The basic steps to light a gas stove pilot

To light the pilot on a gas stove, you need to locate the pilot light opening (usually a small hole near the burner), hold a long lighter or lit match to it while turning the control knob to the "Pilot" setting, and keep the knob pressed in for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. The pilot should stay lit once you release the knob and turn it to the "On" position. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple—a safety device that senses heat—may need cleaning or replacement.

The exact location and process vary slightly by stove model, so check your owner's manual first. If you cannot find the manual, search the manufacturer's name and model number online; most companies post PDFs for free. The steps below cover the most common setup, but your stove may have a different ignition system or safety feature.

Key Takeaways

  • Most gas stove pilots are lit by holding a flame to a small opening while pressing the control knob to "Pilot" for 30 to 60 seconds.
  • A long lighter or long-handled match works better than a regular match because the pilot opening is often recessed and hard to reach.
  • If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty and needs cleaning or replacement by a professional.
  • Never force the control knob or turn it past the "Pilot" setting during the lighting process, as this can damage the valve.
  • If you smell gas and cannot light the pilot after several attempts, turn off the gas supply and call a professional technician.

Locating the pilot light opening on your stove

The pilot opening is a small hole, usually 1/8 inch or smaller, located near the main burner. On most stoves, it sits at the base of the burner assembly or on a tube that runs beneath the cooktop. Look for a small brass or steel tube pointing downward or to the side. The opening itself may have a tiny metal tip or nozzle.

If you cannot spot it by looking, remove the cooktop grates and any removable burner caps. Wipe away dust and debris with a dry cloth—buildup around the pilot can block gas flow. Consult your manual or search online for your stove's model number to see a diagram. Many manufacturers label the pilot location in their documentation.

What you need before you start

Gather a long lighter or a box of long-handled matches before you begin. A regular lighter or short match will not reach the pilot opening safely. Long lighters designed for candles work well and give you better control than matches. Keep them within arm's reach so you do not have to hunt for them once you start the process.

Make sure the area around the stove is clear of clutter, paper, or anything flammable. Open a window or turn on the range hood to ventilate the space. If you smell gas before you start, do not attempt to light the pilot—turn off the gas at the control knob and call a technician.

The step-by-step lighting process

First, turn the control knob to the "Off" position and wait two minutes. This clears any gas that may have accumulated. Then turn the knob to "Pilot"—it should click or feel different from the "On" position. Press the knob inward (toward the stove) and hold it down firmly. Do not release it yet.

While holding the knob down, bring your lighter or lit match to the pilot opening. You may need to angle your hand or lean down to see the opening clearly. Hold the flame steady at the opening for a few seconds. You should see a small blue flame ignite at the pilot tip. Once it catches, keep holding the knob down for another 30 to 60 seconds—this allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open.

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it does, turn the knob to "On" to resume normal operation. If the pilot goes out as soon as you release the knob, wait a few minutes and try again. Repeat this process up to three times. If it still will not stay lit, stop and move to the troubleshooting section below.

Why the pilot goes out and how to fix it

The most common reason a pilot will not stay lit is a dirty or faulty thermocouple. This is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a tiny electrical signal when heated. If the thermocouple is covered in soot or debris, it cannot sense the heat and tells the gas valve to shut off. Cleaning it often solves the problem.

To clean the thermocouple, turn off the gas at the control knob and wait five minutes. Locate the thermocouple—it is usually a thin rod about 4 inches long, positioned so the pilot flame touches its tip. Gently rub the tip with fine steel wool or a soft cloth to remove soot. Do not bend or damage the rod. Turn the gas back on and try lighting the pilot again.

If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may be worn out and need replacement. This is a job for a professional technician. Thermocouples are inexpensive parts, but they require the right tools and knowledge to install safely. Call a licensed appliance repair person or your stove's manufacturer for a referral.

When to call a professional instead

Do not attempt to light the pilot if you smell gas continuously, even when the knob is in the "Off" position. This indicates a gas leak, which is dangerous. Turn off the gas supply at the meter or control valve outside your home, open windows, and call your gas company's emergency line or a licensed technician when ready.

Also call a professional if the pilot lights but the main burner will not ignite when you turn the knob to "On," or if the pilot flame is yellow or orange instead of blue. A yellow flame means incomplete combustion and can indicate a problem with the gas line or burner. Do not continue using the stove in this case.

If you have tried lighting the pilot three times and it will not stay lit, and cleaning the thermocouple did not help, stop and contact a technician. Repeatedly trying to light a stubborn pilot can waste gas and create a safety hazard.

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 you release too quickly, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine—just do not hold it for more than a few minutes, as this can overheat the thermocouple.

What if the pilot flame is very small or barely visible?

A weak pilot flame usually means the pilot opening is partially blocked by dust or soot. Turn off the gas, wait five minutes, and use a thin wire or needle to gently clear the opening. Do not force anything into the hole. If the flame is still weak after cleaning, the gas pressure may be low and you should call a technician.

Can I light the pilot with a regular match instead of a long lighter?

You can, but it is risky. Regular matches are short and burn quickly, so you may burn your fingers or not reach the opening in time. A long lighter or long-handled match gives you better control and safety. It is worth buying one if you do not have it.

Is it normal for the pilot to go out if I do not use the stove for a while?

No. A healthy pilot should stay lit continuously, even if you do not use the burners. If it goes out regularly, the thermocouple is likely dirty or failing. Clean it first, and if it keeps going out, have a technician inspect it.

What does it mean if the pilot lights but smells like rotten eggs?

That smell is added to natural gas so you can detect leaks. A faint smell near the pilot is normal, but a strong smell means gas is escaping somewhere. Turn off the gas, open windows, and call your gas company or a technician right away.