The basic steps to relight your oven pilot

Most oven pilot lights can be relit by hand in under a minute. Turn off the oven and gas supply, wait five minutes for any gas to clear, then locate the pilot light opening—usually a small hole near the bottom of the oven or inside the firebox. Hold a long lighter or lit match near the opening while you turn the gas knob to the pilot position. The flame should catch and hold steady. If it does, turn the knob to the "on" position and close the oven door.

If the pilot won't stay lit after you release the lighter, the thermocouple—a safety device that senses heat from the pilot—may be dirty or failing. Try cleaning the pilot opening and the small metal rod (the thermocouple) with a dry cloth or soft brush, then attempt to light it again. If it still won't hold, the thermocouple likely needs replacement, which requires a technician.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off both the oven and the main gas supply before you start, and wait five minutes for gas to disperse.
  • Use a long lighter or long match to ignite the pilot while the gas knob is in the pilot position, holding the flame steady for 10 to 15 seconds.
  • If the pilot lights but won't stay on, the thermocouple is likely dirty or broken and may need cleaning or professional replacement.
  • Never force the gas knob or use excessive heat; if the pilot won't light after two or three attempts, stop and call a technician.

Finding the pilot light opening on your oven

The location varies by oven model. On many gas ranges, the pilot is at the bottom front of the oven, behind a small access panel or directly visible as a small hole. On some models, you may need to remove the oven bottom or look inside the firebox on the left or right side. Check your oven manual first—it will show the exact location and may include a diagram.

If you don't have the manual, take a photo of your oven's make and model (usually printed on a sticker inside the door frame) and search online for "[your model] pilot light location." Manufacturer websites and appliance forums often have photos or videos showing where to look.

What to do if the pilot light won't stay lit

A pilot that lights but when ready goes out usually means the thermocouple isn't sensing the heat. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame; when it gets hot, it tells the gas valve to stay open. If it's dirty, the flame can't heat it properly.

Turn off the gas, let the oven cool for a few minutes, then gently clean the thermocouple with a soft, dry cloth or a soft-bristled brush. Wipe away any dust, soot, or corrosion. Also clean the pilot opening itself. Turn the gas back on and try lighting the pilot again, holding the flame on it for 15 to 20 seconds this time—longer contact helps the thermocouple heat up fully.

If the pilot still won't hold after cleaning, the thermocouple has likely failed and needs to be replaced. This is a job for a technician; thermocouples are inexpensive parts but require disconnecting gas lines safely.

Safety steps before you start

Always turn off the oven first, then locate and turn off the main gas supply to the oven. If you're unsure where the shutoff valve is, it's usually behind or under the range. Wait at least five minutes before attempting to light the pilot—this gives any leaked gas time to disperse and reduces the risk of a flash or burn.

Never use a regular match or lighter if you can avoid it; a long-reach lighter or long fireplace match keeps your hand farther from the flame. Wear an oven mitt on the hand holding the lighter. If you smell gas at any point and the pilot won't light, stop, turn off the gas supply, open windows, and call your gas company or a technician—do not keep trying.

When to call a professional instead

If the pilot lights easily but won't stay on even after you've cleaned the thermocouple, or if you can't locate the pilot opening, stop and call a technician. The same applies if you smell gas but see no flame, or if the oven has an electronic ignition system instead of a pilot light (many newer ovens do).

A technician can test the thermocouple, replace it if needed, check the gas line for leaks, and make sure the oven is safe to use. The cost is usually $100 to $200 for a service call plus parts, which is worth it for safety and peace of mind.

Pilot lights on different oven types

Freestanding gas ranges, slide-in ranges, and drop-in ovens all have pilots in slightly different locations, but the relighting process is the same. Wall-mounted ovens may have the pilot access on the side or bottom of the unit. Convection ovens and standard gas ovens both use pilots the same way.

If your oven has an electronic ignition system—common on ovens made in the last 10 to 15 years—there is no pilot light to relight. Instead, the oven uses a spark or glow plug to ignite the gas automatically. If that system fails, you'll need a technician; there's nothing you can light by hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the lighter on the pilot?

Hold the flame steady on the pilot opening for 10 to 15 seconds on your first attempt. If it doesn't catch, wait 30 seconds, then try again for 15 to 20 seconds. The longer contact gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open.

What if I can't find the pilot light?

Check your oven manual or search online for your model number plus "pilot light location." If you still can't locate it, take a photo of the oven's make and model and call a technician or the manufacturer's support line. Don't guess or force panels open—you could damage the oven or create a safety hazard.

Is it normal for the pilot to go out sometimes?

Occasional outages from drafts or power surges are normal, but if it goes out frequently, the thermocouple is probably failing. Have a technician inspect it. A pilot that goes out regularly means the oven won't heat reliably and should be serviced.

Can I use a regular match instead of a lighter?

Yes, but a long-reach lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. If you use a match, light it first, then hold it near the pilot opening while you turn the gas knob. Wear an oven mitt to protect your hand.

What does it mean if I smell gas but see no flame?

Stop when ready, turn off the gas supply, open windows, and leave the house if the smell is strong. Call your gas company's emergency line or a technician. Do not try to light the pilot again. A strong gas smell with no flame suggests a leak or a problem with the gas line.