The basic steps to light your oven pilot

To light an oven pilot light by hand, you need to locate the pilot burner (usually a small opening near the main burner), hold down the pilot light knob while you ignite the gas, and keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. The exact process depends on whether your oven has a manual ignition button, a piezo spark igniter, or requires a match or lighter.

Most modern ovens have a button you press to create a spark; older models require you to supply the flame yourself. Either way, the principle is the same: gas flows to the pilot when you hold the knob down, and the flame that results will stay lit once you release the knob—but only if you hold it long enough for the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) to warm up and signal that the pilot is burning.

Key Takeaways

  • Locate your pilot light opening, usually a small hole or tube near the main oven burner, and check your oven manual if you cannot find it.
  • Turn the pilot light knob to the "Pilot" position and hold it down while you ignite the gas with a spark button, match, or lighter.
  • Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple heats up and holds the valve open.
  • If the pilot does not stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be faulty and you will need to call a technician.
  • Never force the knob or use excessive pressure; if it does not turn smoothly, stop and contact a professional rather than risk damaging the valve.

Finding the pilot light location on your oven

The pilot light burner is almost always located inside the oven, near the main heating element or burner. In a gas oven, look for a small metal tube or opening at the bottom front of the oven interior, usually to one side of the main burner. Some ovens have the pilot mounted on the side wall instead.

If you cannot spot it visually, consult your oven's manual—the diagram will show exactly where it is. If you no longer have the manual, search online for your oven's brand and model number (usually printed on a sticker inside the oven or on the back of the unit). The manual will also tell you whether your oven has a spark igniter button or requires a match.

Lighting the pilot with a spark button

If your oven has a small red or black button near the control knobs, it is a piezo spark igniter. Turn the pilot light control knob to the "Pilot" position, then hold it down firmly. While holding the knob, press the spark button repeatedly—you should hear a clicking sound and see a small spark near the pilot opening.

Keep pressing the button until you see a small blue flame appear at the pilot. Once the flame is visible, continue holding the knob down for another 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up. Then slowly release the knob. If the flame stays lit, the pilot is working. If it goes out when ready, hold the knob down again and wait longer before releasing.

Lighting the pilot with a match or lighter

For older ovens without a spark button, you will need to supply the flame yourself. Turn the pilot light knob to "Pilot" and hold it down. Light a long match or use a long-reach lighter to bring a flame near the pilot opening—do not lean your face directly over the opening, as gas may ignite suddenly.

Once you see the pilot flame catch, keep the knob pressed down for 30 to 60 seconds. The small flame should be steady and blue. Then release the knob slowly. If the flame dies out, repeat the process and hold the knob down for a longer period. Some thermocouples need a full minute of heat before they will hold the valve open.

Why the pilot goes out and what to do

If the pilot light will not stay lit no matter how long you hold the knob, the thermocouple is likely faulty. This is a small metal rod that senses heat from the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open. When it fails, the valve closes as soon as you release the knob, even though the pilot is burning.

A faulty thermocouple cannot be repaired at home—it must be replaced by a technician. This is a straightforward repair that usually costs between $150 and $300 in labor and parts, depending on your oven and your region. Do not attempt to bypass or ignore a failed thermocouple, as the oven will not heat reliably and you may have difficulty lighting it again.

Safety steps to follow when lighting a pilot

Before you begin, make sure the oven is completely cool and all burners are off. Open a window or door to the kitchen so gas can disperse if something goes wrong. Never force the control knob—if it does not turn smoothly to the "Pilot" position, stop and call a technician, as the valve may be stuck or damaged.

Do not use a lighter or match if you smell gas in the kitchen. Instead, turn off the oven, open windows, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency line or a technician. A strong gas smell means there is a leak somewhere in the system, and igniting gas in that situation is dangerous.

When to call a professional instead

If you have tried lighting the pilot three or four times and it will not stay lit, stop trying and call a technician. Repeated attempts waste gas and do not fix the underlying problem. A professional can test the thermocouple, check the gas line for blockages, and inspect the valve for damage—all things that require tools and knowledge beyond what a homeowner should attempt.

You should also call a professional if the control knob is stuck, if you smell gas near the oven, if the pilot flame is yellow or orange instead of blue, or if the oven does not heat even after the pilot is lit. These are signs of a problem that goes beyond a straightforward pilot relighting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down after the pilot lights?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If the pilot goes out when ready when you release the knob, try again and hold it for the full 60 seconds.

What does the pilot flame look like when it is working?

A healthy pilot flame is small, steady, and blue. It should be about the size of a pencil tip. If the flame is yellow, orange, or flickering badly, the burner may be dirty or the gas mixture may be off, and you should call a technician.

Can I light the pilot if I smell a little gas?

A faint gas smell is normal when you first turn the knob to "Pilot"—gas is flowing but not yet burning. If the smell is strong or does not go away after the pilot lights, turn off the oven, open windows, and call your gas company or a technician.

What if the spark button does not click?

The igniter may be broken or the battery may be dead (some models have a battery-powered igniter). Try lighting the pilot with a match or lighter instead. If neither method works, the problem is likely the thermocouple or the gas valve, and you need a technician.

Is it normal for the pilot to go out sometimes?

Occasional outages from drafts or wind are normal, but if the pilot goes out regularly or will not stay lit at all, the thermocouple is probably failing and needs replacement.