Furnace Gas Valve Troubleshooting — Complete DIY Guide
Published: July 23, 2026 — BC Wide Home Services Ltd, doing business as BC Wide Heating & Air Conditioning — Greater Vancouver, BC
Check for Clicks
When the thermostat calls for heat, listen for a click from the gas valve area — this is the solenoid opening. If you hear a click but the burner does not light: the ignitor may be failing (not hot enough to ignite the gas). If you do not hear a click: the gas valve is not getting power, or the valve has failed.
Check for Voltage
If you have a multimeter, you can check for 24V AC across the gas valve terminals when the thermostat calls for heat. If voltage is present but you do not hear a click, the gas valve solenoid has failed. If voltage is not present, the issue is upstream — thermostat, control board, or wiring.
Visual and Smell Checks
Check for: gas smell near the valve (leak — call a professional immediately), visible corrosion or damage, the valve lever position (should be parallel to the pipe — ON), and the burner flame pattern (yellow or lazy indicates gas valve or pressure issue). If you detect any gas smell, evacuate and call 911.