The basic steps to relight your pilot

To light a gas stove pilot, turn the control knob to the Pilot position, hold it down, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the small flame at the pilot opening. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches so the thermocouple — a heat-sensing device — can warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open. Once you release the knob, the pilot should stay lit. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement.

The exact location of the pilot opening varies by stove model. On most ranges, it sits near the burner you want to light, often marked with a small hole or a thin metal tube. Check your stove's manual or look for a diagram on the inside of the control panel door. Some newer models have an ignition button instead of a manual lighting process — if yours has one, press it repeatedly while holding the knob in Pilot position.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to Pilot, press it down, and light the flame with a long lighter or match held near the pilot opening.
  • Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after ignition so the thermocouple can warm and keep the gas valve open.
  • If the pilot goes out when you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty and may need cleaning or replacement.
  • Locate your pilot opening by checking the stove manual or looking for a small hole or tube near the burner you want to light.

Finding the pilot opening on your stove

The pilot opening is usually a small hole or thin brass tube positioned just below or beside the main burner. On range-top stoves, it often sits at the front edge of the burner assembly. On wall-mounted ovens, the pilot may be inside the oven itself, typically at the bottom left or right corner. If you cannot locate it visually, open the control panel door — many stoves have a diagram printed on the inside that shows exactly where the pilot sits.

Some stoves have a removable cover or access panel over the pilot area. If yours does, gently lift or unscrew it before attempting to light. Never force any part of the stove open; if a panel is stuck, stop and consult the manual. The pilot opening should be clear of debris — if you see dust, lint, or buildup around it, use a dry cloth or soft brush to clean the area before lighting.

Why the pilot goes out and how to fix it

A pilot that lights but then goes out when you release the knob almost always points to a thermocouple problem. The thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a tiny electrical signal when heated. If this signal is weak or absent, the gas valve closes automatically as a safety measure. The thermocouple may be dirty, bent, or straightforward worn out.

To clean the thermocouple, turn off the gas at the control knob and wait five minutes. Locate the thermocouple — it is usually a thin rod extending into the pilot flame area — and gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth or fine steel wool. Do not bend it or explore pressure. Turn the gas back on and try lighting the pilot again. If it still goes out, the thermocouple likely needs replacement, which requires ordering a part specific to your stove model and following the installation steps in your manual.

Safety checks before you light

Before lighting the pilot, smell the area around the stove. If you detect a strong gas odor, do not attempt to light anything. Turn off the gas at the control knob, open windows and doors to ventilate, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency line — most provide a 24-hour number on your bill. A gas leak is a serious hazard and must be addressed by a professional.

Make sure the area around the stove is clear of flammable materials — paper, cloth, curtains, or anything else that could catch fire. Keep children and pets away while you are lighting the pilot. Use a long lighter or long match rather than short matches, which can burn your fingers. Never use a lighter fluid or accelerant to light the pilot; the flame should ignite from the heat of the match or lighter alone.

When to call a professional

If the pilot will not stay lit after you have held the knob down for a full 60 seconds, or if it lights and goes out repeatedly even after you clean the thermocouple, the stove likely has a mechanical problem that requires professional repair. A faulty gas valve, a broken ignition switch, or a damaged thermocouple all require parts and informed beyond a straightforward relighting.

Similarly, if you smell gas but cannot locate a leak, or if the stove makes unusual sounds or hisses when you try to light it, stop and call a repair technician or your gas company. These signs point to problems that can be dangerous if left unaddressed. Most stove repair services can diagnose and fix pilot issues within a day or two, and the cost is usually between $100 and $300 depending on what needs to be replaced.

Pilot light maintenance to prevent future problems

A pilot light that stays lit requires very little maintenance, but a few straightforward habits can prevent problems. Once a month, visually inspect the pilot flame — it should be a steady blue color, about half an inch tall, with a small yellow tip. If the flame is yellow, orange, or flickering badly, the pilot opening may be clogged with dust or the gas mixture may be off. Clean around the opening with a dry cloth and check that nothing is blocking the air intake.

Keep the area around your stove clean and dry. Moisture and dust can accumulate on the thermocouple and pilot opening over time, especially if the stove is near a sink or in a humid kitchen. Wipe down the stove exterior regularly and avoid spraying water directly at the control knobs or pilot area. If you notice the pilot going out more often than usual, clean the thermocouple before it fails completely — a small preventive cleaning now can save you from a cold stove later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down after lighting the pilot?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and send a signal to the gas valve. If you release too early, the valve may close before the thermocouple is warm enough, and the pilot will go out. If it still goes out after a full 60 seconds, the thermocouple needs cleaning or replacement.

What color should the pilot flame be?

A healthy pilot flame is blue with a small yellow tip, about half an inch tall. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, the pilot opening is likely clogged with dust or debris. Turn off the gas, wait five minutes, and clean around the opening with a dry cloth before relighting.

Can I light the pilot with a regular match instead of a lighter?

Yes, but use a long match or long-stemmed lighter to keep your fingers away from the flame. Short matches can burn your hand before the pilot ignites. Strike the match first, then turn the knob to Pilot and hold it down while you bring the flame to the pilot opening.

What does it mean if the pilot lights but goes out when ready?

This almost always means the thermocouple is not heating properly. Try cleaning it with a soft cloth or fine steel wool, then attempt to light again. If it still goes out, the thermocouple is faulty and needs to be replaced — this is a common repair that costs $50 to $150 in parts and labor.

Is it safe to light the pilot if I smell gas?

No. If you smell gas, do not light anything. Turn off the gas at the control knob, open windows and doors, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency line. A gas smell indicates a leak that must be found and fixed by a professional before you use the stove.