- The majority of Maytag gas ranges are electric, meaning that they utilize an electric ignitor as opposed to a pilot light. If the gas burner won't light, check the gas and electrical lines before doing anything else. If the range is unplugged or the gas supply has been interrupted, the burner won't light. Call the gas company to ensure that there aren't any outages in the area and that the gas line to the home is active. Ensure that the ignitor makes a clicking noise when activated. If that noise isn't present, the ignitor could be wet or damaged and require replacement. Checking the burner and ignition ports for clogs can also be helpful. Lift the top of the stove and examine the ports for grime that might be preventing the stove from lighting.
- Ideally, the flame on a Maytag gas stove should be bluish. If the flame is yellow or orange, the problem could be in the burner ports. Lift up the top of the stove and inspect the ports for grease and dirt. If the ports are clean, the problem may be with the range's air intake. Normally the gas in a Maytag range mixes with air before it ignites, resulting in a blue, easily controlled flame. If the gas doesn't get enough air, the flame can become discolored. This is a hard problem to test for without specific expertise in Maytag appliances, so it's best to call a professional.
- If the flame on the Maytag range is uneven or flickering, several culprits can be to blame. Uneven flames can be caused by dirty or clogged burner ports. They can also be caused by an unsteady gas flow. To check for this, try looking at the range while it's on a variety of settings. If the problem persists, contact the gas company to make sure there aren't any outages or pressure issues in the area. Occasionally, the flame will appear to jump away from the openings on the burner. For Maytag ranges, installing a metal burner plate beneath the burner can cut back on this issue by stemming the flow of air beneath the flame. If a plate is present, this can indicate a more serious (and more dangerous) issue with the gas supply or the burner itself. It's best to contact a Maytag repair professional in that case.
