Light the pilot with a long match or lighter, holding the flame to the pilot opening while pressing the ignition knob

To light a pilot light on a gas stove, you need a long match or a long-reach lighter — the kind used for candles or grills. Hold the flame directly to the small opening where the pilot sits (usually at the base of the burner or inside the oven), and at the same time press and hold the ignition knob or dial marked "Pilot" for 30 to 60 seconds. The pilot should catch and stay lit once you release the knob. If it goes out when you let go, wait a few minutes for the thermocouple to cool, then try again.

The reason you hold the knob down is that it opens the gas valve. The thermocouple — a small metal rod near the pilot flame — senses heat and tells the valve to stay open. If you release the knob too soon, the gas shuts off before the thermocouple gets warm enough to hold it open on its own.

Key Takeaways

  • A long match or long-reach lighter is essential because the pilot opening is often deep inside the stove and hard to reach with a regular match.
  • Press and hold the ignition knob for 30 to 60 seconds while the flame is on the pilot to give the thermocouple time to heat up.
  • If the pilot goes out when ready after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing and may need cleaning or replacement.
  • Never use a regular short match or a lighter without an extended nozzle, as you risk burning your hand or not reaching the pilot at all.

Where to find the pilot light on your stove

The pilot location depends on whether you are lighting a burner or the oven. For stovetop burners, the pilot sits at the base of the burner assembly, usually visible as a small metal tube or opening. You may need to remove the grate and burner cap to see it clearly. For the oven, the pilot is typically inside the oven box itself, often on the left or right side near the bottom, and you light it by reaching in through the oven door.

Check your stove's manual if you cannot locate the pilot — different brands position them differently. Some older stoves have a single pilot that lights all burners; newer models may have individual pilots for each burner or use electronic ignition instead of a pilot light.

Step-by-step lighting process

First, turn off all burners and the oven to make sure no gas is flowing to them. Then locate the pilot opening and position your long match or lighter so the flame will reach it directly. Press the ignition knob (usually labeled "Pilot") and hold it down while you bring the flame to the pilot opening.

Keep the flame on the pilot for 30 to 60 seconds while holding the knob down. You should see a small blue flame appear at the pilot opening. Once the flame is steady, keep holding the knob for another 10 to 15 seconds, then slowly release it. The pilot should stay lit. If it goes out, wait two to three minutes and repeat the process.

After the pilot is lit, you can turn the burner knobs or oven dial to the desired setting. The main burner or oven should ignite from the pilot flame.

Why the pilot light goes out and won't stay lit

The most common reason a pilot will not stay lit is a dirty or worn thermocouple. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal when heated. If it is covered in soot or corrosion, it cannot sense the heat properly, and the gas valve closes as soon as you release the knob.

To clean the thermocouple, turn off the gas at the stove, let it cool, and locate the thermocouple near the pilot opening. Use a soft cloth or fine steel wool to gently wipe away any buildup, then try lighting the pilot again. If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may have failed and will need to be replaced — this is a job for a technician or someone comfortable with basic stove repair.

A second reason is a clogged pilot opening. Dust or debris can block the gas from flowing to the pilot. If you see no flame at all when you hold the match to the opening, try using a thin needle or a compressed air can to clear the opening gently.

Safety steps before you start

Before lighting any pilot, make sure the area is well-ventilated and that you smell no gas. If you detect a strong gas smell, do not attempt to light the pilot. Instead, turn off the gas supply at the stove or at the meter, open windows, and call your gas company or a technician.

Keep your hands and face clear of the stove opening while lighting. The flame is small, but a long match or lighter gives you distance and control. Never use a short match or your fingers to light a pilot. If you have long hair, tie it back so it does not drift into the flame.

When to call a technician instead

If the pilot will not light after two or three attempts, or if it lights but goes out when ready even after you have cleaned the thermocouple, the stove likely needs professional repair. A technician can test the thermocouple, check the gas valve, and replace worn parts. Attempting to force a pilot to stay lit when something is wrong can waste gas and create a safety hazard.

You should also call a technician if you smell gas but cannot see a leak, if the pilot flame is yellow or orange instead of blue, or if you hear a hissing sound near the pilot opening. These are signs of a gas leak or incomplete combustion, both of which require professional attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of lighter should I use to light a pilot?

Use a long-reach lighter designed for candles or grills — the kind with a nozzle that extends several inches. A regular butane lighter or a short match will not reach most pilot openings safely. Some hardware stores sell lighters specifically for lighting pilots.

How long should I hold the ignition knob down?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds while the flame is on the pilot. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. After the pilot is lit, hold the knob for another 10 to 15 seconds before releasing it slowly.

Why does my pilot light go out as soon as I release the knob?

The thermocouple is likely dirty or failing. Try cleaning it gently with a soft cloth or fine steel wool. If that does not work, the thermocouple may need to be replaced by a technician.

Is it normal for the pilot flame to be yellow?

No. A healthy pilot flame should be blue. A yellow or orange flame means incomplete combustion, often caused by dust in the opening or a problem with the gas mixture. Clean the pilot opening or call a technician.

Can I light the pilot if I smell gas?

No. If you smell gas, turn off the stove and the gas supply, open windows, and call your gas company or a technician. Do not attempt to light anything until a professional has checked for leaks.