The basic steps to relight a Goodman furnace pilot

To light a Goodman furnace pilot, turn the gas control knob to OFF, wait five minutes for gas to clear, then switch it to PILOT. Hold down the ignition button (usually red or black) for 30 to 60 seconds while holding a lit match or lighter near the pilot burner opening. Once the pilot flame appears, keep holding the button for another 30 seconds, then release. Turn the knob to ON.

The entire process takes about two minutes. If the pilot does not stay lit after you release the button, wait five minutes and try again. Most Goodman furnaces light on the first or second attempt if the gas supply is working and the thermostat is set to heat.

If you smell gas at any point, stop when ready, turn the knob to OFF, open windows, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency line. Do not try again until a technician has checked for a leak.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the gas control knob to OFF and wait five minutes before attempting to light the pilot.
  • Switch the knob to PILOT, press and hold the ignition button, and hold a flame near the pilot burner opening for 30 to 60 seconds.
  • Keep the button pressed for 30 seconds after the pilot lights, then release and turn the knob to ON.
  • If the pilot does not stay lit, wait five minutes and repeat the process rather than trying when ready again.
  • Stop and call your gas company if you smell gas or cannot light the pilot after three attempts.

Locating the pilot light assembly on your Goodman unit

The pilot light sits inside the furnace cabinet, usually on the left side of the burner assembly when you open the access panel. Look for a small metal tube with a tiny opening at the end — this is the pilot burner. Next to it you will see the gas control knob (a dial with OFF, PILOT, and ON marked on it) and the ignition button, which is typically a push-button near the knob.

Some Goodman models have the ignition button on the control board itself rather than near the burner. Check your furnace manual or look for a label on the cabinet that shows the button location. If you cannot find the ignition button, it may be a spark ignition system that lights automatically — in that case, you do not need to hold a flame.

Before you open the cabinet, turn off the power switch on the furnace (usually a toggle switch on the side or front of the unit). This prevents accidental contact with moving parts while the cabinet is open.

What to do if the pilot light will not stay lit

If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the button, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing. The thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open. When it gets covered in dust or soot, it cannot sense the flame. Try cleaning it with a soft brush or cloth before attempting to light the pilot again.

If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may need replacement. This is a part you can order for under $30, but installation requires removing the burner assembly. Many homeowners prefer to call a technician for this job rather than take the furnace apart.

Another common cause is a blocked pilot tube. If dust or debris is clogging the opening where gas flows to the pilot burner, the flame will be too weak to heat the thermocouple. A technician can clear this with compressed air or a small wire, but attempting it yourself risks damaging the tube.

When to call a technician instead of relighting yourself

Call a technician if you smell gas, if the pilot will not light after three attempts, or if it lights but goes out repeatedly even after cleaning the thermocouple. You should also stop if you hear a hissing sound near the gas control knob or see liquid dripping from the burner assembly — both suggest a leak or a failed component that needs professional repair.

If your furnace has a spark ignition system (no pilot light that you light manually), do not attempt to light anything by hand. These systems light automatically when you turn the thermostat to heat. If the furnace does not start, the problem is electrical or mechanical and requires a technician.

A service call typically costs $100 to $200 for diagnosis and repair. If the thermocouple or pilot tube needs replacement, add another $50 to $150 depending on the part and your location.

Safety steps before and after relighting

Before you begin, make sure the thermostat is set to HEAT and the temperature setting is above the current room temperature. If the thermostat is set to OFF or COOL, the furnace will not stay on even if you light the pilot. Also check that the power switch on the furnace itself is ON — some models have both a wall switch and a furnace switch.

After the pilot is lit and you have turned the knob to ON, wait a few minutes for the main burners to ignite. You should hear a soft whoosh as the burners light. If they do not light within two minutes, turn the knob back to OFF, wait five minutes, and try the pilot again.

Never leave the furnace cabinet open while the pilot is burning. Close the access panel once the pilot is lit and the main burners have started. Keep the area around the furnace clear of boxes, rags, or anything flammable.

Goodman furnace models and pilot light differences

Most Goodman furnaces use the same basic pilot light system, but some newer models have electronic ignition instead. If your furnace has a spark ignition system, you will not see a standing pilot flame — the system lights the burners electronically when needed. These models do not require manual relighting.

Goodman furnaces made before 2010 almost always have a standing pilot light. Models from 2010 onward may have either system depending on the series. Check your manual or the label inside the cabinet to confirm which type you have.

If you have a high-efficiency Goodman model (often labeled as a condensing furnace), the pilot light assembly may be located differently or use a different ignition method. Refer to your manual for the exact location and procedure, as the steps may vary slightly from standard models.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button down?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds while the flame is near the pilot burner opening. Once you see the pilot flame, keep holding for another 30 seconds before releasing. This allows the thermocouple to heat up enough to signal the gas valve to stay open.

What if I do not have a lighter or match?

You can use a long-handled barbecue lighter, a candle on a stick, or even a rolled-up piece of paper lit from a stove burner. The goal is to hold a flame near the pilot burner opening for the full 30 to 60 seconds. Avoid leaning into the furnace or using your fingers to hold anything — keep your hands and face clear of the opening.

Can I light the pilot if the furnace power is off?

Yes. The pilot light itself does not need electricity — it burns from gas alone. However, the thermostat and the main burners do need power to work. Turn the furnace power switch ON so the system can respond once the pilot is lit.

How often do Goodman furnace pilots go out?

A healthy pilot should stay lit indefinitely once it is lit. If yours goes out regularly, the thermocouple is likely failing or the pilot tube is blocked. This is not normal and indicates a repair is needed rather than a relighting issue.

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

Relighting the pilot is safe if you follow the steps and stop when ready if you smell gas. Many homeowners do this themselves. However, if the pilot will not light or will not stay lit, a technician should diagnose the cause rather than you attempting repeated relights.