grill to light, there is likely a more serious problem. You will need to contact the customer service of your grill (if it is under warranty) or see if there is a repair man in the area. You may need to replace parts on your grill, or if your grill is old, a new one might be in order. 

Related >> Moving a Heavy Grill: Tips and Techniques for Safe Transportation

Final Thoughts on Lighting a Gas Grill

Overall, lighting a gas grill is very easy when all the parts work properly. If you find yourself struggling to light your gas grill, try again, and then consider manual ignition. If it still doesn’t work after you try all the troubleshooting tips, then it may be time to look at a new grill!

Photo of author

Hope Davis

Born in Denver, Colorado as the oldest of 5 children, I learned at a young age that the grill was one of the best ways to prepare food for a crowd. And during the winter storm months, when the snow was likely to knock out the power to our house, the propane grill was a lifesaver! You wouldn’t believe the number of things you can cook on a grill when necessary. With parents who couldn’t tell salt from pepper unless you told them, I spent my late teen years making my own seasoning mixes and marinades to dress the meat before barbecues. It wasn’t long before I developed a secret marinade that people still beg me to make for them today! When I was 21 years old I bought my first smoker. Picked up some cedar chips for making a cedar plank salmon...and well, the rest they say is history! I’ve been grilling and smoking all kinds of creations ever since and I’m always excited to share my passion with others through my favorite medium--writing!

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