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Bosch E011 — Ignition failure — surface burner not lighting

Complete diagnostics and troubleshooting guide for Bosch range error code E011. Learn what it means, what causes it, and whether you need professional repair.

Severity Medium Repair DIY-friendly Components Spark igniter, igniter electrode, burner cap

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E011 at a glance.

Error code E011
Appliance type Range
Severity Medium
Repairability DIY-friendly
Affected components Spark igniter, igniter electrode, burner cap

Understanding error code E011.

Ignition failure — surface burner not lighting

What E011 means on your Bosch range

Error code E011 indicates an ignition failure on a surface burner. The control board has detected that the burner did not ignite within the expected time after sending the spark signal. On gas ranges, each burner has a spark igniter electrode that produces a clicking spark when the knob is turned. If the flame sensor doesn’t detect ignition within a few seconds, E011 is triggered.

Symptoms

  • Continuous clicking at the burner without flame ignition
  • The burner lights intermittently — sometimes igniting, sometimes not
  • A gas smell if gas is flowing but not igniting (ventilate immediately)
  • E011 displayed on the control panel after failed ignition attempts

Common causes

  • Wet or dirty igniter electrode — moisture from cooking spills or a recent cleaning dampens the igniter, preventing a strong spark
  • Misaligned burner cap — the cap isn’t seated correctly after cleaning, directing the gas flow away from the igniter
  • Clogged burner ports — food debris or grease clogs the small holes in the burner head
  • Worn igniter electrode — the ceramic body cracks or the electrode tip erodes over time

Troubleshooting steps you can try

  1. Dry the igniter — use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe the igniter electrode and the area around it. Let it air-dry for a few minutes if it was recently cleaned.
  2. Reseat the burner cap — remove the burner cap and place it back, ensuring it sits flat and centered over the burner base.
  3. Clean the burner ports — use a toothpick or pin to clear each hole in the burner head. Don’t use water, which can make the problem worse temporarily.
  4. Check the spark — in a dimmed room, turn the knob and observe the spark. It should be a strong blue-white arc jumping to the burner. A weak or orange spark indicates a worn electrode.

When to call a technician

If cleaning and reseating don’t resolve E011, the igniter electrode or its wiring may need replacement. A technician can also check the gas valve and gas pressure. If you smell gas without ignition, turn off the gas supply and ventilate the area before calling for service. Codes may vary by model generation and series.

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