Light the pilot by hand if your stove has no ignition button
If your gas stove has a pilot light but no electric ignition system, you will light it by hand using a long lighter or match. Turn the oven knob to the lowest setting, hold a flame near the pilot opening (usually a small hole at the base of the burner assembly inside the oven), and wait for the flame to catch. Once lit, keep the knob turned in for 30 to 60 seconds while holding the flame steady — this warms a thermocouple that tells the gas valve to stay open. Release the knob slowly. If the flame goes out, wait five minutes for gas to clear, then try again.
The pilot opening is often marked on the oven interior or in your manual. If you cannot locate it, look for a small brass or steel tube near the bottom of the oven box, usually on the left or right side. Some stoves have the pilot positioned under the oven, accessible from below through a panel or opening in the base cabinet.
Use the ignition button if your stove has one
Newer gas stoves often have a push-button or turn-button igniter that lights the pilot automatically. Turn the oven knob to the lowest setting, then press or turn the ignition button repeatedly — you should hear a clicking sound and see a spark near the pilot opening. Continue clicking for 10 to 15 seconds. The pilot should light; once it does, stop clicking and hold the knob in for 30 to 60 seconds as described above.
If the igniter clicks but produces no spark, or if you hear the spark but the pilot will not light, the igniter may be wet or blocked. Let the oven sit for 15 minutes with the door open to dry out any moisture, then try again. If the pilot still will not light after three attempts, stop and wait five minutes before trying a third time — repeated attempts can flood the oven with gas.
Key Takeaways
- Manual pilot lights require a long lighter or match held at the pilot opening while you turn the oven knob to the lowest setting and hold it for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Button igniters produce a clicking spark; press or turn repeatedly for 10 to 15 seconds while the knob is at the lowest setting.
- After the pilot lights, hold the knob in place for 30 to 60 seconds to warm the thermocouple and keep the gas valve open.
- If the pilot goes out when ready after you release the knob, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement — wait five minutes and try again before calling a technician.
- Always wait five minutes between attempts to let any accumulated gas clear from the oven.
Locate the pilot opening before you start
The pilot opening is a small hole or tube, usually brass or steel, positioned at the base of the oven interior. On most stoves it sits on the left or right side of the oven box, close to the bottom. Some models place it under the oven, requiring you to remove a panel from the base cabinet or reach up from below. Check your manual or the inside of the oven door for a diagram — many manufacturers label the pilot location.
If you cannot find the pilot from inside the oven, look for a small access panel on the front of the stove base or on the side. Some stoves have the pilot assembly mounted on an external tube that runs along the back or side of the oven. If you are still unsure, take a photo of the oven interior and the stove base, then search online for your stove model number — manufacturer websites often show the pilot location in their manuals.
What to do if the pilot will not stay lit
A pilot that lights but goes out when you release the knob usually means the thermocouple is not warming properly. The thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and signals the gas valve to stay open. If it is dirty, bent, or failing, the valve closes as soon as you let go of the knob. Try lighting the pilot again and holding the knob in for a full 60 seconds instead of 30 — sometimes a longer hold is enough to warm the thermocouple fully.
If the pilot still goes out, the thermocouple may need cleaning. Turn off the gas at the stove knob, wait five minutes, then use a dry cloth or soft brush to gently wipe the tip of the thermocouple where it sits in the flame. Do not use water or solvents. Light the pilot again. If it still will not hold, the thermocouple is likely worn out and needs replacement — this is a job for a technician, as it requires disconnecting gas lines.
Safety steps before you light
Before lighting the pilot, make sure the oven has been off for at least five minutes. This clears any gas that may have accumulated. Open the oven door fully and, if possible, open a window or door in the kitchen to allow ventilation. Do not attempt to light the pilot if you smell gas — turn off the oven knob, leave the kitchen, and call your gas company or a technician.
Keep your face and hands clear of the oven opening when lighting. If you are using a match or lighter, use a long one designed for lighting candles or grills, not a short kitchen match. Never use a cigarette lighter or your fingers to reach into the oven. If you have long hair, tie it back before you begin.
When to call a technician instead
If the igniter button clicks but produces no spark, or if you see a spark but the pilot will not light after three separate attempts (with five minutes between each), the igniter or pilot assembly likely needs professional service. Do not keep trying — repeated attempts waste gas and create a safety hazard.
Also call a technician if you smell gas during or after lighting, if the pilot flame is very small or yellow instead of blue, or if the oven temperature will not hold steady once the pilot is lit. These are signs of a gas leak, clogged burner, or faulty valve — all of which require professional repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the oven knob in after the pilot lights?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This warms the thermocouple, which tells the gas valve to stay open. If you release too quickly, the pilot may go out. If it still goes out after a full 60 seconds, the thermocouple may be failing and needs cleaning or replacement.
What does the pilot flame look like when it is lit correctly?
A healthy pilot flame is blue with a small yellow tip, about half an inch to one inch tall. If the flame is very small, mostly yellow, or orange, the pilot opening or burner may be clogged with dust or debris. Turn off the gas, wait five minutes, and gently clean the opening with a dry cloth or soft brush.
Can I light the pilot if I smell a little gas?
No. A slight gas smell usually means gas is leaking from the valve or line. Turn off the oven knob, leave the kitchen, open windows, and call your gas company or a technician. Do not attempt to light the pilot until the leak is found and fixed.
Why does my pilot light go out right after I release the knob?
The thermocouple is not warming enough to keep the gas valve open. Try holding the knob for a full 60 seconds next time. If that does not work, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing. Clean it gently with a dry cloth, or call a technician if cleaning does not help.
Do I need to relight the pilot every time I use the oven?
No. Once the pilot is lit, it should stay on continuously. If it goes out frequently, the thermocouple is likely worn or the gas valve is faulty. A technician can diagnose and repair the problem.