The Basic Steps to Relight Your Pilot
To light a pilot light on a gas stove, you need to locate the pilot burner (usually a small opening near the main burner), hold down the ignition button or dial while holding a lit match or lighter to the pilot opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. The pilot should stay lit on its own once you release the button. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple—a safety device that senses heat—may need cleaning or replacement.
Most gas stoves have the pilot light assembly underneath the cooktop or inside the oven. Check your stove's manual to find the exact location, as it varies by model. Some newer stoves have electronic ignition instead of a pilot light, so if you cannot find a pilot opening, your stove may not have one.
Key Takeaways
- The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the main burner, and you relight it by holding an ignition button while explore heat from a match or lighter to the pilot opening.
- Keep the ignition button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and sense the pilot flame.
- If the pilot light will not stay lit, the thermocouple is usually dirty or faulty and needs cleaning or replacement.
- Turn off the gas supply before attempting any repair, and wait five minutes for gas to clear before lighting anything.
Locating the Pilot Light on Your Stove
The pilot light assembly sits in different places depending on whether you have a cooktop stove or a range with an oven. On a cooktop-only model, look underneath the cooking surface—you may need to remove a panel or lift the cooktop to access it. On a range, the pilot is usually inside the oven, near the bottom, or sometimes at the back of the firebox.
Open the oven door and look for a small metal tube with a tiny opening, often with a button or dial next to it labeled "Pilot" or "Ignition." The opening itself is usually no larger than a pencil tip. If you cannot locate it, consult your stove's manual or search online for your specific model number—manufacturers often post diagrams showing the exact location.
Preparing to Light the Pilot
Before you begin, turn off the gas supply to the stove using the shut-off valve behind or below the appliance. Wait at least five minutes for any residual gas to clear. This step is essential for safety—lighting a stove with gas still flowing can cause a small explosion or flash.
Gather a long lighter or long matches. A regular match or lighter may not reach the pilot opening safely, especially if it is inside the oven. A long-reach butane lighter or fireplace matches work best. Have these ready before you turn the gas back on, so you are not fumbling in the dark or with one hand.
Lighting the Pilot Step by Step
Turn the gas supply back on at the shut-off valve. Locate the ignition button or dial near the pilot opening—it is usually labeled "Pilot" or "On/Off." Turn the dial to the "Pilot" setting if there is one, or straightforward prepare to press the button.
Hold the ignition button down with one hand. With your other hand, bring the lit match or lighter to the pilot opening. You should see a small blue flame ignite at the opening. Once the flame appears, keep holding the button down for 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve that the pilot is burning safely.
After 60 seconds, slowly release the button. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out as soon as you release the button, wait a few minutes and try again—sometimes the thermocouple needs more time to heat. If it goes out a second time, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty.
What to Do If the Pilot Will Not Stay Lit
If the pilot lights but goes out within seconds of releasing the button, the thermocouple is likely the problem. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal when heated. If it is dirty, bent, or worn out, it cannot sense the flame and the gas valve closes automatically for safety.
To clean the thermocouple, turn off the gas again and wait five minutes. Locate the thermocouple—it is the thin rod that sits directly in the pilot flame. Gently rub the tip with fine steel wool or a soft cloth to remove any soot or corrosion. Relight the pilot and hold the button for a full 60 seconds. If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple needs replacement, which usually costs $15 to $50 in parts and may require a technician if you are not comfortable working inside the stove.
If the pilot lights and stays lit but the main burner will not ignite when you turn a burner knob, the problem is not the pilot—it is the burner itself or the ignition system for that burner. This is a separate issue from relighting the pilot.
Common Mistakes That Prevent the Pilot from Lighting
The most common mistake is not holding the ignition button long enough. Many people release it after just 10 or 15 seconds, before the thermocouple has heated up. The thermocouple needs the full 30 to 60 seconds to generate enough signal to keep the gas valve open. If you release too early, the valve closes and the pilot goes out.
Another mistake is not waiting long enough after turning off the gas. If you try to light the pilot while gas is still in the line, the flame may not ignite properly or may flash dangerously. Always wait at least five minutes after shutting off the gas before attempting to relight.
A third mistake is using a regular match or lighter that does not reach far enough into the pilot opening. The flame needs to make direct contact with the pilot burner, not just the general area. A long-reach lighter or fireplace matches solve this problem.
When to Call a Technician
If you have cleaned the thermocouple and the pilot still will not stay lit, or if you are uncomfortable working with gas appliances, contact a licensed appliance repair technician. Thermocouple replacement is straightforward but requires opening the stove, and if something goes wrong, a gas leak can result. A technician can diagnose the problem and make the repair safely.
You should also call a technician if you smell gas while attempting to light the pilot, if the pilot flame is yellow or orange instead of blue, or if you hear a hissing sound that does not stop. These are signs of a gas leak or improper combustion, both of which are safety hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the ignition button after the pilot lights?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve that the pilot is burning safely. If you release too early, the valve closes and the pilot goes out. If it still goes out after a full 60 seconds, the thermocouple is likely faulty.
What color should the pilot flame be?
The pilot flame should be blue with a small yellow tip at the very top. A flame that is mostly yellow or orange means the burner is not getting enough air and may not be burning efficiently. A flame that is too small or flickers constantly can also indicate a problem with the thermocouple or gas supply.
Can I light the pilot with just a regular match?
A regular match can work if the pilot opening is easily accessible, but a long-reach lighter or fireplace matches are safer and more reliable. They keep your hand farther from the flame and make it easier to position the flame directly into the pilot opening without burning yourself.
Why does the pilot light go out right after I release the button?
The thermocouple is not heating up enough to signal the gas valve. Try holding the button for the full 60 seconds next time. If it still goes out, clean the thermocouple tip with steel wool to remove soot, or have a technician check whether it needs replacement.
Is it dangerous to relight a pilot light myself?
Relighting a pilot light is generally safe if you follow the steps carefully: turn off the gas, wait five minutes, and use a long-reach lighter. The main risk is gas in the line igniting unexpectedly, which is why waiting five minutes is important. If you smell gas at any point, stop and call a technician.