The basic steps to light a gas oven pilot
To light the pilot light on a gas oven, you will need to locate the pilot assembly (usually a small tube near the bottom of the oven), hold down the ignition button or knob while holding a lit match or lighter to the pilot opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. The pilot should stay lit once you release the button. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple—a safety device that senses heat—may need cleaning or replacement.
The exact location and method vary by oven model. Some ovens have an electric igniter button you press; others require you to manually light the pilot with a match. Check your oven's manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model number to find the exact procedure and diagram.
Key Takeaways
- Most gas ovens have a pilot light assembly at the bottom front of the oven, accessible by opening the door and looking near the burner area.
- You must hold down the ignition control knob or button while lighting the pilot, then keep it pressed for 30 to 60 seconds to let the thermocouple heat up.
- If the pilot light will not stay lit after you release the button, the thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty and needs cleaning or replacement.
- Never force the ignition knob or button; if it feels stuck, stop and consult your manual or a technician rather than risk damaging the control valve.
Locating the pilot light assembly on your oven
Open the oven door fully and look at the bottom front area, usually near the left or right side. The pilot assembly is a small metal tube, often with a tiny opening at the end. On some models it sits inside a small metal box or housing. If you cannot see it from the front, you may need to remove the oven's bottom panel—consult your manual for the correct way to do this without damaging wiring or gas lines.
Write down your oven's model number (usually found on a sticker inside the oven or on the back) and search the manufacturer's website for a diagram. This takes five minutes and shows you exactly where the pilot sits on your model, saving time and frustration.
Preparing to light the pilot: safety and tools
Before you begin, turn off the oven's gas supply at the control knob and wait five minutes for any gas to clear. Do not light the pilot when ready after the oven has been running or recently turned off. Open a window or door to may support ventilation, and keep children and pets away from the oven during the process.
Gather a long lighter or long-handled match—a regular match or lighter may not reach the pilot opening safely, and you do not want your hand too close to the ignition point. A long-reach butane lighter (the kind used for candles) works well. Do not use a stove burner to light a match and then bring it to the pilot; this is awkward and unsafe.
The lighting process step by step
Locate the ignition control knob or button on the oven's front panel. This is usually labeled "Pilot" or "Ignite" and is separate from the temperature dial. Turn the knob to the "Pilot" position if it has one, or press and hold the ignition button if your oven has an electric igniter.
While holding the knob or button down, bring your lit match or lighter to the pilot opening and hold the flame near the opening for a few seconds. You should see a small blue flame ignite at the pilot tube. Once the flame appears, keep the knob or button pressed for another 30 to 60 seconds—this allows the thermocouple to heat up enough to sense the flame and keep the gas valve open.
After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob or button. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out within a few seconds, wait a minute for the thermocouple to cool, then repeat the process. If it goes out again, the thermocouple likely needs cleaning or replacement.
What to do if the pilot light will not stay lit
A pilot that lights but when ready goes out usually means the thermocouple is not sensing the heat properly. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and sends a signal to the gas valve to stay open. If it is dirty, bent, or faulty, the valve closes as soon as you release the button.
The first step is to clean the thermocouple. Turn off the gas, let the oven cool, and locate the thermocouple—it is the thin rod sitting in or very near the pilot flame. Gently rub the tip with fine steel wool or a soft cloth to remove any soot or buildup. Do not bend or force it. Turn the gas back on and try lighting the pilot again.
If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may be bent or faulty and will need replacement. This is a straightforward part to buy (usually $15 to $30) and to install, but if you are not comfortable working with gas lines, a technician can do it in under an hour. Do not continue using the oven if the pilot will not stay lit, as the oven will not heat properly.
When to call a technician instead
If the ignition knob feels stuck or stiff, do not force it—this can damage the control valve. If you smell gas while attempting to light the pilot, turn off the gas when ready, open windows, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency line or a licensed technician.
If the pilot lights and stays lit but the oven does not heat when you turn it to a temperature, the problem is not the pilot light itself; the main burner valve may be faulty. This requires a technician. Similarly, if you have replaced the thermocouple and the pilot still will not stay lit, the control valve itself may be the issue and will need professional service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the ignition button down?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too early, the flame will go out. If you hold it longer, it does not hurt, but 60 seconds is usually enough.
Can I light the pilot with a match instead of a lighter?
Yes, but use a long-handled match or a long-reach lighter to keep your hand safely away from the ignition point. A regular match may not reach far enough, and you risk burning your hand or the match going out before it reaches the pilot opening.
What does the thermocouple do?
The thermocouple is a safety device that senses the heat of the pilot flame. When it detects heat, it signals the gas valve to stay open. If the pilot goes out, the thermocouple cools and the valve closes, stopping gas flow. This prevents gas from building up in the oven if the pilot flame is extinguished.
Is it normal for the pilot light to go out sometimes?
Occasional outages from drafts or wind are normal, but if it goes out regularly or will not stay lit after you light it, the thermocouple needs cleaning or replacement. A working pilot should stay lit indefinitely once you release the ignition button.
What if my oven has an electric igniter instead of a manual pilot?
Some newer gas ovens have an electric igniter that lights the pilot automatically when you press a button. If the button does not produce a spark or clicking sound, the igniter may be faulty and will need replacement. Consult your manual for the exact procedure for your model.