Lighting the pilot light depends on your oven model, but most follow the same basic steps

To light a standing pilot light on a gas oven, you will turn the oven dial to the lowest setting, hold a long lighter or lit match near the pilot opening at the bottom of the oven, and wait for the small flame to catch. Once it ignites, keep the dial turned for 15 to 30 seconds while holding down the safety button (usually labeled "Pilot" or marked with a flame symbol). The pilot light should stay lit after you release the button. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple—a safety device that detects the pilot flame—may need cleaning or replacement.

Not all ovens have pilot lights. Modern ovens use electronic ignition systems that light automatically when you turn on the heat. If your oven has no visible flame at the bottom and no pilot control on the dial, it likely uses electric ignition and does not need manual lighting. Check your oven manual to confirm whether your model has a standing pilot.

Key Takeaways

  • A standing pilot light is a small permanent flame at the bottom of older gas ovens that ignites the main burner when you turn up the heat.
  • To light it, turn the dial to the lowest setting, hold a long lighter or match near the pilot opening, and press the safety button for 15 to 30 seconds after the flame catches.
  • If the pilot light goes out right after you release the button, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty and needs inspection.
  • Modern ovens use electronic ignition instead of standing pilots and do not require manual lighting.

Locate the pilot opening and safety button before you start

Open the oven door fully and look at the bottom of the oven interior. You will see a small opening or tube, usually made of metal, positioned near the front left or center. This is the pilot opening. Next to the oven controls on the front face, find the dial or knob labeled "Pilot" or marked with a flame icon. Some ovens have a separate push button instead of a dial setting. Consult your oven manual if you cannot locate these parts—the exact position varies by manufacturer.

Before lighting, make sure the oven has been off for at least five minutes. If you smell gas, do not attempt to light the pilot. Open windows, leave the house, and call your gas company from outside. A strong gas smell means gas is leaking and the oven is not safe to use.

Turn the dial and prepare your lighter

Turn the oven temperature dial all the way to the lowest setting, usually marked with a small flame or the number 200. Do not turn it higher—the low setting allows the pilot to light without the main burner firing up. Gather a long lighter (the kind used for candles or grills) or a long wooden match. A regular match or lighter will not reach safely into the oven opening.

If you do not have a long lighter, you can roll a piece of paper into a tight tube, light one end, and use that to reach the pilot opening. Hold the paper tube at an angle so the flame points toward the opening. This method takes practice but works in a pinch.

Hold the safety button and light the pilot

Press and hold the safety button (or turn the dial to "Pilot" if your oven uses a dial instead). While holding it down, bring the lit lighter or match to the pilot opening. You should see a small blue flame ignite within a few seconds. Keep the lighter or match in place for another 5 to 10 seconds to make sure the flame is stable.

Continue holding the safety button for 15 to 30 seconds after the pilot light catches. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the safety valve that the pilot is burning. If you release the button too early, the pilot will go out. Count slowly to 20 before letting go.

Release the button and check if the pilot stays lit

Slowly release the safety button or turn the dial back to the "On" position. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it does, you have successfully lit the pilot light. The main burner will now ignite when you turn the temperature dial up to cook.

If the pilot light goes out within a few seconds of releasing the button, the thermocouple is not detecting the flame properly. This usually means the thermocouple is dirty or has failed. Try lighting the pilot again, but this time hold the button down for a full 30 seconds. If it still goes out, the thermocouple needs cleaning or replacement—this is a job for a service technician.

What to do if the pilot light will not stay lit

A pilot light that goes out when ready after you release the button almost always points to a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal when heated. If this signal is weak or absent, the safety valve closes and shuts off the gas to the pilot.

Before replacing the thermocouple, try cleaning it. Turn off the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Locate the thermocouple (a thin rod near the pilot opening) and gently rub it with a dry cloth or fine steel wool to remove any soot or buildup. Light the pilot again. If it still goes out, the thermocouple has likely failed and needs replacement by a technician or a handy homeowner with basic tools—the part itself costs between $15 and $30.

Test the main burner after the pilot is lit

Once the pilot light is burning steadily, turn the oven temperature dial up to 350 degrees. You should hear a soft "whoosh" as the main burner ignites from the pilot flame. The oven will begin heating. If the main burner does not light, turn the dial back down and try lighting the pilot again, making sure you held the safety button long enough.

Let the oven run at 350 degrees for five minutes to confirm it is heating properly. You can check the temperature with an oven thermometer placed on the center rack. If the oven heats normally, the pilot light is working correctly and your oven is ready to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the safety button down?

Hold it for 15 to 30 seconds after the pilot flame catches. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the safety valve. If you release too early, the pilot will go out. Counting slowly to 20 is a reliable way to time it without a watch.

What does it mean if the pilot light is yellow or orange instead of blue?

A yellow or orange flame usually means the pilot opening is dirty or the gas mixture is off. Try cleaning the pilot opening gently with a thin wire or needle to clear any debris. If the flame stays yellow after cleaning, the gas company may need to adjust the air-to-gas ratio, which requires a technician.

Can I light the pilot with the oven door closed?

No. You need to see the pilot opening clearly and reach it safely with your lighter. Always light the pilot with the oven door fully open. Once it is lit, you can close the door.

Is it dangerous to light a pilot light myself?

Lighting a pilot light is safe if you follow the steps carefully and smell no gas. If you detect a gas smell, do not attempt to light it—open windows and call your gas company from outside. If you are uncomfortable with the process, a service technician can light it for you for a small fee.

Why does my pilot light keep going out after I turn the oven on?

If the pilot stays lit but goes out when you turn up the temperature, the thermocouple may be loose or the main burner may be pulling gas away from the pilot. Check that the thermocouple is seated firmly in its holder. If the problem continues, have a technician inspect the burner assembly and gas flow.