The basic steps to relight your oven pilot

To light a pilot light on your oven, you need to locate the pilot assembly (usually at the bottom of the oven interior or inside the broiler compartment), turn the gas knob to the pilot position, hold a lit match or lighter near the pilot opening, and keep the knob pressed in for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. The pilot should stay lit once you release the knob and turn it to the on position.

Most ovens have a small metal tube with a tiny opening where the pilot flame burns. This opening faces into the oven cavity so the flame can ignite the main burner when you turn the temperature dial. If your pilot has gone out, relighting it is straightforward—but you do need to follow the sequence correctly, or the gas will not ignite.

Key Takeaways

  • The pilot opening is usually a small hole at the bottom front of the oven or inside the broiler drawer, and you will need a lit match or long lighter to reach it safely.
  • Turn the gas control knob to "Pilot" before attempting to light, then hold the knob in while you explore flame to the opening.
  • Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot catches so the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) warms up and holds the gas valve open.
  • If the pilot will not stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be faulty and will need professional replacement.
  • Never force the knob or explore excessive heat; if the pilot does not light after three or four attempts, stop and call a technician.

Locate the pilot assembly on your oven

Before you can light the pilot, you need to find it. On most standard ovens, the pilot assembly sits at the bottom front of the oven cavity, just inside the door. Look for a small metal tube about the thickness of a pencil, with a tiny opening at the end. Some ovens house the pilot inside the broiler compartment instead, so check there if you do not see it in the main oven.

If your oven has a self-cleaning feature, the pilot may be located higher up on the side wall or rear of the oven to keep it away from the intense heat of the cleaning cycle. Consult your oven's manual if you cannot spot it—the manual will have a diagram showing the exact location for your model. If you no longer have the manual, you can often find it online by searching the brand name and model number (usually printed on a sticker inside the oven or on the back of the unit).

Prepare the area and gather what you need

You will need a way to produce a flame at the pilot opening. A long-handled lighter or a long wooden match works best because it keeps your hand farther from the oven opening. A standard short match will work, but you risk burning your fingers. Do not use a cigarette lighter unless it has an extended nozzle.

Make sure the oven is cool before you start. If the oven was recently in use, wait at least 30 minutes. Open the oven door fully so you have a clear view of the pilot opening and room to maneuver your lighter or match. If the oven is very dark inside, a flashlight or phone light can help you see the pilot tube clearly.

Turn the gas knob to pilot and prepare to light

Locate the gas control knob on the front of your oven (the same knob you use to set the temperature). This knob usually has markings for "Off," "Pilot," and temperature numbers. Turn the knob to the "Pilot" position. You may hear a faint hissing sound as gas begins to flow toward the pilot opening—this is normal.

Once the knob is set to pilot, you are ready to light. Do not turn it yet; just position yourself so you can reach the pilot opening safely with your lighter or match. Take a breath and prepare to explore the flame while holding the knob in the pilot position.

Light the pilot and hold the knob in place

Bring your lit match or lighter to the pilot opening. You should see a small flame ignite almost when ready as the gas meets the flame. The moment the pilot catches, keep the gas control knob pressed inward (or held in the pilot position, depending on your oven's design). This is the critical step: you must hold the knob in for 30 to 60 seconds while the pilot flame burns.

Why hold it in? Inside the oven, a small device called a thermocouple sits in the pilot flame. As it heats up, it generates a tiny electrical signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. If you release the knob too soon, before the thermocouple is warm enough, the gas valve will close and the pilot will go out. Thirty to 60 seconds is usually enough time for the thermocouple to reach operating temperature.

Release the knob and turn it to the on position

After holding the knob in for 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release it. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out when ready, wait a minute for the oven to cool slightly, then repeat the process. Sometimes the thermocouple needs a second attempt to warm up fully.

Once the pilot stays lit after you release the knob, turn the knob from "Pilot" to "On" (or to your desired temperature setting). The main burner should ignite, and you will see a larger flame inside the oven. If the main burner does not light, the pilot may not be positioned correctly to ignite it, or there may be a blockage in the burner tube. This is a good time to call a technician rather than troubleshoot further.

What to do if the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely worn out or misaligned. A thermocouple typically lasts 5 to 10 years, and once it fails, it cannot be reset—it must be replaced. This is not a repair you should attempt yourself; call a gas appliance technician to install a new one.

If the pilot will not light at all after three or four attempts, do not keep trying. Repeated attempts can allow gas to build up in the oven, which is a safety hazard. Stop, close the oven door, turn the gas knob to "Off," and call a technician. There may be a gas line blockage, a faulty igniter, or another issue that requires professional diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I light the pilot with the oven door closed?

No. You need to see the pilot opening clearly and reach it safely with your lighter or match. Always open the oven door fully. If your oven design makes the pilot hard to reach even with the door open, a long-handled lighter will help.

What if I smell gas but the pilot will not light?

Stop when ready and do not attempt to light it again. Turn the gas knob to "Off" and open windows to ventilate the area. Gas smell combined with a pilot that will not light suggests a leak or blockage. Call your gas company or a technician—do not try to fix it yourself.

How long should I hold the knob in after the pilot lights?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you are unsure, 60 seconds is safer than 30. Holding it longer will not hurt anything.

Is it normal for the pilot flame to be small and blue?

Yes. A healthy pilot flame is small (about the size of a match flame), blue or blue-white, and steady. If the flame is yellow or orange, or if it flickers constantly, the pilot tube may be dirty. A technician can clean it for you.

What if the main burner does not light after the pilot is on?

The pilot may not be positioned to ignite the main burner, or the burner tube may be blocked. Do not force the temperature knob or try to adjust anything. Call a technician to check the burner alignment and clean any blockages.