Light the pilot by holding the igniter button while aiming a flame at the burner opening

To light a gas oven pilot, you need a long lighter or long match, access to the pilot opening (usually under the oven or inside the firebox), and steady hands. The process takes about 30 seconds. Hold the igniter button down—this opens the gas valve—while you direct the flame from your lighter into the pilot opening. You should see a small blue flame catch within a few seconds. Keep holding the button for another 10 to 15 seconds after the flame appears, then release. The pilot should stay lit on its own.

If you have an electric igniter button on the oven itself, press and hold that instead of using an external flame. Some ovens have both options; the electric igniter is easier and safer if it works. If the electric igniter clicks but produces no spark, or if you see no spark near the pilot opening, the igniter is faulty and you will need to use a lighter or match instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Locate the pilot opening before you start—it is usually a small hole under the oven or inside the firebox near the back, marked with a label or diagram in your manual.
  • Hold down the igniter button or knob while directing a flame into the pilot opening; the gas will flow only while the button is pressed.
  • Keep the flame steady in the opening for 3 to 5 seconds until you see the pilot light catch, then hold the button for another 10 to 15 seconds to let the thermocouple warm up.
  • If the pilot goes out when ready after you release the button, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty, and you should clean or replace it.
  • Never force the igniter button or turn the gas knob past the pilot position; doing so can flood the oven with gas and create a fire hazard.

Find the pilot opening and gas control knob

The pilot opening is a small hole, usually 1/8 inch in diameter, located under the oven or inside the firebox. Check your oven manual first—most include a diagram showing the exact location. If you do not have the manual, look under the oven for a removable panel or access door. Remove it carefully and look for a small brass or steel tube with a tiny opening at the end. You may see a label that says "Pilot" or a diagram showing a flame.

Next to or below the pilot opening, you will find the gas control knob. It usually has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and a temperature setting (like "350°F"). Turn the knob to "Pilot" before you attempt to light. This position opens the gas valve to the pilot only, not to the main burner. If you turn it past "Pilot" to a temperature setting, gas will flow to both the pilot and the main burner, which can cause a dangerous flare-up.

Gather a long lighter or long match

Use a long lighter designed for grills or fireplaces, or a long fireplace match. A regular kitchen lighter or short match will not reach the pilot opening safely, and you risk burning your hand or arm. Long lighters are inexpensive and available at hardware stores, grocery stores, and online. Fireplace matches are also common and work just as well.

Test your lighter or matches before you start. Make sure the lighter produces a steady flame and the matches strike cleanly. If the lighter is low on fuel or the matches are damp, replace them. A weak flame will not ignite the pilot reliably, and you may waste time and gas trying.

Press the igniter button and direct the flame

Hold the gas control knob in the "Pilot" position with one hand. With your other hand, press and hold the igniter button (or knob, depending on your oven model). You should hear a faint hiss as gas flows to the pilot. If your oven has an electric igniter, you will hear a clicking sound and may see a small spark near the pilot opening.

While holding the button down, bring the flame from your lighter or match to the pilot opening. Aim the tip of the flame directly into the hole. Hold it steady for 3 to 5 seconds. You should see a small blue flame ignite at the opening. If nothing happens after 5 seconds, remove the flame, release the button, wait 10 seconds for gas to clear, and try again. Do not hold the flame in place for more than 10 seconds without success, as this wastes gas and can create a buildup.

Hold the button down after the pilot ignites

Once the pilot flame appears, keep holding the igniter button down for another 10 to 15 seconds. This allows the thermocouple—a safety device that senses heat from the pilot—to warm up. The thermocouple tells the gas valve to stay open. If you release the button too soon, the valve closes and the pilot goes out.

After 10 to 15 seconds, slowly release the button. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty. Wait 30 seconds, then try again. If it fails a second time, see the troubleshooting section below.

Turn the knob to your desired temperature

Once the pilot is lit and holding steady, turn the gas control knob from "Pilot" to your desired oven temperature. The main burner should ignite with a soft whoosh sound. You may see a brief orange or yellow flame at first as the burner warms up; this is normal. Within a few seconds, the flame should settle into a steady blue color.

If the main burner does not ignite, turn the knob back to "Off," wait 30 seconds, and try again. If it still does not light, the main burner ports may be clogged or the igniter may need cleaning. Do not attempt to force the knob or hold it in place; this can damage the valve.

Troubleshoot a pilot that will not stay lit

If the pilot goes out as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple is usually the problem. Turn off the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Remove the access panel under the oven if you have not already. Locate the thermocouple—it is a thin metal rod, usually 4 to 6 inches long, positioned near the pilot opening with a wire running from it.

Use a soft cloth or fine steel wool to gently clean the tip of the thermocouple where it sits closest to the pilot flame. Dirt and carbon buildup prevent it from sensing heat. Wipe away any debris, then reassemble the panel and try lighting the pilot again. If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may be bent or faulty and will need to be replaced. This is a common repair that takes 10 to 15 minutes with basic tools.

If the pilot lights but the main burner will not ignite, the problem is usually a clogged burner port. Turn off the oven and let it cool completely. Use a straightened paperclip or a thin needle to carefully clear any debris from the small holes in the burner. Do this gently to avoid enlarging the holes. Reassemble and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I smell gas but the pilot won't light?

Turn the gas control knob to "Off" when ready and do not try again. Open windows to ventilate the room. Gas may be leaking from the valve or line. Wait 10 minutes, then call a gas technician or your utility company's emergency line. Do not use the oven until it has been inspected.

Can I light the pilot with the oven door closed?

Yes, if you have access to the pilot opening from underneath or from inside the firebox. You do not need to open the oven door. However, if your oven design requires you to reach the pilot from inside, open the door slightly and work carefully to avoid burns from the interior surfaces.

How long should the pilot flame be?

A healthy pilot flame is about 1 to 2 inches tall and solid blue. If it is yellow or orange, the air-to-gas ratio is off and the burner may need adjustment by a technician. If it is very small or flickers constantly, the thermocouple may be failing or the gas pressure may be low.

What if the electric igniter sparks but the pilot still won't light?

The spark may not be reaching the pilot opening, or the gas valve may not be opening. Try using a long lighter or match instead. If the pilot lights with a flame but not with the electric igniter, the igniter is faulty and should be replaced. If neither works, the gas valve itself may be stuck and will need professional service.

Is it safe to light the pilot myself, or should I call a technician?

Lighting the pilot yourself is safe if you follow the steps carefully and use a long lighter. However, if the pilot will not stay lit after two attempts, if you smell gas, or if you are uncomfortable working with gas appliances, call a technician. A service call costs less than an unsafe repair attempt.