Light the pilot by holding the igniter button while aiming the flame at the burner opening

To light a pilot light on a gas stove, locate the pilot light opening on your stovetop—usually a small hole near the base of the burners or inside the oven. Hold down the igniter button (the spark button on your stove) while pointing a long lighter or match toward that opening. You should hear a clicking sound and see a spark. Keep the button pressed for 10 to 15 seconds after the flame appears to let the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) warm up and stay lit.

If your stove has a manual pilot light knob instead of a button, turn it to the "Pilot" position, then hold a lit match or lighter to the opening while keeping the knob pressed down. Once the flame catches, continue holding the knob for another 10 to 15 seconds before releasing it slowly. If the flame goes out when ready after you let go, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement—this is a sign to call a technician.

Key Takeaways

  • The pilot light opening is usually a small hole near the base of your burners or inside the oven cavity.
  • Press and hold the igniter button for 10 to 15 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple heats up and keeps the pilot burning.
  • If you have a manual knob instead of a button, turn it to "Pilot," hold it down, and light the opening with a match or lighter.
  • A pilot light that goes out when ready after you release the knob usually means the thermocouple is dirty or faulty and needs professional service.

Gather the right tools before you start

You will need a way to create a flame near the pilot opening. A long lighter (the kind used for candles or grills) works best because it keeps your hand farther from the heat. A long wooden match also works, though it burns down faster. Do not use a short match or a regular lighter—you risk burning your fingers or not reaching the opening.

Before you begin, make sure the stove is off and cool to the touch. If you have just been using the stove, wait at least 10 minutes. Check that the area around the pilot opening is dry; if there is standing water or grease buildup, wipe it away gently with a dry cloth. This prevents the flame from being blocked or the igniter from misfiring.

Find the pilot light opening on your stove model

On most gas ranges, the pilot light is located at the front of the stove, near the base of the burners. Look for a small hole, usually about the size of a pencil tip, with a tiny metal tube leading to it. Some stoves have the pilot opening inside the oven—if you cannot find it on the stovetop, open the oven door and look near the back left corner or along the bottom edge inside the oven cavity.

If you cannot locate the pilot opening, check your stove's manual. The manual will have a diagram showing exactly where the pilot is on your specific model. If you no longer have the manual, search online for your stove's brand and model number (usually printed on a label inside the oven or on the back of the stove). Manufacturer websites often have PDF manuals you can read for free.

Press the igniter button and hold it steady

Once you have located the pilot opening, position yourself so you can see it clearly. Hold your lighter or match about one inch away from the opening. With your other hand, press the igniter button on the stove and hold it down. You should hear rapid clicking sounds—this is the spark igniter working. Keep the button pressed even as you bring the flame to the opening.

The pilot should light within 3 to 5 seconds of the flame reaching the opening. You will see a small blue flame appear. Do not release the igniter button yet. Continue holding it down for another 10 to 15 seconds. This waiting period allows the thermocouple to heat up enough to sense the flame and keep the pilot burning on its own. If you release too soon, the pilot will go out.

Release the button slowly and check that the flame stays lit

After 10 to 15 seconds, slowly release the igniter button. The pilot flame should remain burning—it will be a small, steady blue flame about the size of a pea. Watch it for at least 30 seconds to make sure it does not flicker out. If the flame stays lit, you have successfully lit the pilot.

Now test the burners. Turn one of the top burners to the "On" position. You should hear a clicking sound, then see the burner ignite. If the burner lights, the pilot is working correctly. Turn the burner back off. If the burner does not light or the pilot flame went out when you released the button, see the troubleshooting section below.

What to do if the pilot light will not stay lit

If the pilot flame goes out when ready after you release the button, the thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and tells the stove to keep the gas flowing. When it gets dirty, it cannot sense the heat and shuts off the gas. Try cleaning it first: turn off the stove, let it cool, and gently wipe the thermocouple rod with a dry cloth or soft brush. Then try lighting the pilot again.

If the pilot still will not stay lit after cleaning, or if you cannot locate the thermocouple, the part likely needs replacement. This is a job for a professional technician—do not attempt to replace it yourself. Call a gas stove repair service or your stove's manufacturer for a service appointment. In the meantime, if your stove has a manual ignition option (a match-light burner), you can use that to cook, though it is less convenient than having a working pilot light.

Prevent pilot light problems with regular maintenance

The most common reason a pilot light goes out or fails to light is dust and grease buildup around the opening and thermocouple. Every three to six months, turn off the stove and let it cool completely. Use a dry cloth or soft brush to gently wipe around the pilot opening and the area where the thermocouple sits. Do not use water or cleaning spray—moisture can damage the igniter and thermocouple.

If you smell gas but cannot see a pilot flame, turn off the stove when ready and open windows to ventilate the room. Do not light a match or use the igniter. Gas may be leaking from the line. Call your gas company's emergency line or a professional technician right away. Never try to fix a gas leak yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the igniter button down?

Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds after the flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and sense the flame so the pilot stays lit on its own. If you release too soon, the pilot will go out.

What if I hear clicking but see no spark?

The igniter may be wet or dirty. Let the stove dry for 30 minutes, then try again. If you still see no spark, the igniter may be faulty and need replacement by a technician.

Can I light the pilot with just a match if the igniter button is broken?

Yes. Turn the pilot knob to "Pilot," hold it down, and light the opening with a long match or lighter. Keep the knob pressed for 10 to 15 seconds after the flame appears. However, if the igniter is broken, have it repaired so you can use the spark igniter in the future.

Why does the pilot light keep going out?

The thermocouple is usually the cause. It senses the pilot flame and tells the stove to keep gas flowing. When it gets dirty or fails, the stove shuts off the gas and the pilot goes out. Clean the thermocouple with a dry cloth, or call a technician if cleaning does not work.

Is it safe to light the pilot myself?

Yes, lighting the pilot is a safe, routine task. However, if you smell gas, see no flame after several tries, or the pilot goes out repeatedly, stop and call a professional. These are signs of a gas leak or faulty equipment that need informed attention.