The basic steps to light your oven's pilot light

To light the pilot on a gas oven, you will need to locate the pilot light assembly (usually at the bottom of the oven or inside the firebox), turn the gas knob to the pilot position, hold a lit match or lighter near the pilot opening, and keep the knob pressed in for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. The exact location and procedure varies by oven model, so checking your owner's manual first will save you time and frustration.

Most pilot lights are designed to stay lit once they catch, because a thermocouple—a heat-sensing device near the flame—tells the gas valve to stay open. If you release the knob too soon, the pilot will go out. If you hold it too long, you waste time, but no harm is done.

Key Takeaways

  • The pilot light opening is usually at the bottom front of the oven or inside the cooking chamber, and your manual will show you exactly where.
  • Turn the oven's gas control knob to "Pilot" (not "Off" or "On"), then use a long match or lighter to ignite the small flame at the opening.
  • Keep the knob pressed in for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame lights so the thermocouple heats up and signals the gas valve to stay open.
  • If the pilot will not light after three attempts, or if it lights but goes out when you release the knob, the thermocouple or gas line may need professional inspection.

Locating the pilot light on your oven

The pilot light assembly is usually mounted at the bottom front of the oven, behind a removable panel or trim piece. On some models, especially older ones, it sits inside the main cooking chamber near the back or side wall. Open your oven door and look for a small metal tube or nozzle, often with a tiny opening about the size of a pin.

If you cannot find it by looking, consult your owner's manual—it will have a diagram showing the exact location for your model. If you no longer have the manual, search online for the brand and model number (usually printed on a sticker inside the oven or on the back of the unit). Many manufacturers post manuals as free PDFs.

Some ovens have a removable access panel that you must take off to reach the pilot. This panel usually slides out or is held by one or two screws. Remove it carefully and set it aside in a safe place so you do not lose it.

Preparing the oven and gas control

Before you attempt to light the pilot, make sure the oven is off and has cooled for at least 5 to 10 minutes. If the oven was recently in use, the interior will be hot and you risk burning yourself.

Locate the gas control knob on the front of the oven. It usually has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On" (or a temperature dial that includes a pilot setting). Turn the knob slowly to the "Pilot" position. Do not turn it all the way to "On" yet—the pilot must light first, or gas will flow without ignition.

If your oven has a safety reset button (a small red or black button near the gas control), press it once and release it. This clears any stale gas from the line and prepares the system for ignition. Wait a few seconds before proceeding.

Lighting the pilot with a match or lighter

Gather a long fireplace match or a long-reach lighter. A regular short match will work, but you risk burning your fingers as you reach into the oven. Light the match or lighter and hold the flame near the pilot opening—usually about half an inch away.

You should see a small blue flame ignite at the opening. If nothing happens after 5 to 10 seconds, remove the match, wait 10 seconds, and try again. Do not hold the match in place for more than 10 seconds at a time, because you may overheat the thermocouple or waste the match.

Once the pilot flame is lit, when ready press and hold the gas control knob in the "Pilot" position. Keep it pressed for 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve that the pilot is burning safely. After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should stay lit.

What to do if the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot lights when you hold the match but goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely not heating up enough or is not positioned correctly. Try again, but this time hold the knob in for a full 60 seconds instead of 30. If it still goes out, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty.

A dirty thermocouple can sometimes be cleaned by gently rubbing the tip with fine steel wool or a soft cloth, but only if you can access it safely without disturbing the gas line. If you are not comfortable doing this, or if cleaning does not work, contact a gas appliance technician. A faulty thermocouple is an inexpensive part to replace, but it requires someone trained to work with gas lines.

If the pilot will not light at all after three attempts, the problem may be a blocked gas line, a faulty igniter, or a safety valve that is stuck. These issues require professional inspection and are not safe to troubleshoot on your own.

Turning the oven on after the pilot is lit

Once the pilot is lit and stays lit after you release the knob, you can turn the gas control knob to the "On" position or to your desired temperature. The main burner should ignite within a few seconds. You will hear a small whoosh as the gas ignites.

If the main burner does not light, turn the knob back to "Off," wait 30 seconds, and try again. If it still does not light, turn the knob to "Off" and let the oven sit for a few minutes before attempting once more. If the burner lights but the flame is very small or uneven, the burner ports may be clogged with debris and may need cleaning by a technician.

Safety reminders when working with a gas oven

Never force the gas control knob or turn it past the "On" position. The knob is designed to stop at specific points, and forcing it can damage the valve inside.

If you smell gas but do not see a flame, turn the knob to "Off" when ready, open windows to ventilate the room, and leave the house. Do not use electrical switches, lighters, or matches. Call your gas company's emergency line from outside the house. A gas leak is a serious safety hazard.

If you have tried to light the pilot three times and it will not stay lit, or if you are uncomfortable working with gas appliances, stop and contact a licensed gas technician or your oven's manufacturer. Attempting to force the system to work can create a safety risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Hold the knob in the "Pilot" position for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release it too soon, the pilot will go out. Holding it longer than 60 seconds does no harm, but it is unnecessary.

What if I cannot find the pilot light on my oven?

Check your owner's manual for a diagram showing the exact location. If you do not have the manual, search online for your oven's brand and model number. The manual is usually available as a free PDF read. If you still cannot locate it, a gas technician can show you where it is.

Can I use a regular lighter instead of a match?

Yes, a regular lighter works fine. A long-reach lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the heat, but a standard lighter will work if you are careful. Just be aware that your fingers may get warm as you hold the flame near the pilot opening.

Is it normal for the pilot to go out sometimes?

Occasional pilot outages can happen if there is a draft in the kitchen or if the thermocouple is slightly loose. If the pilot goes out frequently, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing, or there may be a problem with the gas line. Have a technician inspect it.

What does it mean if I smell gas but do not see a flame?

This means gas is flowing but not igniting, which is a safety hazard. Turn the knob to "Off" when ready, open windows, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency line from outside. Do not use any electrical devices or create sparks inside the house.