The basic steps to relight your oven pilot
If your oven pilot light has gone out, you can relight it yourself in most cases without calling a technician. The process takes a few minutes and requires only a long lighter or a long match — nothing more. The pilot is a small flame that sits near the main burner; when it goes out, the oven won't heat because the gas valve won't open without that flame present.
Before you start, make sure the oven has been off for at least five minutes so any gas that may have accumulated can clear. Turn the oven dial or control to the "off" position and leave it there. Open the oven door fully so you can see inside and reach the pilot safely.
Look at the bottom of the oven cavity for a small metal tube or nozzle — this is the pilot burner. It is usually located on the left or right side of the oven floor, near the back. Some ovens have a small access panel you may need to remove first; check your oven manual or look for a panel held by one or two screws at the base of the oven interior.
Key Takeaways
- The pilot light sits at the bottom of the oven and must be lit before the main burner will work.
- You will need a long lighter or long match to reach the pilot safely without burning your hand.
- The pilot should produce a small, steady blue flame about half an inch tall.
- If the pilot will not stay lit after three or four attempts, the gas valve or thermocouple may need professional repair.
- Never force gas to flow or leave the oven unattended while attempting to light the pilot.
Locating the pilot burner in your oven
The pilot burner is always at the bottom of the oven, but its exact location varies by model. In most standard gas ovens, it sits on the floor toward the back left or back right corner. Look for a small opening about the size of a pencil tip, often with a tiny metal tube leading to it.
If you cannot see it clearly, use a flashlight to look into the oven cavity. The pilot opening may be recessed slightly into the oven floor or mounted on a small bracket. Do not confuse it with the main burner, which is much larger and sits higher up in the oven.
Some oven models have a removable panel at the base of the oven interior that covers the pilot. If you see a panel with a slot or opening, this is likely the access point. Remove it by unscrewing one or two fasteners, and the pilot burner will be visible behind it.
Using a lighter or match to ignite the pilot
A long lighter (the kind used for candles or fireplaces) works best because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. A long fireplace match is the second choice. Do not use a standard short match or lighter — you risk burning your hand or arm.
Hold the lighter or match so the flame is positioned just above or slightly to the side of the pilot opening. You are not trying to insert the flame into the opening; you are bringing the flame close enough that the gas igniting will catch it. Turn the oven control dial or knob to the "pilot" position if your oven has one, or straightforward hold it at the lowest heat setting.
As you bring the flame near, you should hear a soft whoosh sound and see a small blue flame appear at the pilot opening. Once the flame is lit, keep the dial or knob in that position for 30 to 60 seconds while holding the flame nearby. This allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) to warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open.
Keeping the pilot lit after ignition
After you have held the flame in place for about a minute, slowly release the dial or knob and remove your lighter or match. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out when ready, wait a few seconds and try again. Most pilots light on the second or third attempt.
The pilot flame should be a steady, small blue flame about half an inch tall. If it is yellow or orange, or if it flickers and goes out, the pilot may need cleaning or the thermocouple may be failing. A yellow flame usually means dust or debris is blocking the gas flow.
Once the pilot is lit and stable, turn the oven dial to your desired temperature. The main burner should ignite with a larger flame. If it does not, turn the oven off and wait five minutes before trying again.
What to do if the pilot won't stay lit
If the pilot lights but goes out within a few seconds every time, the thermocouple is likely worn out. The thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open. When it fails, the valve closes as soon as you release the dial, and the pilot goes out.
A thermocouple costs between $15 and $30 and can be replaced by a homeowner with basic tools in many cases, though some oven designs make access difficult. If you are not comfortable working with gas appliances, call a technician — this is a common repair and usually takes less than an hour.
If the pilot lights and stays lit but the main burner does not ignite, the problem is usually in the main gas valve or the ignition system. This also requires professional service.
Safety steps before and during relighting
Never attempt to light a pilot if you smell gas in the kitchen. Turn off the oven, open windows, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency line — they will send someone to check for a leak. Do not use any electrical switches, lighters, or matches until the gas company has cleared the area.
Make sure the oven has been off for at least five minutes before you try to light the pilot. This allows any gas that may have accumulated to disperse. If you have tried to light the pilot more than three times without success, stop and wait 10 minutes before trying again.
Keep your face and hands away from the oven opening as much as possible. Use a long lighter or match so your hand stays several inches back from the flame. Never leave the oven unattended while the pilot is lit or while you are attempting to light it.
When to call a professional technician
If the pilot lights on your first or second attempt and stays lit, you have solved the problem and can use your oven normally. If the pilot will not light after three or four careful attempts, or if it lights but goes out within seconds every time, the issue is beyond a straightforward relight and needs professional diagnosis.
A technician can test the thermocouple, clean the pilot burner if it is clogged, check the gas valve, and inspect the ignition system. They can also identify whether the problem is a failed part (which can be replaced) or a deeper issue with the oven's gas line or controls.
Call a licensed appliance repair technician or your oven's manufacturer for a service appointment. Bring your oven's model number, which is usually on a sticker inside the oven or on the back of the unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my oven pilot light keep going out?
The most common cause is a failing thermocouple, which no longer signals the gas valve to stay open. Less often, the pilot burner is clogged with dust or debris, or the gas valve itself is faulty. If it goes out when ready after you light it, the thermocouple is the likely culprit.
Can I light the pilot with a regular match or lighter?
You can, but a long lighter or fireplace match is much safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. A short match or standard lighter forces you to reach closer to the pilot opening and risks burning your hand or arm.
What does a healthy pilot flame look like?
A healthy pilot flame is small, steady, and blue. It should be about half an inch tall and should not flicker or dance. A yellow or orange flame usually means the pilot burner needs cleaning. A flame that is too small or too large may indicate a gas pressure problem.
Is it safe to light the pilot myself, or should I always call a technician?
Relighting a pilot that has straightforward gone out is safe if you follow basic precautions: wait five minutes before starting, use a long lighter or match, and never force gas to flow. If the pilot will not stay lit or if you smell gas, stop and call a technician.
How long should I hold the flame near the pilot before releasing the dial?
Hold the flame in place for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot ignites. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too quickly, the pilot may go out.