Lighting Your Pilot Light: The Basic Steps

To light a gas stove pilot light, you need to turn the control knob to the "Pilot" setting, hold a lit match or lighter near the pilot opening while pressing the knob down firmly, and keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. The pilot light should stay lit once you release the knob and turn it to the "On" position. If it goes out within a few seconds, the thermocouple—a safety device that senses heat—may need cleaning or replacement.

The exact location of your pilot opening depends on your stove model. On most ranges, it sits at the base of the burner you want to light, visible as a small hole or tube. On some older models, there is a single pilot light that ignites all burners, usually found near the front or side of the stovetop. Check your stove's manual or look for a diagram on the inside of the oven door to find yours.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," hold a flame near the pilot opening, press the knob down, and keep it pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame lights.
  • The pilot opening is usually a small hole at the base of the burner or near the front of the stovetop, depending on your stove's age and design.
  • If the pilot light goes out when ready after you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty and needs attention.
  • Never use a lighter with a short stem or your fingers near the burner opening, as the flame can be unpredictable and cause burns.

Finding the Pilot Light Opening on Your Stove

Modern gas ranges usually have a pilot light at the base of each burner. Look directly under the burner grate where you turn the knob—you will see a small brass or steel tube pointing downward, or a hole in the burner assembly itself. This is your pilot opening. If your stove is older or has a single pilot light for all burners, check the front left or right corner of the stovetop, or look inside the oven door for a diagram showing its location.

If you cannot locate the pilot opening by looking, turn off the gas and remove the burner grate and cap. This will give you a clearer view of the burner assembly underneath. Some stoves have a removable burner head that lifts straight up; others have the pilot tube visible once the grate is out of the way. Take a photo of your stove's manual or the diagram on the oven door with your phone so you can refer to it while you work.

Preparing to Light the Pilot

Before you begin, make sure the gas is on at the control knob. Turn the knob counterclockwise until it stops—this is the "Pilot" position on most stoves. If your stove does not have a labeled "Pilot" setting, look for a small button or switch near the knob that you press while turning. Some models require you to hold the knob in while lighting; others let you turn it and then press down once the flame is near.

Gather a long-stemmed lighter or long matches before you start. A regular lighter or short match will force your hand too close to the burner and risks a burn if the flame flares. A grill lighter with an extended stem works well, or you can use long fireplace matches. Do not use a candle or paper match—the flame is too unpredictable and may go out before you reach the pilot opening.

The Step-by-Step Lighting Process

Turn the control knob to "Pilot" and hold it in that position. Bring your lit lighter or match to the pilot opening—you should see a small flame appear within a few seconds as gas flows to the pilot. The flame should be blue and about the size of a pea or pencil tip. If you do not see a flame within 10 seconds, turn the knob back to "Off," wait 30 seconds for any gas to clear, and try again.

Once the pilot light is burning, keep the knob pressed down or held in the "Pilot" position for 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. If the pilot light stays lit, turn the knob to "On" to resume normal operation. If the flame goes out as soon as you release the knob, wait a minute and repeat the process—sometimes the thermocouple needs a second attempt to heat fully.

What to Do If the Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit

If the pilot light goes out when ready after you release the knob, the thermocouple is usually the problem. This is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a tiny electrical signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. When it is dirty or worn, it cannot send that signal, and the gas shuts off. Turn off the gas, let the stove cool for a few minutes, and then locate the thermocouple—it is the thin rod that sits just behind or beside the pilot opening.

Gently clean the thermocouple with a soft cloth or fine steel wool, rubbing away any soot or buildup. Do not bend it or explore heavy pressure. Turn the gas back on and try lighting the pilot again, holding the knob down for a full 60 seconds this time. If the pilot still goes out, the thermocouple may be faulty and need replacement. This is a job for a service technician, as it requires disconnecting the thermocouple from the gas valve and installing a new one.

Common Mistakes That Prevent Pilot Lights from Staying Lit

The most common error is releasing the knob too soon. Many people hold the knob for only 10 or 15 seconds, which is not long enough for the thermocouple to heat up. Always count to 30 at minimum, and go to 60 if the light went out on your first try. Another mistake is using a short lighter or match that forces your hand too close to the burner, causing you to flinch and move the flame away from the pilot opening before it ignites.

A third mistake is not waiting long enough between attempts. If the pilot does not light on the first try, turn the knob to "Off" and wait 30 seconds before trying again. This clears any unburned gas from the area and prevents a buildup that can cause a small pop or flame flare when you light it. Finally, do not assume the pilot is lit if you see only a tiny glow—the flame should be clearly visible and blue, about the size of a pea.

When to Call a Technician

If you have cleaned the thermocouple and held the knob down for a full 60 seconds on multiple attempts, and the pilot light still will not stay lit, a technician should inspect the stove. The thermocouple may be faulty, the gas valve may be stuck, or there may be a blockage in the pilot tube. These are not repairs you can do yourself without special tools and training.

Also call a technician if you smell gas while trying to light the pilot, if the pilot flame is yellow or orange instead of blue, or if the stove makes a loud popping sound when you light it. A yellow or orange flame usually means the pilot tube is dirty or the gas mixture is wrong, both of which require professional attention. A strong gas smell means there may be a leak, and you should turn off the gas at the control knob and contact your gas company or a technician right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after you see the flame appear. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If the pilot went out on your first try, use the full 60 seconds on your next attempt.

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

A healthy pilot flame is blue, steady, and about the size of a pea or pencil tip. It should not flicker or change color. If the flame is yellow, orange, or very small, the pilot tube may be dirty or the thermocouple may need cleaning.

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

Yes, but use a long-stemmed grill lighter or one with an extended nozzle. A regular lighter forces your hand too close to the burner and risks a burn. Long fireplace matches work well too, but avoid short matches or candles.

Why does the pilot light go out as soon as I release the knob?

The thermocouple is not heating up enough to signal the gas valve to stay open. Try holding the knob down for a full 60 seconds next time. If it still goes out, the thermocouple may be dirty—gently clean it with a soft cloth and try again.

Is it safe to light the pilot myself, or should I call a technician?

Lighting the pilot yourself is safe if you follow the steps carefully and use a long-stemmed lighter. However, if the pilot will not stay lit after multiple attempts, or if you smell gas or see a yellow flame, stop and call a technician. Do not keep trying if something seems wrong.