The basic steps to light an oven pilot
To light your oven pilot light, first turn off the gas at the control knob and wait five minutes for any gas to clear. Then locate the pilot light opening—usually a small hole near the bottom front of the oven, inside the combustion chamber. Hold a long lighter or lit match near the opening while slowly turning the gas control knob to the pilot position. You should see a small blue flame ignite within a few seconds. Once lit, keep the knob in the pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds, then turn it to the on position for normal cooking.
If the pilot does not light on the first try, turn the knob back to off, wait another minute, and repeat. Do not hold the knob in pilot position for more than a minute without a flame appearing—this allows unburned gas to accumulate, which is a safety hazard. If the pilot still will not light after three attempts, stop and check for other problems before trying again.
Key Takeaways
- Always turn off the gas and wait five minutes before attempting to light the pilot to clear any buildup.
- Use a long lighter or long match to reach the pilot opening safely without burning your hand.
- Hold the gas knob in the pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears to let the thermocouple heat up.
- If the pilot does not light after three attempts, stop and investigate the cause rather than continuing to introduce gas into the oven.
Finding the pilot light opening on your oven
The pilot opening is usually a small hole or tube pointing downward, located near the bottom front of the oven interior. On some models it sits just inside the oven door frame; on others it is further back along the floor of the combustion chamber. Check your oven's manual for the exact location—the diagram will show you precisely where to look. If you do not have the manual, search online for your oven's model number (usually found on a sticker inside the oven or on the back of the unit) plus the words "pilot light location".
Before you begin, make sure the oven is completely cool and the kitchen is well-ventilated. Remove any racks or debris from the oven floor so you have a clear view and safe access to the pilot opening. A flashlight helps you see inside the oven more clearly.
Preparing your oven and gathering tools
You will need a long lighter (the kind made for grills or fireplaces) or a long wooden match. A regular kitchen match or lighter will not reach far enough into the oven without risking your fingers. If you do not have a long lighter, you can buy one at any hardware store or supermarket for a few dollars. Keep it within arm's reach before you start.
Turn the gas control knob to the off position and leave it there for at least five minutes. This allows any gas that may have accumulated inside the oven to disperse. Open the oven door fully and, if your kitchen has a window, open it as well. Do not skip the waiting period—it is the most important safety step in this process.
Lighting the pilot: the step-by-step process
Once you have waited five minutes, light your long lighter or match and hold the flame near the pilot opening. At the same time, turn the gas control knob slowly to the pilot position. The pilot position is usually marked on the knob and sits between off and the numbered cooking temperatures. As soon as you see the small blue flame ignite at the pilot opening, keep the knob in that position.
Hold the knob in the pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds. During this time, the thermocouple—a safety device that senses heat—warms up and signals the gas valve to stay open. If you release the knob too soon, the flame will go out because the thermocouple has not heated enough yet. After 60 seconds, turn the knob to the on position (or to a cooking temperature if you want to use the oven right away). The main burner should light, and the pilot flame will remain burning underneath.
What to do if the pilot will not light
If you do not see a flame after 30 seconds of holding the knob in the pilot position, turn it back to off when ready. Wait one full minute, then try again. Repeat this process up to three times total. If the pilot still does not light, stop attempting and investigate the cause.
The most common reasons a pilot will not light are a clogged pilot opening, a faulty thermocouple, or a problem with the gas supply itself. A clogged opening can sometimes be cleared by gently blowing into it or using a thin wire or needle to dislodge debris, but be careful not to damage the opening. If you suspect a gas supply problem—for example, if you smell gas but see no flame—turn off the gas at the main valve and call a professional technician. Do not attempt further repairs on your own.
When to call a professional technician
If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely faulty and needs replacement. This is not a repair you should attempt yourself. Similarly, if you smell gas inside the oven or around the control area but the pilot will not light, there may be a leak or a problem with the gas valve. Turn off the gas when ready and contact a licensed appliance repair technician or your gas company's emergency line.
If the pilot lights and stays lit, but the main burner does not ignite when you turn the knob to on, the ignition system may need adjustment or repair. Again, this requires professional service. A technician can also replace the thermocouple, clean the pilot opening properly, or diagnose gas supply issues safely.
Maintaining your pilot light so it stays lit
Once your pilot is burning steadily, keep the oven door closed as much as possible during cooking. Frequent opening and closing can blow out the pilot flame, especially in drafty kitchens. If you live in a very windy area or your kitchen has strong air currents, you may find the pilot goes out more often than usual. In that case, a professional can install a wind guard or adjust the pilot flame to be more stable.
Check the pilot flame occasionally when you use the oven. It should be a steady, small blue flame with a slightly darker blue cone at the center. If the flame is yellow, orange, or flickering badly, the opening may be clogged with dust or debris. Turn off the gas, wait five minutes, and gently blow into the opening to clear it. If the flame does not improve after cleaning, call a technician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I light the pilot with the oven door closed?
No. You need to see the pilot opening clearly and reach it safely with your lighter or match. Always light the pilot with the oven door fully open. Once the pilot is lit and you have confirmed it is burning, you can close the door.
What does the pilot position on the knob look like?
The pilot position is usually marked with the word "pilot" or a small flame symbol on the knob itself. It sits between the off position and the lowest cooking temperature. Consult your oven manual if you are unsure which position is pilot on your specific model.
Is it safe to smell gas while lighting the pilot?
A faint gas smell during the lighting process is normal because gas is flowing to the pilot. However, if the smell is strong, or if it persists after the pilot is lit, turn off the gas and ventilate the kitchen. A strong smell may indicate a leak or a problem with the gas supply, and you should contact your gas company or a technician.
How long should I hold the knob in pilot position?
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 it too soon, the flame will go out. If you hold it longer than 60 seconds without a flame appearing, turn it off and wait before trying again.
What if the pilot lights but the main burner does not?
Turn the knob to the on position or to a cooking temperature. The main burner should ignite from the pilot flame. If it does not, turn everything off and wait a minute, then try again. If the main burner still does not light after two attempts, stop and call a technician—there may be a problem with the ignition system or gas valve.