The basic steps to light your gas stove pilot
To light the pilot on a gas stove, locate the pilot light opening — usually a small hole near the burner controls or at the back of the stove — and hold a lit match or lighter to it while the gas flows. Most stoves have a pilot light knob you turn to the "Pilot" setting, which releases gas without igniting the main burner. Hold the flame steady at the opening for 10 to 15 seconds until the pilot catches, then turn the knob to "On" to keep it lit.
If your stove has an igniter button instead of a match-lit pilot, press and hold the button while holding a flame near the pilot opening. The button creates a spark that can help ignite the gas. Once the pilot is lit, you can release the button and turn the knob to keep the flame burning.
The pilot should burn with a steady blue flame about half an inch tall. If it goes out repeatedly or burns yellow or orange, the opening may be clogged with debris, or the gas flow may be too low — both issues that usually require a service call.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the pilot knob to "Pilot" to release gas without igniting the main burner, then hold a lit match or lighter to the pilot opening for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Once the pilot catches, turn the knob to "On" to keep the flame burning continuously.
- A healthy pilot light burns steady and blue; a yellow or orange flame or one that goes out often signals a clog or low gas pressure that needs professional repair.
- If you cannot locate the pilot opening or the stove has no pilot knob, check your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer, as some models use electronic ignition instead.
Where to find the pilot light opening on your stove
The pilot opening is usually located near the burner controls at the front or side of the stove, or sometimes at the back near the oven. On many models, it sits inside a small metal tube or chamber. Look for a knob labeled "Pilot" or "Ignition" — turning this knob to "Pilot" opens the gas line to the pilot burner.
If you cannot find it by looking, open your stove's owner's manual or search the manufacturer's website using your stove's model number. The manual will show you exactly where the pilot opening is and how to access it. Some stoves hide the pilot behind a removable panel or inside the oven itself.
What to do if the pilot light won't stay lit
If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple — a safety device that senses the pilot flame — may not be working. Hold the knob in the "Pilot" position for 30 to 45 seconds after the flame catches; this gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal that the pilot is burning. Then turn the knob to "On" slowly.
If the pilot still won't stay lit after you hold it longer, the thermocouple may be bent or dirty. Try gently cleaning the tip of the thermocouple with a soft cloth or fine sandpaper, then try again. If it still fails, the thermocouple likely needs replacement — this is a job for a service technician, as it involves disconnecting gas lines.
A pilot that lights and stays lit but then goes out after a few hours usually points to a clogged pilot opening. Dust or debris can block the gas flow. You can try carefully cleaning the opening with a thin wire or needle, but if you are not comfortable doing this, a technician can do it safely.
Safety steps before you light the pilot
Before you attempt to light the pilot, make sure the area around the stove is clear of flammable materials — paper towels, curtains, or grease buildup can catch fire. Open a window or door to may support good ventilation, since lighting a pilot releases a small amount of unburned gas into the air.
If you smell gas but cannot see a flame after several attempts, stop and leave the house. Do not try again. Call your gas company's emergency line from outside the house. A gas leak is dangerous and requires professional attention.
Never use a lighter or match near the stove if you suspect a gas leak. If you have been trying to light the pilot for more than a few minutes and gas is flowing but not igniting, turn off the gas at the knob and wait five minutes before trying again. Repeated failed attempts can allow gas to build up.
When to call a repair technician instead
If the pilot light has never worked on your stove, or if it worked before but now will not light no matter what you try, a technician should inspect it. The problem could be a broken gas line, a faulty igniter, a bad thermocouple, or a clogged burner — all of which require tools and knowledge beyond basic troubleshooting.
You should also call a technician if the pilot burns but the main burner will not ignite when you turn the knob past "Pilot." This usually means the thermocouple is not signaling properly, or the main burner itself is clogged or damaged.
If your stove is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer before calling an independent technician — some warranties cover pilot light repairs, and using an authorized service center may be required to keep the warranty valid.
Stoves with electronic ignition instead of pilot lights
Some newer gas stoves do not have a traditional pilot light. Instead, they use an electronic igniter that sparks when you turn on a burner. If your stove has no pilot knob and no visible flame at the back, it likely uses electronic ignition. These stoves do not need to be lit manually — just turn the burner knob and the igniter will spark automatically.
If an electronic igniter is not sparking, the problem is usually a dead battery, a loose wire, or a broken spark module. Check your owner's manual for the battery location and replace it if needed. If that does not work, the igniter itself may be faulty and will need professional replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the flame to the pilot opening?
Hold the flame steady for 10 to 15 seconds after you see the pilot light catch. If you are using the pilot knob method, keep the knob in the "Pilot" position for another 30 to 45 seconds after the flame appears — this lets the thermocouple heat up so it will keep the pilot lit when you turn the knob to "On."
What does a healthy pilot flame look like?
A healthy pilot burns with a steady, bright blue flame about half an inch tall. The tip may have a small yellow or orange point, but the main flame should be blue. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, or if it flickers and goes out, the pilot opening is likely clogged or the gas pressure is too low.
Can I light the pilot with a lighter instead of a match?
Yes, a lighter works just as well as a match. Use a long-handled lighter or grill lighter so your hand stays away from the flame. A regular cigarette lighter can work but is harder to control and puts your fingers closer to the heat.
What should I do if I smell gas but the pilot won't light?
Stop trying and leave the house when ready. Do not use your phone indoors. Call your gas company's emergency line from outside or from a neighbor's phone. A gas smell combined with a pilot that will not light can mean a leak, which is dangerous and requires professional help.
Is it normal for the pilot to go out sometimes?
An occasional pilot outage — once every few months — is usually not a problem, especially if your stove is older or if you have had the oven door open for a long time. But if the pilot goes out every few days or every time you use the oven, the thermocouple or pilot opening likely needs attention from a technician.