The basic steps to relight your pilot
To relight a gas stove pilot, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" or "Off" position, hold a long lighter or lit match to the pilot opening (a small brass tube near the burner), and press the ignition button or turn the knob to "Ignite" while the flame is near the opening. Hold the knob in the pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches — this keeps the thermocouple warm enough to stay lit. Then turn the knob to "On" to resume normal operation.
The exact location of the pilot opening and the name of the control positions vary by stove model, so check your owner's manual first. Most modern stoves have the pilot opening on the front or side of the burner assembly, visible as a small hole or tube. Older stoves may have the pilot in a less obvious spot underneath the cooktop.
If the pilot will not stay lit after you release the knob, or if it lights but goes out when you turn to "On", the thermocouple (a heat-sensing safety device) may be failing. This is a sign to call a technician rather than attempt a repair yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to "Pilot" or "Off", then use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot flame while pressing the ignition button or turning to "Ignite".
- Hold the knob in the pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches to allow the thermocouple to warm up and keep the pilot lit.
- If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the knob or turn to "On", the thermocouple is likely worn and needs replacement by a technician.
- Always consult your stove's owner's manual for the exact location of the pilot opening and the correct control positions, as these vary by model.
- Never force the knob or explore excessive pressure — if it resists, stop and contact a repair professional.
Locating the pilot opening on your stove
The pilot opening is a small brass or steel tube, usually about the diameter of a toothpick. On most modern stoves, it sits on the front or side of the burner assembly, close to where the main flame comes out. Look for a small hole or a tube that points slightly downward — this is where the pilot flame burns.
If you cannot find it by looking, open your owner's manual and search for "pilot light" or "pilot burner." The manual will include a diagram showing the exact location for your model. If you no longer have the manual, search online for your stove's brand and model number (usually printed on a label inside the oven or on the back of the unit) plus "pilot light location."
On some older stoves, the pilot may be underneath the cooktop, accessed by lifting the burner grates and the cooktop itself. Do not attempt this unless you are comfortable working inside the stove — if you are unsure, call a technician.
What to use to light the pilot
A long lighter (the kind used for candles or fireplaces) is the safest and easiest tool. It keeps your hand far enough from the pilot opening that you will not burn yourself if the flame ignites suddenly. A long match works too, though it is harder to hold steady and burns down quickly.
Do not use a short match or a regular lighter — your hand will be too close to the opening, and you risk a burn. If you do not have a long lighter, buy one at any grocery store, hardware store, or drugstore for a few dollars. It is worth the small cost.
Before you light anything, make sure the area around the stove is clear of loose fabric, paper, or other flammable items. Open a window or door to may support good ventilation, especially if you have to try multiple times.
The ignition button and control knob positions
Most modern gas stoves have an ignition button near the control knob — it may be labeled "Ignite," "Spark," or straightforward have a lightning bolt symbol. When you press this button, it creates a spark near the pilot opening. Some stoves have an automatic spark that fires when you turn the knob to "Ignite," so you do not need to press a separate button.
The control knob usually has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." On some models, "Pilot" and "Ignite" are the same position. Turn the knob all the way to "Pilot" or "Off" first — this stops gas from flowing to the main burner and allows you to light only the pilot. Once the pilot is lit and holding steady, turn the knob to "On" to resume normal cooking.
If your stove has a different layout, the owner's manual will show the exact positions and what each one does. Do not guess — using the wrong position can flood the stove with gas or prevent the pilot from lighting.
Why the pilot goes out and when to call a technician
A pilot light can go out for several reasons: a draft from an open window or door, a buildup of dust or debris in the pilot opening, or a failing thermocouple (the safety device that senses the pilot flame and keeps the gas valve open). If the pilot lights easily and stays lit when you hold the knob, but goes out as soon as you release it, the thermocouple is almost certainly the problem.
If the pilot will not light at all, even after several tries, the issue may be a clogged pilot opening, a gas supply problem, or a faulty ignition system. Try cleaning the pilot opening gently with a thin wire or needle — sometimes dust blocks the flame. If that does not work, or if you are not comfortable doing it, call a technician.
Do not attempt to replace the thermocouple yourself unless you have experience with gas appliances. A technician can do it in 30 minutes to an hour and will test the stove afterward to make sure it is safe. The cost is usually between $150 and $300, depending on your area and the stove model.
Safety steps to follow every time
Before you light the pilot, turn off all the burners and the oven. Make sure the stove has been off for at least five minutes so any residual gas can clear. Open a window or door to the kitchen for ventilation — you should never light a pilot in a sealed room.
Never force the control knob. If it feels stuck or resists turning, stop when ready and call a technician. Forcing it can damage the valve or create a gas leak. If you smell gas at any point — a strong rotten-egg odor — stop what you are doing, leave the kitchen, and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not use the stove again until a technician has checked it.
After the pilot is lit and you have turned the knob to "On," test one of the burners to make sure it ignites normally. If it does not, or if you smell gas, turn everything off and call for service. A stove that will not ignite properly is not safe to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the knob in the pilot position?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame catches. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release the knob too soon, the pilot will go out. If it still goes out after a full minute, the thermocouple is likely failing and needs replacement.
What if the pilot lights but I cannot see the flame?
The pilot flame is small — about the size of a grain of rice — and can be hard to see in bright light. Turn off the kitchen lights or close the curtains to see it better. If you still cannot see a flame after holding the lighter to the opening for several seconds, the pilot did not ignite. Try again, making sure the lighter is directly over the opening and the ignition button is pressed.
Can I light the pilot if the stove is in use for cooking?
No. Always turn off all burners and the oven first, and wait at least five minutes for any gas to clear. Lighting the pilot while the stove is in use is dangerous and can cause a flare-up or explosion.
Is it normal for the pilot to go out sometimes?
An occasional pilot outage from a strong draft or a bump to the stove is normal. If it goes out regularly, or if it goes out every time you turn the knob to "On," the thermocouple is wearing out and should be replaced soon. Do not wait — a failing thermocouple can leave the stove unsafe to use.
What should I do if I smell gas while lighting the pilot?
Stop when ready, turn the control knob to "Off," and leave the kitchen. Open windows and doors to ventilate. Call your gas company's emergency line — do not use the stove again until a technician has inspected it. A gas smell during pilot lighting usually means gas is leaking from the valve or the line, which is a safety hazard.