The basic steps to relight your oven's pilot light
A pilot light that has gone out is usually safe to relight yourself if your oven has a manual ignition system. The process takes about five minutes and requires only a long lighter or long match — no tools. If your oven has an electronic ignition (a button you push to start it), you cannot relight the pilot manually; you will need to call a technician.
Before you start, turn off the gas at the oven's control knob and wait five minutes for any gas to clear. Then locate the pilot light opening, usually a small hole near the bottom of the oven interior or inside the broiler compartment. You will see a small brass or steel tube with a tiny opening at the tip.
Hold a long lighter or long match to the pilot opening and turn the gas control knob to the "Pilot" position (some ovens label this "Light"). You should see a small blue flame appear at the tip of the tube within a few seconds. Once it lights, hold the knob in the pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds — this allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) to warm up and signal that the pilot is burning. Then turn the knob to the "On" position for normal cooking.
Key Takeaways
- Manual pilot lights can be relit with a long lighter or match, but electronic ignition systems require a professional technician.
- Always turn off the gas and wait five minutes before attempting to relight the pilot to clear any accumulated gas.
- Hold the control knob in the pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can register the heat.
- If the pilot will not light after three or four attempts, or if it lights but goes out when ready, stop and call a technician — this usually means a faulty thermocouple or a gas supply problem.
Finding the pilot light opening on your oven
The location varies by oven model. On most standard ovens, the pilot opening is at the bottom of the oven interior, near the left or right side wall, about 2 to 3 inches up from the floor. Look for a small metal tube with a tiny hole at the end — it is usually about the diameter of a pencil lead.
If you cannot find it inside the main oven, check the broiler compartment below. Some ovens house the pilot there instead. Your oven's manual will show the exact location; if you do not have the manual, search the model number online (it is usually on a sticker inside the oven door frame) and read the PDF from the manufacturer's website.
Once you locate the opening, make sure the area is clear of any debris or spilled food. If the opening looks clogged, use a straightened paper clip or a thin wire to gently clear it — do not force it, as the tube is delicate.
What to do if the pilot light will not stay lit
If the pilot lights but goes out within a few seconds, the thermocouple is usually the problem. This is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a tiny electrical signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. When it fails, the valve closes automatically as a safety measure.
A thermocouple costs $15 to $30 and is a straightforward replacement, but it requires turning off the gas at the meter and removing the oven's control panel — work that most homeowners should leave to a technician. Call a local appliance repair service; the visit and replacement usually cost $150 to $300 depending on your area.
If the pilot lights and stays lit but the main burner will not ignite when you turn the knob to "On", the problem is usually a clogged burner port or a faulty gas valve. Both require professional service.
Safety checks before you light the pilot
Smell the oven area carefully before you attempt to light the pilot. If you detect a strong rotten-egg or sulfur smell, do not light anything — this is the smell of natural gas, and it means gas has been leaking. Turn off the gas at the meter (the shut-off valve is usually on the pipe where it enters your home), open windows and doors, and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not use any electrical switches, lighters, or matches.
If you smell only a faint gas odor and it clears after a few minutes of ventilation, it is usually just residual gas from the pilot going out. This is normal and safe to proceed.
Make sure the oven is completely cool before you start. If you have just been using the oven, wait at least 30 minutes. A hot oven can ignite the gas too quickly and cause a small flame burst near your hand.
When to call a technician instead
Stop attempting to light the pilot and call a technician if any of these are true: the pilot will not light after three or four careful attempts; the pilot lights but goes out when ready every time; you smell a strong gas odor that does not clear; the oven has an electronic ignition button rather than a manual pilot; or you are not confident locating the pilot opening.
A technician can diagnose whether the problem is a thermocouple, a blocked gas line, a faulty valve, or something else. Repeated failed attempts can waste gas and create a safety hazard, so it is better to call early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the knob in the pilot position?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and send the signal to keep the gas valve open. If you release it too quickly, the pilot will go out.
What if I smell gas while trying to light the pilot?
A faint smell is normal if gas has been leaking from the unlit pilot. Ventilate the area and wait a few minutes. If the smell is strong or does not fade, turn off the gas at the meter and call your gas company's emergency line — do not attempt to light anything.
Can I light the pilot with a regular match instead of a lighter?
Yes, but a long lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. If you use a match, light it first, then hold it to the pilot opening while turning the knob to pilot position. Work quickly so the match does not burn down.
Why does my pilot light keep going out after I turn the knob to "On"?
This usually means the thermocouple is failing. The pilot stays lit when you hold the knob because you are manually keeping the valve open, but once you release it, the thermocouple should signal the valve to stay open — if it does not, the valve closes. This requires a technician to replace the thermocouple.
Is it dangerous to have the pilot light go out?
No, it is not dangerous. The oven straightforward will not heat. However, if you smell gas and the pilot is out, ventilate the area and do not attempt to relight it until the smell clears — this prevents gas buildup.