Light the pilot with a long match or lighter, holding the flame to the pilot opening while pressing the ignition button

Most ovens with a pilot light have a small opening near the burner where you can see the pilot tube. To light it, you need a long match or a long-reach lighter — a regular match often burns your fingers before the pilot catches. Hold the flame directly into the pilot opening and press the ignition button (usually labeled "Pilot" or with a spark symbol) at the same time. The pilot should light within a few seconds. Once it is lit, keep holding the button for 30 to 60 seconds so the thermocouple — a heat-sensing device — warms up and stays engaged.

If the pilot does not light after 60 seconds, release the button, wait five minutes, and try again. Trying repeatedly without waiting can flood the oven with gas and create a safety hazard. If it still will not light after three attempts, stop and check whether the pilot opening is blocked or whether gas is actually reaching it.

Key Takeaways

  • Use a long match or long-reach lighter to avoid burning your hand while holding the flame to the pilot opening.
  • Press and hold the ignition button while the flame is at the pilot tube, then keep holding for 30 to 60 seconds after it lights.
  • Wait five minutes between attempts if the pilot does not light on the first try, and stop after three failed attempts.
  • If the pilot still will not light, the opening may be blocked by debris or the gas line may not be flowing.

Locate the pilot opening before you try to light it

The pilot opening is usually a small hole or tube near the main oven burner, often at the bottom front of the oven or along the side wall. On some models it sits inside a small metal box or chamber. Look for a label or diagram on the inside of the oven door or in your manual that shows where it is. If you cannot find it, check the back wall of the oven cavity — some pilots are positioned there instead.

Before you attempt to light it, make sure the oven is off and the temperature dial is set to the lowest setting or the "Off" position. Open the oven door fully so you have a clear view and can reach the pilot safely. Do not try to light the pilot while the oven is hot or while the door is partially closed.

Prepare your lighting tool and gather what you need

A long match or long-reach lighter is essential because the pilot opening is often several inches inside the oven, and a standard match will burn down before you can hold it in place long enough. Long fireplace matches or grill lighters work well. If you do not have either, a thin stick or wooden skewer wrapped with a small amount of cloth and dipped in lighter fluid can work in a pinch, though this is less reliable.

Have your lighting tool ready before you open the oven door. Some people also keep a small flashlight nearby so they can see the pilot opening clearly, especially if the oven interior is dark. This makes it easier to position the flame correctly on the first try.

Press the ignition button and hold the flame steady

Once you are ready, hold the long match or lighter so the flame points directly into the pilot opening. At the same time, press and hold the ignition button. The button is usually located on the outside of the oven, near the temperature dial or on the front panel. On some older models, there is no separate button — you straightforward hold the match to the pilot and it lights from the flame alone.

Keep the flame in the pilot opening and the button pressed for the full 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up enough to sense the flame and keep the gas valve open. If you release the button too soon, the pilot will go out as soon as you remove the flame. You should see a small blue flame appear at the pilot opening; if the flame is yellow or orange, the pilot may not be getting enough air, but it should still stay lit once the thermocouple is warm.

Release the button and check that the pilot stays lit

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the ignition button while keeping the match or lighter in place for a few more seconds. The pilot flame should remain lit even after you let go of the button. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple did not warm up enough — wait five minutes and try again.

Once the pilot is lit and holding steady, remove the match or lighter and close the oven door. The pilot should burn continuously now, and you can turn the temperature dial to your desired setting to heat the oven. If the pilot goes out after you close the door, there may be a draft issue or the thermocouple may be failing, and you should contact a repair technician.

Troubleshoot if the pilot will not light

If the pilot does not light on your first attempt, the most common cause is that the opening is blocked by dust, debris, or old carbon buildup. Use a thin wire, a straightened paperclip, or a needle to gently clear the opening. Do not force anything into it — just carefully remove any visible blockage. Then wait five minutes and try lighting again.

Another reason the pilot may not light is that gas is not reaching it. If you smell gas but the pilot will not catch, turn off the oven when ready and do not try again. This can indicate a gas leak or a problem with the valve. Open a window and contact a repair technician or your gas company. If you do not smell gas at all, the gas supply to the oven may be shut off — check the valve on the gas line behind or below the oven to make sure it is open.

Know when to call a repair technician

If the pilot lights but goes out within a few seconds, the thermocouple is likely worn out and needs replacement. This is not something to fix yourself — a technician can replace it in about an hour. If the pilot will not light after three careful attempts and you have cleared the opening, the ignition button may be faulty or the gas line may have a deeper problem. Again, contact a technician rather than continuing to try.

If you smell gas but cannot see or light the pilot, or if the pilot lights but the main burner will not ignite when you turn the temperature dial, stop using the oven and call for service. These are signs of a malfunction that requires professional diagnosis and repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button after the pilot lights?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too soon, the pilot will go out when you remove the flame.

What if I smell gas but do not see a flame?

Stop when ready and do not try again. Turn off the oven, open a window, and contact your gas company or a repair technician. A gas smell without a flame can indicate a leak or a valve problem that needs professional attention.

Can I use a regular match instead of a long match?

A regular match will work, but you risk burning your fingers because the flame will reach your hand before you can hold it in the pilot opening long enough. A long fireplace match or grill lighter is much safer and more reliable.

Why does the pilot go out right after I close the oven door?

A draft from closing the door can blow out a weak pilot flame, or the thermocouple may not have warmed up fully. Wait five minutes and try again, holding the button for the full 60 seconds. If it keeps happening, the thermocouple may be failing and needs replacement.

How often do I need to relight the pilot?

Once lit, a pilot should stay on continuously. If it goes out regularly, the thermocouple is probably wearing out. If it only goes out after a power outage or a long period of non-use, relighting it is normal — just follow the steps again.