The basic steps to relight your pilot light

To light a gas stove pilot light, you need to locate the pilot burner (a small opening near the main burner), turn the control knob to the pilot position, hold down the ignition button while bringing a lit match or lighter to the pilot opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the control knob back to the "on" position for normal cooking.

The whole process usually takes less than two minutes. If the pilot won't stay lit after you release the button, the thermocouple (a safety device that senses the pilot flame) may need cleaning or replacement—that's when you should call a professional.

Key Takeaways

  • The pilot light opening is a small hole near the main burner, and you light it with a match or lighter while holding the control knob in the pilot position.
  • You must hold the ignition button down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can sense the heat and keep the gas flowing.
  • If the pilot light goes out when ready after you release the button, the thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty and needs professional service.
  • Never force the control knob or ignition button; if either feels stuck, stop and call a technician rather than risk damaging the valve.

Finding the pilot light opening on your stove

The pilot burner is a small opening, usually between 1/8 and 1/4 inch wide, located near the main burner you cook on. On most stoves, it sits just to the side or slightly below the main burner opening. Look for a small metal tube or a hole in the burner assembly itself.

If you cannot spot it by looking, check your stove's manual—it will show you exactly where the pilot is on your model. Some stoves have the pilot on the front of the stove near the control knobs; others hide it inside the oven or under a removable panel. Do not guess and light the wrong opening.

Preparing the stove and gathering tools

Before you start, make sure the kitchen is well-ventilated. Open a window or turn on a fan so any unburned gas can escape. Have a long-reach lighter or long wooden matches ready—regular short matches can burn your fingers when you reach into the stove.

Check that the control knob turns freely and is not stuck in one position. If it feels stiff or gritty, do not force it; call a technician instead. A stuck knob can mean the valve inside is damaged, and forcing it could make the problem worse or create a safety hazard.

The step-by-step lighting process

Turn the control knob to the position marked "pilot" or "ignite." This opens the gas valve just enough to send a small amount of gas to the pilot opening. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows.

Press and hold the ignition button (usually located on the knob itself or nearby on the stove front). While holding it down, bring your lit match or lighter to the pilot opening. The pilot should ignite with a small blue flame within a few seconds.

Keep holding the ignition button for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. This time allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release the button too soon, the pilot will go out.

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the ignition button while watching the pilot flame. If it stays lit, turn the control knob to the "on" position for normal cooking. If the flame goes out as soon as you release the button, wait a minute and try again—sometimes it takes two attempts.

What to do if the pilot light won't stay lit

If the pilot ignites but goes out when ready when you release the ignition button, the thermocouple is not sensing the flame. This usually means the thermocouple is dirty or has failed. A dirty thermocouple can sometimes be cleaned by a technician, but a faulty one must be replaced.

Do not keep trying to light the pilot repeatedly if it will not stay lit. Each attempt releases unburned gas into your kitchen, which is a safety risk. After two or three failed attempts, stop and call a technician. Thermocouple replacement is a straightforward job for a professional and typically costs between $150 and $300, depending on your stove model and your location.

If the pilot lights and stays lit but the main burner won't ignite when you turn the knob to "on," the problem is likely a blocked burner port or a faulty ignition system for the main burner—again, a job for a professional.

Safety reminders while relighting the pilot

Never use a stove lighter or any accelerant to light the pilot. Stick to matches or a long-reach lighter. Keep your face and hands away from the burner opening while lighting, and do not lean over the stove.

If you smell gas but cannot see a flame after 30 seconds of trying, stop when ready. Turn off the control knob, close the kitchen door, open all windows, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency line from outside. A strong gas smell with no flame can mean a leak or a valve problem that requires professional attention right away.

If you have a newer stove with an electronic ignition system (a button you push that creates a spark), do not attempt to light the pilot with a match. Electronic systems have their own ignition mechanism, and you should call a technician if the pilot won't light.

When to call a professional instead

Call a technician if the control knob feels stuck or gritty, if the ignition button does not click or feels broken, if you smell gas but see no flame, or if the pilot lights but will not stay lit after two attempts. You should also call if your stove has an electronic ignition system and the pilot won't light—those systems require specialized tools and knowledge.

A service call typically costs $75 to $150 for diagnosis, plus the cost of any parts that need replacing. It is worth the cost to avoid a gas leak or a stove that does not work safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button down?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the valve to stay open. Releasing too soon will cause the pilot to go out.

Can I light the pilot with a regular short match?

You can, but a long-reach lighter or long wooden matches are safer because they keep your hand farther from the flame and the hot stove. Regular matches can burn your fingers if you have to reach far into the stove.

What does it mean if the pilot light is yellow or orange instead of blue?

A yellow or orange flame usually means the pilot is not getting enough air or the burner is dirty. A healthy pilot flame is blue. If the flame stays yellow after you clean around the pilot opening, call a technician—the burner may need professional cleaning or adjustment.

Is it dangerous to have the pilot light on all the time?

No. The pilot light is designed to stay on continuously. It uses a small amount of gas, but that is normal and safe. Turning it off and on repeatedly is actually harder on the system than leaving it on.

Why does my pilot light keep going out on its own?

A pilot that goes out on its own usually has a dirty or failing thermocouple, a draft blowing the flame out, or a problem with the gas valve. If it happens repeatedly, have a technician inspect the stove—do not keep relighting it.