Lighting the Pilot Light: The Basic Steps

To light the pilot light on a Goodman furnace, turn the gas control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while holding a lit match or lighter to the pilot burner opening for 30 to 60 seconds, then release the button and turn the knob to "On." The pilot flame should stay lit once you release the button. If it goes out when ready, wait five minutes and repeat the process—the thermocouple (a safety sensor near the flame) needs time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open.

The entire process takes about two minutes. Most Goodman furnaces have the gas control knob and pilot burner assembly on the front of the furnace, usually near the bottom. If you cannot locate these parts, check your furnace manual or look for a label on the furnace itself that shows their location.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the gas control knob to "Pilot," press the ignition button, and hold a flame to the pilot burner opening for 30 to 60 seconds until the pilot light ignites.
  • After the pilot ignites, keep holding the button for another 30 seconds so the thermocouple heats up and holds the gas valve open.
  • If the pilot light goes out when you release the button, wait five minutes and try again—do not attempt more than three times in a row.
  • If the pilot light will not stay lit after three attempts, the thermocouple or gas valve may need replacement, and you should contact a technician.
  • Never force the gas control knob or ignition button, and do not use a match or lighter if you smell gas—leave the furnace area and call your gas company.

Locate the Gas Control Knob and Pilot Burner

On most Goodman furnaces, the gas control knob is a round dial mounted on the front of the furnace, usually in the lower half. It has three positions marked "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Next to or below the knob, you will see a small button labeled "Ignition" or sometimes just a red or black push button. The pilot burner opening is a small metal tube or orifice, typically located just below or to the side of the ignition button.

If you cannot find these components, look for a diagram printed on the furnace door or on a label stuck to the furnace cabinet. Goodman furnaces often have this information on the front panel. If the label is missing or unreadable, your furnace manual will show the exact location—you can find the manual online by searching for your furnace model number, which is printed on a nameplate on the furnace itself.

Turn the Knob to Pilot and Press the Ignition Button

Turn the gas control knob clockwise or counterclockwise until it points to "Pilot." You should feel a slight click or resistance as it locks into position. Do not force it—the knob should move smoothly. Once the knob is set to "Pilot," press and hold the ignition button. You may hear a clicking sound as the ignition system tries to spark.

Keep the button pressed down while you bring a lit match or lighter to the pilot burner opening. Hold the flame about one-quarter inch away from the opening. The pilot flame should ignite within a few seconds. Once it does, continue holding the ignition button for another 30 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up enough to signal the gas valve that the pilot is burning, which keeps the valve open when you release the button.

Release the Button and Turn the Knob to On

After holding the ignition button for 30 seconds, release it slowly. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it stays on, turn the gas control knob from "Pilot" to "On." The main burner should ignite within a few seconds, and you should hear the furnace begin to run. If the main burner does not ignite, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and repeat the process from the beginning.

If the pilot light goes out as soon as you release the button, wait five minutes before trying again. The thermocouple may not have heated up enough on the first attempt. After waiting, repeat the entire process. If the pilot light goes out again when ready, wait another five minutes and try a third time. If it still will not stay lit after three attempts, stop and contact a technician—the thermocouple or gas valve likely needs replacement.

What to Do If the Pilot Light Will Not Stay Lit

If you have tried lighting the pilot three times and it keeps going out, the thermocouple is probably faulty. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal when heated. If this signal is weak or absent, the gas valve will not stay open. A faulty thermocouple cannot be repaired—it must be replaced by a technician.

Another possible cause is a blocked pilot burner opening. If dust or debris has clogged the opening, the pilot flame may be too weak to heat the thermocouple properly. You can try gently blowing compressed air into the opening to clear it, but if that does not work, a technician should clean or replace the pilot burner assembly. Do not try to poke anything into the opening, as you may damage the burner.

Safety Precautions Before You Start

Before you attempt to light the pilot, smell the air around the furnace. If you detect a strong rotten-egg or sulfur smell, this indicates a gas leak. Do not light the pilot. Leave the furnace area when ready, go outside, and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not use any electrical switches or create sparks, as gas in the air can ignite.

Make sure the furnace area is well-ventilated and that nothing is blocking the furnace vents or air intake. Keep loose clothing, hair, and hands clear of the pilot burner opening while you are lighting it. If you have a pacemaker or other medical device that may be affected by the ignition system's electrical spark, stand back from the furnace while the ignition button is being pressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button down?

Hold the button for 30 seconds after the pilot flame ignites. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release the button too early, the pilot light will go out.

What if I smell gas while trying to light the pilot?

Stop when ready and leave the furnace area. Go outside and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not try to light the pilot again until a technician has checked the furnace for leaks.

Can I use an electronic igniter instead of a match or lighter?

Some Goodman furnaces have a built-in electronic igniter that sparks when you press the ignition button. If your furnace has one, you do not need a match or lighter—just press the button and hold it. If your furnace does not have an electronic igniter, you must use a match or lighter.

How often do I need to light the pilot light?

Under normal conditions, the pilot light should stay lit all season once you light it. You should only need to light it once per heating season, usually in the fall. If the pilot light goes out frequently, the thermocouple or gas valve may be failing and should be inspected by a technician.

What is the thermocouple and why does it matter?

The thermocouple is a safety device that detects when the pilot flame is burning. It generates a small electrical signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. If the thermocouple fails, the gas valve closes automatically, shutting off gas to the furnace. This prevents gas from flowing into the furnace if the pilot light goes out.