Light the pilot by holding the igniter button while aiming the flame at the burner
To light a pilot on a gas oven, you need three things: a long lighter or long match, access to the pilot opening (usually under the oven), and steady hands. The process takes about 30 seconds. Turn the oven's gas knob to the pilot position if your model has one, or straightforward turn it to the lowest setting. Hold a long lighter or lit long match near the small opening where the pilot sits—this is typically a thin brass tube under the oven, near the front. At the same time, press and hold the igniter button on the oven's control panel (some models call this the spark button). Keep holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds after you see the flame catch. The pilot should stay lit once you release the button. If it goes out when ready, wait a minute for the gas to clear, then try again.
The reason you hold the button is that it heats a thermocouple—a safety device that tells the oven "yes, there is a flame here." If you release the button too soon, the thermocouple hasn't warmed up yet, and the oven shuts off the gas to prevent a buildup of unburned fuel. This is a safety feature, not a malfunction. Once the thermocouple is warm, it stays warm from the pilot flame itself, and you can release the button.
Key Takeaways
- Use a long lighter or long match to reach the pilot opening safely—never use your fingers or a short match.
- Hold the igniter button for 10 to 15 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can warm up and keep the gas flowing.
- If the pilot goes out as soon as you release the button, wait one minute for gas to clear and try again.
- The pilot opening is usually a small brass tube under the oven near the front; consult your manual if you cannot locate it.
- Never force the gas knob or igniter button—if either feels stuck, stop and contact a repair technician.
Locate the pilot opening before you begin
The pilot opening is not always obvious. On most gas ovens, it sits underneath the oven, near the front, and looks like a small brass or steel tube about the thickness of a pencil. Some ovens have the pilot on the side of the oven box instead. Check your oven's manual first—it will show you exactly where the pilot is on your model. If you do not have the manual, look under the oven with a flashlight. You may need to remove the oven's bottom drawer or kick panel to see it clearly.
Before you light anything, make sure the area around the pilot is dry and free of debris. If you see dust, crumbs, or grease buildup, use a dry cloth or a soft brush to clean the opening gently. Do not use water or cleaning spray near the pilot—moisture can prevent ignition.
Gather the right tools and check your gas supply
You will need a long lighter (at least 8 inches) or a long match. A regular match or short lighter will not reach the pilot safely. Long lighters are sold at most grocery stores and hardware stores for a few dollars. Keep one in your kitchen specifically for this task.
Before you attempt to light the pilot, make sure the oven's gas supply is on. Check that the gas valve behind or under the oven is turned on—it should be parallel to the gas line, not perpendicular to it. If you smell gas but cannot locate the valve, or if you smell a strong rotten-egg odor (which indicates a gas leak), do not attempt to light the pilot. Leave the kitchen, open windows, and call your gas company's emergency line or a repair technician.
Turn the control knob to the pilot position
Look at the oven's control panel. Some ovens have a dedicated knob labeled "Pilot" with an arrow pointing to a "Pilot" setting. If your oven has this, turn the knob to "Pilot." Other ovens do not have a separate pilot setting—on these models, straightforward turn the temperature knob to the lowest setting (usually around 200°F). This opens the gas line to the pilot without igniting the main burners.
Turn the knob slowly and deliberately. Do not force it. If the knob feels stuck or stiff, stop when ready. Forcing a stuck knob can damage the valve inside, and you will need a repair technician to fix it.
Light the pilot and hold the igniter button
Once the knob is set to pilot, hold your long lighter or lit long match near the pilot opening. You should see a small opening or a thin tube. Aim the flame directly at this opening. At the same time, press and hold the igniter button on the control panel. You may hear a clicking sound as the igniter sparks. Keep the lighter or match flame near the pilot opening and keep holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds after you see a small blue flame appear at the pilot.
The flame should be small and steady, about the size of a match flame. If you see a large flame or the flame is orange or yellow instead of blue, the pilot may be dirty or the gas mixture may be off. In this case, release the button, wait one minute, and try again. If the problem persists, the oven may need professional cleaning or adjustment.
Release the button and confirm the pilot stays lit
After 10 to 15 seconds, slowly release the igniter button. The pilot flame should continue to burn. Watch it for at least 30 seconds to make sure it does not go out. If it stays lit, you have successfully lit the pilot. You can now turn the temperature knob to your desired setting and use the oven normally.
If the pilot flame goes out as soon as you release the button, wait one full minute before trying again. This allows any unburned gas to clear from the oven. Then repeat the process: set the knob to pilot, light the flame, and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds. If the pilot still will not stay lit after three attempts, the thermocouple may be faulty or the pilot may be clogged. Contact a repair technician—this is not a repair you should attempt yourself.
Troubleshoot a pilot that will not light
If you cannot get the pilot to light at all, check these things in order. First, make sure you are aiming the lighter or match directly at the pilot opening—if the flame is off to the side, it will not ignite the gas. Second, confirm that the gas knob is actually turned to the pilot position and that you are pressing the igniter button at the same time. Third, check that the long lighter or match is actually lit and producing a flame; some lighters fail to spark, especially if they are old or have been dropped.
If the igniter button clicks but produces no spark, the igniter may be broken. If you smell gas but the pilot will not light, and you have tried at least three times, stop attempting to light it. Open windows, leave the kitchen, and call a repair technician or your gas company. Do not continue trying to light a pilot that will not catch—unburned gas can accumulate and become a safety hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the igniter button?
Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds after the flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to warm up. If you release the button too soon, the thermocouple will not be warm enough to keep the gas valve open, and the pilot will go out.
What if the pilot lights but goes out when I turn the knob to a higher temperature?
The thermocouple may be weak or dirty. Try lighting the pilot again and holding the button for a full 20 seconds instead of 10 to 15. If it still goes out when you adjust the temperature, the thermocouple needs cleaning or replacement by a technician.
Can I use a regular match instead of a long lighter?
A regular match is too short and will burn your fingers before you reach the pilot. Always use a long lighter or long match designed for lighting candles or fireplaces. They are inexpensive and much safer.
Is it normal for the pilot flame to be small?
Yes. The pilot flame should be small—about the size of a match flame or smaller. It should be blue or blue-white, not orange or yellow. A small blue flame is working correctly.
What should I do if I smell gas but the pilot will not light?
Stop trying to light it when ready. Open all windows in the kitchen, leave the room, and call your gas company's emergency line or a repair technician. Do not use any electrical switches or create sparks. Unburned gas can accumulate and become dangerous.