Light the pilot by holding the igniter button while aiming the flame at the burner opening

Most gas stoves light the pilot by pressing and holding a button or knob labeled "Pilot" while you hold a lit match or lighter near the small opening where the pilot flame should appear. The flame ignites within a few seconds if the gas is flowing. Once lit, keep holding the button down for 30 to 60 seconds — this warms a safety device called a thermocouple that tells the stove gas is present. Release the button. If the pilot stays lit, you are done. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing.

Some stoves have a built-in electric igniter instead of a button. In that case, turn the knob to "Pilot," press the igniter button repeatedly (you will hear clicking), and hold a match near the opening. The spark from the igniter helps light the gas. Once the pilot is lit, hold the knob in the pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds before releasing it.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold the pilot button or knob while bringing a lit match or lighter to the pilot opening; the flame should ignite within seconds.
  • Keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot lights so the thermocouple warms up and signals the stove that gas is present.
  • If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the button, the thermocouple is likely dirty or worn and may need cleaning or replacement.
  • If you smell gas but the pilot will not light, turn off the stove, open windows, and wait 5 minutes before trying again — never force it.

What to do if the pilot will not stay lit

A pilot that lights but dies the moment you release the button usually means the thermocouple is not sensing heat properly. The thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame. When it gets hot, it sends a signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. If it is dirty, the signal is weak or missing, and the valve closes.

Turn off the stove and let it cool for a few minutes. Look for the thermocouple — it is a thin metal tube, usually copper or steel, positioned right in the pilot flame path. If you can reach it safely, gently wipe the tip with a dry cloth or fine steel wool to remove soot and buildup. Do not use water. Turn the stove back on and try lighting the pilot again. If it still goes out, the thermocouple may be bent, broken, or at the end of its life and will need to be replaced by a technician or a handy homeowner with a wrench.

Safety steps before you start

Before lighting any pilot, make sure the stove has been off for at least 5 minutes. This lets any stray gas clear out. Smell the area around the stove — if you detect a strong gas odor, do not light anything. Turn off the stove at the control knob, open windows and doors, and leave the house for at least 15 minutes. A gas smell usually means a leak, and lighting a flame could be dangerous.

Check that the area around the pilot opening is clear of debris, dust, or grease. A clogged opening can prevent the flame from igniting or staying lit. If you see buildup, use a thin wire or a straightened paperclip to gently clear the opening. Do not use anything that could break off inside.

Lighting the pilot with a match versus an igniter button

If your stove has a manual igniter button (the kind that clicks), you do not need a match — the button creates a spark. Press it repeatedly while holding the pilot knob down. You should hear rapid clicking and see a small spark near the pilot opening. Once the pilot lights, stop clicking and hold the knob for 30 to 60 seconds.

If your stove has no igniter button or the button does not work, you will need a long-handled lighter or a long match. A regular match is risky because your fingers get close to the flame. A long-handled lighter or a fireplace match gives you distance and control. Light the match or lighter first, then turn the pilot knob and hold it while you bring the flame to the opening. The pilot should light when ready.

How long to hold the button after the pilot lights

The 30 to 60 second hold is not arbitrary — it is the time the thermocouple needs to heat up enough to send a strong signal to the gas valve. If you release the button too soon, the valve closes before the thermocouple is warm enough, and the pilot goes out. If you hold it longer, that is fine; it just gives the thermocouple extra time to reach full temperature.

After 60 seconds, slowly release the button. The pilot should stay lit. If it does, turn the knob to the "On" position to light the main burner. If the pilot goes out as soon as you release the button, wait a minute and try again. If it fails a second time, the thermocouple is the problem.

When to call a technician instead of trying again

If the pilot lights easily but will not stay lit no matter how long you hold the button, or if you smell gas but the pilot will not light at all after several tries, stop and call a technician. Repeated failed attempts can let gas build up in the stove, which is a safety hazard. A technician can test the thermocouple, check the gas line for blockages, and replace parts if needed.

You should also call a technician if the pilot lights but the main burner will not turn on, or if you see a yellow or orange flame instead of blue. A yellow flame means incomplete combustion and can produce carbon monoxide. These are not problems you can fix by relighting the pilot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the thermocouple is the problem?

If the pilot lights easily and burns steadily while you hold the button, but goes out the moment you release it, the thermocouple is almost certainly the issue. A working thermocouple holds the valve open for at least 30 seconds after you let go of the button. If the pilot dies when ready, the thermocouple is not sending a signal.

Can I light the pilot with just a lighter, or do I need a match?

Either works. A long-handled lighter is safer because it keeps your fingers farther from the flame. A regular match works too, but you have to hold it closer. Avoid short matches or lighters that do not give you at least a few inches of distance from the flame.

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

Stop trying to light it. Turn the stove off, open windows and doors, and leave the house for 15 minutes. A gas smell with a pilot that will not light usually means a leak or a blockage in the gas line. Call a technician or your gas company — do not attempt to fix it yourself.

How often do pilot lights go out?

A healthy pilot should stay lit indefinitely once you release the button. If yours goes out regularly, the thermocouple is wearing out or the stove has a draft problem. A thermocouple usually lasts several years, but age, soot buildup, and vibration can shorten its life.