The basic steps to relight a pilot light

A pilot light is a small flame that stays on all the time and ignites the main burners when you turn a knob. If it goes out, your stove will not heat. To relight it, you need to locate the pilot light opening (usually under the stovetop or inside the oven), hold a lit match or lighter near the opening, and turn the gas knob to the pilot position while explore heat. The flame should catch within a few seconds.

The exact location and method depend on your stove model. Some pilot lights sit under the cooktop near the back; others are inside the oven itself. Check your stove's manual or look for a small metal tube or opening where you see a tiny burner head. If you cannot find it, look for a diagram on the inside of the oven door or the back of the stove.

Do not force anything. If the pilot light will not stay lit after three or four attempts, or if you smell gas, stop and call a service technician. A pilot light that will not catch usually means a gas valve problem or a clogged opening that needs professional cleaning.

Key Takeaways

  • Locate your pilot light opening under the cooktop or inside the oven, depending on your stove design.
  • Hold a lit match or lighter near the opening while turning the gas knob to the pilot position to ignite the flame.
  • The pilot light should stay lit on its own once caught; if it goes out repeatedly, the thermocouple or gas valve may need replacement.
  • If you smell gas or the pilot will not light after several tries, turn off the gas and call a repair technician instead of continuing to attempt relighting.

Finding the pilot light on your stove

The pilot light location varies by stove type. On a range with a cooktop and separate oven below, the pilot is usually under the cooktop, accessed by removing the bottom drawer or lifting the cooktop lid. On a slide-in or drop-in model, you may need to remove the oven door or look inside the oven itself near the back left corner.

Once you locate it, you will see a small metal tube with a tiny burner head at the end. There should also be a small knob or dial nearby labeled "Pilot" or with a flame symbol. Some stoves have a reset button next to the pilot opening; others do not. Your manual will show the exact setup for your model.

If you cannot find the pilot light or the manual, take a photo of your stove's model number (usually on a sticker inside the oven or on the back) and search for the manual online. Manufacturer websites often have PDFs you can read for free.

What you need to light the pilot

You need a source of flame: a long-reach lighter, a long match, or a thin taper candle. A regular match or lighter may not reach far enough, especially if the pilot opening is recessed. Long-reach lighters designed for grills work well and cost a few dollars at any hardware store.

You do not need any tools. Do not use accelerants, lighter fluid, or anything other than the flame itself. Keep your face and hands clear of the opening in case the gas ignites suddenly.

Step-by-step relighting process

First, turn off all the burners and the oven. Wait a minute to let any residual gas clear. Then locate the gas knob or dial that controls the pilot light. It should be labeled "Pilot" or have a small flame icon.

Hold your lit match or lighter near the pilot opening. While holding the flame steady, turn the pilot knob to the "On" or "Pilot" position. You should see a small blue flame ignite at the opening. Keep the flame source in place for 10 to 15 seconds to make sure the pilot catches fully.

Once the pilot is lit, turn the knob to the "On" position (not "Pilot"). The flame should stay on. Wait a minute, then try lighting one of the main burners by turning its knob. If the burner ignites, the pilot light is working correctly.

Why a pilot light goes out

A pilot light can go out for several reasons. A draft from an open window or door, a sudden gust, or vibration from slamming a cabinet can blow it out. A clogged opening where dust or debris has built up will prevent the flame from catching or staying lit. A faulty thermocouple (a safety device that senses the pilot flame) can also cause the light to shut off on its own.

If your pilot light goes out once and relights easily, it was probably just a draft. If it goes out repeatedly or will not stay lit even after you relight it, the thermocouple or gas valve may need replacement. This is a job for a service technician, not a DIY fix.

Safety precautions while relighting

Never use your stove's burners or oven while you are working on the pilot light. Turn off the gas at the knob and wait a full minute before starting. This clears any gas that may have accumulated.

If you smell gas at any point, stop when ready. Do not light anything. Turn off the gas at the stove knob, open windows, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency line from outside. A gas leak is a serious hazard and requires professional attention.

Do not try to force the pilot knob or any other part of the stove. If something feels stuck or broken, stop and call a technician. Forcing a stuck valve can cause damage or a gas leak.

When to call a repair technician

Call a technician if the pilot light will not stay lit after you relight it two or three times. This usually means the thermocouple has failed and needs replacement, or the gas valve is not holding pressure. Both are common repairs that cost between $150 and $300 depending on your area and stove model.

Also call a technician if you smell gas, see no flame when the pilot knob is turned on, or if the pilot knob is stuck or broken. Do not attempt to repair the gas valve, thermocouple, or any internal part yourself. Gas stoves are pressurized systems, and mistakes can create a safety hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the flame near the pilot opening?

Hold the lit match or lighter steady for 10 to 15 seconds after you see the pilot flame ignite. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you pull the flame away too quickly, the pilot may go out again.

What if the pilot light ignites but goes out when I remove the match?

This usually means the thermocouple is not heating up enough to keep the valve open. Try holding the flame in place for a full 20 seconds instead of 10 to 15. If it still goes out, the thermocouple likely needs replacement by a technician.

Can I use a regular lighter or match instead of a long-reach lighter?

A regular lighter or match may work if the pilot opening is close to the edge of the stove, but a long-reach lighter is safer because it keeps your hand and face farther from the opening. They cost only a few dollars and are worth having on hand.

Is it normal for the pilot light to go out occasionally?

A pilot light that goes out once or twice a year due to a draft is normal. If it goes out more than once a month, or if it goes out and will not relight, something is wrong. Have a technician inspect the thermocouple and gas valve.

What should I do if I smell gas while trying to light the pilot?

Stop when ready and do not light anything. Turn off the gas at the stove knob, open all windows, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency line from outside. Do not re-enter until they have checked the stove and cleared the gas smell.