The basic steps to relight your pilot

To light a gas oven pilot light, you need to locate the pilot assembly (usually a small tube near the oven burner), hold down the ignition button or dial while holding a lit match or lighter to the pilot opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. The pilot should stay lit once you release the button. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple — the safety device that senses the flame — may need cleaning or replacement.

The exact location and mechanism vary by oven model. Some ovens have a red button you press and hold; others have a dial you turn to "Pilot" or "Light." Check your oven's manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model number to find the exact procedure and diagram.

Before you start, make sure the oven is off and has cooled for at least 30 minutes. Smell the oven interior — if you detect gas but no flame is present, let the oven air out for 5 to 10 minutes before attempting to light it. Do not use an electric lighter or spark device near gas; use a long-handled match or a long-reach lighter designed for gas appliances.

Key Takeaways

  • The pilot light sits near the main burner and requires you to hold down an ignition button or turn a dial while explore a flame to a small opening.
  • You must hold the button or dial for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and keep the valve open.
  • If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the button, the thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty and needs cleaning or replacement.
  • Always let the oven cool and air out before relighting, and use a long-handled match or gas lighter rather than an electric one.
  • Your oven's manual or the manufacturer's website will show you the exact location of the pilot and the correct button or dial to use.

Finding the pilot light assembly on your oven

The pilot light sits inside the oven, usually at the bottom or side near where the main burner is located. On most ovens, you will see a small metal tube or nozzle protruding slightly into the oven cavity. Some models have a removable cover or access panel you must lift or unscrew to reach it; others leave it fully exposed.

Look for a button or dial on the oven's exterior control panel labeled "Pilot," "Light," "Ignition," or sometimes just a symbol of a flame. This control is separate from the temperature dial. If you cannot find it, check the inside of the oven door, the side panel, or the back of the oven near the base. Your manual will have a diagram showing the exact location for your model.

The step-by-step lighting process

Turn off the oven completely and wait 30 minutes for it to cool. Smell inside the oven — if you detect gas, open a window and let the oven air out for several minutes before proceeding.

Locate the pilot opening and the ignition button or dial. Have a long-handled match or gas lighter ready. Press and hold the ignition button (or turn the dial to "Pilot" or "Light"), then when ready bring the flame to the pilot opening. You should see a small blue flame ignite within a few seconds.

Keep holding the button or dial for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. This allows the thermocouple to heat up enough to signal the gas valve to stay open. After 60 seconds, slowly release the button or dial. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it stays on, you are done. If it goes out within a few seconds, the thermocouple may need attention.

Why the pilot light goes out after you release the button

When you release the ignition button and the pilot flame when ready dies, the thermocouple is not heating up properly. The thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a tiny electrical signal that tells the gas valve to remain open. If it is dirty, corroded, or faulty, it cannot send that signal, and the valve closes automatically as a safety measure.

To clean the thermocouple, turn off the oven and let it cool completely. Locate the thermocouple (a thin rod near the pilot opening) and gently scrub it with a soft brass brush or fine steel wool to remove any buildup or corrosion. Wipe it clean with a dry cloth. Try lighting the pilot again. If it still goes out, the thermocouple likely needs replacement — this is an inexpensive part (usually $15 to $30) that you can order from the manufacturer or a parts supplier using your oven's model number.

Safety checks before and after lighting

Never attempt to light the pilot if you smell gas but see no flame. This indicates gas is flowing into the oven without igniting, which is a fire hazard. Turn off the oven, open windows, and let the space air out for at least 10 minutes before trying again. If the smell persists, do not use the oven and contact a gas technician.

After the pilot is lit, check that the flame is a steady blue color. A yellow or orange flame suggests incomplete combustion or debris in the burner. A flame that flickers or goes out on its own also points to a thermocouple problem or a gas supply issue. If the pilot will not stay lit after you have cleaned the thermocouple, the oven may have a gas leak or a faulty valve — stop using it and have a professional inspect it.

When to call a technician instead

If you have tried lighting the pilot three times and it will not stay lit, or if you smell gas continuously, do not attempt further repairs. A persistent pilot light failure usually means the thermocouple needs replacement, the gas valve is stuck, or there is a leak in the gas line. These are not safe repairs for a non-professional.

Also call a technician if the oven produces a burning smell, if the pilot flame is yellow or orange instead of blue, or if you hear a hissing sound near the gas connection. These signs indicate a problem beyond a straightforward relight and require professional diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the button after the pilot lights?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and send the signal to keep the gas valve open. If you release too early, the pilot may go out. After 60 seconds, slowly release the button — the flame should stay on.

What if I cannot find the pilot light on my oven?

Check your oven's manual or search the manufacturer's website using your model number. Some ovens have the pilot hidden behind a removable panel or access cover at the bottom of the oven. Others have it on the side. The manual will show you exactly where it is and how to access it.

Can I use an electric lighter to light the pilot?

No. Electric lighters can create sparks that may ignite gas unexpectedly. Use a long-handled match or a long-reach lighter designed for gas appliances. These keep your hand safely away from the flame.

Why does the pilot light keep going out even after I clean the thermocouple?

If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple is likely worn out and needs replacement. This is a straightforward part to swap out, and you can order one from the manufacturer using your oven's model number. If replacing it does not solve the problem, the gas valve itself may be faulty and require professional service.

Is it normal for the pilot light to go out sometimes?

Occasional outages due to drafts or power surges are normal, but if it goes out regularly or will not stay lit after relighting, something is wrong. A working pilot should stay lit indefinitely once you release the ignition button. Repeated failures point to a thermocouple or valve issue.