The basic steps to relight a stove pilot light
To relight a pilot light on a gas stove, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button (or turn a spark knob), and hold a lit match or lighter near the pilot opening for 10 to 15 seconds. Once the pilot flame appears, keep the knob pressed for another 30 seconds so the thermocouple—a heat-sensing device—registers the flame and stays lit. Then turn the knob to "On" and test a burner to confirm the main gas is flowing.
The exact location of the pilot light varies by stove model. On older ranges, it sits near the back of the firebox, often to one side. On newer models with electronic ignition, there may be no pilot light at all—the stove uses a spark to light the burners directly. Check your stove's manual or look inside the oven with a flashlight to find where yours is before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Most pilot lights relight by turning the control knob to "Pilot," pressing the ignition button, and holding a flame near the pilot opening for 10 to 15 seconds.
- After the pilot ignites, keep the knob pressed for 30 seconds so the thermocouple senses the heat and locks the gas valve open.
- If the pilot won't stay lit after three attempts, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing, and you should call a technician.
- Newer stoves with electronic ignition do not have a pilot light and light burners with a spark instead.
Locating the pilot light on your stove
The pilot light opening is usually a small hole or tube inside the oven cavity, positioned near the back wall or to one side. On many ranges, it sits just below the oven burner or near the left or right edge of the firebox. The opening is often brass-colored and about the size of a pencil tip.
If you cannot find it by looking inside the oven, check your stove's manual—the model number is typically on a sticker inside the oven door frame or on the back of the unit. Many manufacturers post manuals online if you search the brand and model number. If you have no manual and cannot locate the pilot, a technician can identify it and show you where it is.
What to do if the pilot light won't stay lit
If the pilot ignites but goes out within seconds of releasing the knob, the thermocouple is likely not sensing the heat. This is the most common reason a pilot light won't hold. Try again, but this time hold the knob down for a full 60 seconds instead of 30—sometimes the thermocouple needs extra time to warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open.
If it still goes out, the thermocouple may be dirty. Turn off the gas at the control knob and wait five minutes. Then locate the thermocouple (a thin metal rod near the pilot opening) and gently wipe it with a dry cloth or soft brush to remove dust and debris. Retry the pilot light. If it still won't hold after two more attempts, the thermocouple is likely worn out and needs replacement—call a technician for this repair.
When the ignition button or spark knob is not working
If pressing the ignition button produces no spark, or if a spark knob turns but creates no spark, the ignition system may be faulty. Try using a long lighter or long match instead to manually light the pilot. If manual ignition works, the electronic ignition system needs service from a technician.
Before calling, check that the stove is plugged in (if it has an electric ignition) and that the outlet is working. Some stoves have a battery-powered ignition system—if yours does, replace the battery first. The battery compartment is usually on the back or side of the stove and uses a standard AA or 9-volt battery.
Safety steps to follow when relighting a pilot
Always turn off the main oven burner and any stovetop burners before you work on the pilot light. Make sure the kitchen is well-ventilated—open a window or door so gas does not accumulate. If you smell gas and cannot find the source, leave the house and call your gas company's emergency line from outside.
Never force the control knob or ignition button. If something feels stuck or broken, stop and call a technician. Do not attempt to adjust the pilot flame size or the gas flow—these are set at the factory and should not be changed without proper tools and training.
Stoves with electronic ignition instead of a pilot light
Many stoves made in the last 20 years do not have a pilot light. Instead, they use an electronic spark ignition system that lights the burners when you turn a knob or press a button. These stoves have no pilot light to relight because there is no standing flame—the spark ignites the gas only when you want to cook.
If your stove has no pilot light and the burners won't light, the spark ignition system is faulty. This requires a technician to diagnose and repair. Do not attempt to bypass the ignition system or light the burners manually with a match, as this is unsafe and can damage the stove.
When to call a technician instead of relighting yourself
Call a technician if the pilot light goes out repeatedly even after you hold the knob for a full minute, if you smell gas near the stove, if the ignition system is broken, or if you cannot locate the pilot light. You should also call if the stove is still under warranty—opening it or working on internal parts may void the warranty.
A technician can clean or replace the thermocouple, repair the ignition system, check for gas leaks, and may support the stove is safe to use. The cost varies by region and by what needs repair, but a service call typically includes diagnosis and one repair. If you rent, contact your landlord or property manager before calling anyone—they may have a preferred technician or may cover the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the ignition button down?
Hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while a flame is near the pilot opening. Once the pilot ignites, keep the button pressed for another 30 seconds (or up to 60 seconds if the pilot seems weak) so the thermocouple senses the heat. Then release the button and turn the knob to "On."
What if I don't have a lighter or matches?
A long lighter or long match is safest because it keeps your hand away from the pilot opening. If you have neither, a thin stick or piece of straw lit at a stovetop burner can work in a pinch, but be careful not to burn yourself. Never use paper or anything that burns quickly.
Is it normal for the pilot light to go out sometimes?
Occasional outages from drafts or wind are normal, but if it goes out more than once a month, the thermocouple is likely failing or the pilot opening is blocked by dust. Have a technician inspect it to prevent repeated outages.
Can I adjust the pilot flame to make it bigger or smaller?
No. The pilot flame size is set at the factory and should not be adjusted without proper tools and training. If the flame looks too small or too large, the pilot opening may be clogged or the gas line may have a problem—call a technician to check.
What does the thermocouple do?
The thermocouple is a heat sensor that sits in the pilot flame. When it gets hot, it sends a signal to the gas valve to stay open. If the thermocouple is cold (because the pilot is out), the valve closes automatically to prevent gas from leaking into the kitchen.