Why is my propane fireplace not lighting?

If your propane fireplace is not lighting, there are a few common issues that could be preventing it from igniting properly. In this article, we’ll walk through the top troubleshooting tips to get your propane fireplace back up and running.

Check the Propane Tank

The first thing to check is the propane tank itself. Make sure the tank is not empty and has sufficient propane. The tank should feel heavy when lifted, indicating there is still liquid propane inside. If the tank feels very light, it may be empty and need a refill. Use a propane gauge on the tank to double check the exact fuel level.

In addition to having enough propane, ensure the tank valve is fully open to allow fuel to flow out. You may need to open it a full 2-3 turns counterclockwise until it stops. The valve on newer tanks has an extra safety latch that must be pressed down while turning the valve knob.

If you have just refilled or replaced your propane tank, there may be air in the fuel lines that needs to be bled out. Turn the fireplace on for 5-10 minutes to allow the air to purge and be replaced by propane.

Inspect the Gas Line

The next step is to inspect the gas line running from the propane tank to the fireplace. Check the entire length of the hose and pipe for any blockages, kinks, cracks, or leaks that could be restricting propane flow. Use a leak detector spray or solution to test for leaks and bubbles around joints and connections.

Also ensure the gas line is connected properly at both ends without any loose fittings. Tighten any loose connections with an adjustable wrench. The smaller pilot line should also be checked for obstructions.

If there are any damaged sections of gas pipe, the entire hose or length of pipe may need replacement for safety. Never try to patch or repair propane gas lines yourself.

Clean the Burner and Orifices

Over time, propane fireplace burners and orifices can become blocked with debris, dirt, spider webs, and insect nests. This restricts airflow and prevents the burner from igniting properly.

Use compressed air to blow out each burner tube and the pilot orifice. Remove any debris blocking the burner ports or pilot opening. A pipe cleaner can also help remove built-up dirt and deposits.

You can also try operating the pilot light and burner briefly to burn away any minor debris (make sure the glass door is open). The high heat will incinerate most contaminants. Allow the fireplace to cool fully before proceeding with further troubleshooting.

Check the Igniter and Pilot

Most propane fireplaces have either a standing pilot that stays lit, or an electric igniter that sparks to light the pilot. If your fireplace won’t ignite, the pilot or igniter system may be faulty.

Check that the pilot assembly is clean and the small pilot orifice is not blocked. Ensure any thermocouple or thermopile sensors are also clean.

Verify the igniter is producing a strong spark at the pilot hood. You should see a visible blue spark when the fireplace ignition sequence is turned on. If not, the igniter may need replacement.

For standing pilot systems, confirm that the pilot flame is actually lighting and staying lit. You may need to relight the pilot manually while depressing the gas valve for 1-2 minutes to allow the thermocouple to heat up and keep the gas valve open.

Adjust the Pilot Flame

If the pilot flame is too small or weak, it will fail to ignite the main burner reliably. Refer to your owner’s manual for proper pilot adjustment.

Turn the pilot flame adjustment screw to increase the flame size very slightly. The pilot should fully engulf the thermocouple tip with a blue flame about 1″ or more in size.

Be very careful when adjusting the pilot or you may extinguish it. Attempting to increase the pilot flame too much can prevent it from lighting at all.

Test the Gas Valve

Propane fireplaces have a gas valve that opens to allow fuel to flow to the main burner. If this gas valve fails to open fully, it will prevent the burner from lighting.

Test the valve manually while the fireplace is off. The valve will make an audible clicking noise when opening and closing properly. If no click is heard, the gas valve or gas valve solenoid may need to be replaced.

You can also try turning the gas valve manually with a wrench while pressing the ignition. If the burner ignites, the gas valve is likely faulty and not opening electrically.

Check the Thermocouple/Thermopile

Thermocouples and thermopiles generate a small electric current that holds the gas valve open during operation. If these thermogenerators are dirty or defective, the fireplace won’t stay lit.

Verify the thermocouple or thermopile connections at the gas valve are intact. Also check for a secure mounting on the pilot bracket.

Use a multimeter to test the mV output of the thermocouple or thermopile while heated by the pilot flame. It should produce the minimum millivolts specified in the owner’s manual, usually around 500mV or more.

If the output is low, try cleaning soot off the sensor tip before replacing it. A faulty thermocouple or thermopile will prevent the main burner from igniting.

Inspect Burners and Venting

Thoroughly inspect the main burner tubes and vents for any blockages or obstructions. Spider webs, loose debris, and nesting insects are common culprits.

Remove any foreign objects from the burners or vent tubes. Vacuum them out if needed. Ensure nothing is blocking the pilot assembly.

Use a vent brush to clean out the entire vent run from the fireplace to the outside. Propane fumes must vent properly for safe ignition.

Burners should align properly with the pilot hood so flames transfer smoothly to light the fireplace. Adjust any skewed burner tubes.

Check the Wire Connections

Faulty or loose wire connections can prevent ignition components like the gas valve, igniter, and pilot from operating properly.

Verify all wiring connectors at the pilot, gas valve, igniter, and system module or switch box are intact. Tighten any loose wire nuts or terminal screws.

Inspect wires for damage like frayed insulation or broken/melted connectors. Wires in faulty condition should be repaired or replaced.

Use a multimeter to check for continuity in igniter and gas valve circuits. If no continuity, the wires are broken somewhere.

Look for Back Pressure in Vents

If the fireplace vents run horizontally before venting vertically through the roof, the horizontal run can accumulate back pressure.

This typically occurs when vents are incorrectly sized or too long. It restricts proper exhaust flow from the firebox, leading to ignition issues.

Have a venting professional inspect the vent configuration and make any modifications needed to reduce back pressure.

Adding a vent fan or re-routing vents can help improve flow. Extending vertical vent length also helps reduce horizontal run pressure.

Test the Flame Sensor

Many propane fireplaces have a safety flame sensor that detects when the burner has ignited. If it does not sense a flame, it shuts off the gas valve for safety.

If the sensor is dirty or defective, the burner may ignite briefly then shut back off if a flame is not verified. Clean the sensor probe tip with fine sandpaper or steel wool.

Test with a multimeter for proper electrical resistance, usually around 1-3 Ohms (refer to the manual). If out of spec, replace the flame sensor.

Replace the Ignition Control Board

The ignition control board or module controls the entire fireplace ignition sequence. It activates the igniter, reads pilot flame sensors, and opens/closes the gas valve electronically.

If all other components test functional but ignition still fails, the circuit board may be defective.

Consult manufacturer troubleshooting to confirm error flash codes and fault lights that indicate control board failure.

Order an exact replacement board from the manufacturer or appliance parts supplier. Follow instructions precisely when installing.

Reset the System

Before replacing any components, try resetting the fireplace system first.

Turn off the gas valve and switch off all electrical power to the fireplace for a full 60 seconds.

This resets the ignition module and allows components to recalibrate when turned back on. Attempt to light the pilot and burner again.

Conclusion

Diagnosing why a propane fireplace won’t light can be frustrating. But methodically checking each component of the ignition and fuel delivery systems can help pinpoint the underlying issue.

First ensure you have adequate fuel supply and pressure. Then inspect for clogged orifices, clean the pilot assembly, check flame sensors, wiring, and venting. Adjusting the pilot flame, testing gas valves and modules, and resetting the system can also help get it working again.

If problems persist after trying these troubleshooting steps, contact a professional gas fireplace technician for repair assistance. With some diligent tests and component replacements, your propane fireplace will be providing cozy ambiance in no time.

Problem	Solution
Empty propane tank	Refill or replace tank
Blocked gas line	Inspect and clean gas line
Dirty burners	Use compressed air to clean out burners and orifices
Faulty pilot or igniter	Check for spark at igniter and pilot. Clean pilot assembly.
Weak pilot flame	Adjust pilot flame size with screw adjustment
Defective gas valve	Test valve operation. Replace if needed.
Bad thermocouple/thermopile	Check mV output. Clean/replace if faulty.
Vent or burner blockage	Clear debris from vents and burners
Loose wire connections	Check and tighten all wiring connectors
Vent back pressure	Inspect horizontal venting layout. Reconfigure if needed.
Malfunctioning flame sensor	Clean sensor. Test resistance. Replace if out of spec.
Bad ignition module	Verify error codes. Replace module.