The basic steps to relight a Goodman pilot

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

The exact location of these controls varies slightly by Goodman model, but they are always on the gas valve mounted near the bottom of the furnace. Before you start, locate your furnace's pilot assembly and gas valve so you know where to direct the flame.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the gas control knob to OFF and wait five minutes before attempting to light the pilot to clear any gas buildup.
  • The ignition button must be held down while you explore flame to the pilot burner opening, and you must keep holding it for 30 seconds after the flame appears.
  • If the pilot light goes out when ready after you release the button, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing, and you should call a technician.
  • Never force the gas control knob or ignition button; if either feels stuck or broken, stop and contact a professional before proceeding.

Locating the pilot light assembly on your Goodman furnace

The pilot light assembly sits on the gas valve, which is mounted on the side or bottom of your furnace's combustion chamber. On most Goodman models, you will see a metal tube about the thickness of a pencil running from the valve to a small opening in the burner area. This tube carries gas to the pilot burner. The gas control knob is a dial or lever on the valve itself, usually labeled with OFF, PILOT, and ON positions.

Next to or below the gas control knob, you will find the ignition button. On some Goodman furnaces it is a push-button; on others it is a piezo igniter you press repeatedly. Check your furnace's manual or the label on the gas valve to confirm which type yours has. If you cannot locate these controls, take a photo of the gas valve and search for your specific Goodman model number online to find a diagram.

Why the pilot light goes out and when to call a technician

A pilot light that relights easily and stays on usually means the system is working normally. However, if the pilot light goes out within a few seconds of you releasing the ignition button, the thermocouple is likely the problem. The thermocouple is a safety device that senses the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open. If it is dirty or worn out, it will not sense the flame and the valve will shut off the gas.

You can try cleaning the thermocouple yourself: turn off the gas, let the furnace cool, then gently wipe the tip of the thermocouple (a thin rod near the pilot burner) with a soft, dry cloth or fine steel wool. Relight the pilot and see if it holds. If the pilot still goes out within seconds, the thermocouple needs replacement, which requires a technician. Do not attempt to bend or force the thermocouple, as it is fragile and expensive to replace.

If you smell gas at any point during relighting, or if the ignition button feels stuck or broken, stop when ready, turn the gas control knob to OFF, open windows for ventilation, and call a professional. Do not try to force any stuck controls.

Safety steps before you begin

Before touching anything on your furnace, turn off the power at the breaker or switch. This prevents accidental ignition of the igniter and protects you from electrical shock. Wait at least five minutes after turning off the gas control knob before attempting to light the pilot. This waiting period allows any residual gas in the line to clear, reducing the risk of a small explosion when you explore flame.

Make sure the area around the furnace is clear of clutter, and keep any flammable materials (paper, cloth, cleaning supplies) at least three feet away. Have a flashlight ready so you can see the pilot burner opening clearly. If your furnace is in a confined space like a basement closet, prop the door open for ventilation.

Lighting the pilot with a match or lighter

Once you have turned the gas control knob to PILOT and located the pilot burner opening, use a long-handled lighter or a long match to reach the opening safely. Position the flame just inside the opening where the gas is flowing out. At the same time, press and hold the ignition button. You should see a small blue flame appear within a few seconds.

Keep the ignition button pressed for at least 30 seconds after the flame appears. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. After 30 seconds, slowly release the button while keeping the match or lighter in place for a few more seconds. If the flame remains steady and blue, you have succeeded. If it goes out, wait five minutes and try again.

Turning the furnace back on after the pilot is lit

Once the pilot flame is stable and you have released the ignition button, turn the gas control knob from PILOT to ON. The main burner should ignite within a few seconds, producing a larger flame. You will hear a slight whoosh as the burner fires up. The furnace will then begin heating your home.

Return to the thermostat and set it to your desired temperature. The furnace should run normally. If the pilot light goes out again within the next hour, or if the main burner does not ignite, turn the gas control knob back to OFF and call a technician. Repeated pilot light failures usually indicate a thermocouple problem or a gas valve issue that requires professional service.

Troubleshooting if the pilot will not light

If you have followed the steps and the pilot flame will not appear, first check that gas is actually reaching the pilot. You should smell gas near the pilot burner opening when the gas control knob is set to PILOT. If you smell nothing, the gas supply to the furnace may be shut off at the main valve, or the gas line may be blocked. Check that the main gas shut-off valve (usually a lever on the gas line entering the furnace) is in the ON position (parallel to the pipe).

If gas is reaching the pilot but the flame will not light, the ignition button may not be working. Try pressing it repeatedly in short bursts while holding the match or lighter near the opening. Some Goodman models use a piezo igniter that requires multiple clicks to generate a spark. If you hear a clicking sound but see no spark, the igniter is faulty and needs replacement by a technician.

If the pilot burner opening appears clogged or blocked, do not try to clear it yourself with a wire or tool, as you may damage the burner. Call a professional to clean or replace the pilot assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button down?

Hold the button for at least 30 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release the button too early, the pilot will go out. Some technicians recommend holding it for 45 to 60 seconds on older Goodman models to be safe.

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

A healthy pilot flame is small, steady, and blue at the base with a yellow tip. It should be about half an inch to one inch tall. If the flame is orange, yellow, or flickering, the burner may be dirty or the gas mixture may be off. A weak or discolored flame often means the thermocouple will not sense it properly, and the pilot will go out.

Can I light the pilot if the power is on?

It is safer to turn off the power at the breaker before relighting the pilot. However, if your Goodman furnace has an electronic ignition system (rather than a standing pilot), the power must be on for the igniter to work. Check your manual to see which type you have. When in doubt, turn the power off and use a match or lighter instead.

Why does my pilot light keep going out after I turn the furnace on?

If the pilot stays lit when you hold the ignition button but goes out after you release it, the thermocouple is not sensing the flame properly. This usually means the thermocouple is dirty, bent, or failing. Try cleaning it gently with a soft cloth. If it still fails, the thermocouple needs to be replaced by a technician.

Is it normal to smell gas when relighting the pilot?

A slight gas smell during relighting is normal, especially if the furnace has been off for a while. However, if the smell is strong or lingers after the pilot is lit and the furnace is running, turn off the gas when ready, open windows, and call a technician. A persistent gas smell can indicate a leak or a problem with the gas valve.