Lighting a Gas Oven Pilot Light
To light the pilot on a gas stove oven, you will need to locate the pilot light opening (usually a small hole near the burner or at the bottom of the oven), hold a lit match or lighter to it for 10 to 15 seconds while the gas flows, then release and watch for the flame to stay lit. The exact steps depend on whether your oven has a manual pilot light or an automatic ignition system — most modern ovens have automatic ignition and do not require manual lighting at all.
If your oven has a manual pilot light, the process is straightforward but requires care around an open flame. If you have an automatic ignition system and the oven is not heating, the problem is usually not the pilot light itself but a faulty igniter or a gas supply issue, which you cannot fix without a technician.
Key Takeaways
- Manual pilot lights require you to hold a flame to the pilot opening for 10 to 15 seconds while gas flows, then release to let the flame stay lit on its own.
- Most gas ovens made after 1990 have automatic ignition systems and do not have a pilot light you can light manually.
- If the oven does not heat after you light the pilot, the thermostat, gas valve, or igniter may be faulty and will need professional repair.
- Never force the gas knob or strike a match directly over the pilot opening — use a long lighter or long match to keep your hand away from the flame.
- If you smell gas but see no flame after 30 seconds, turn off the gas and wait five minutes before trying again.
Locate the Pilot Light Opening on Your Oven
The pilot light opening is a small hole, usually about the size of a pencil tip, located near the oven burner or at the bottom front of the oven interior. On most stoves, you will find it on the left or right side of the oven floor, close to where the burner sits. Check your oven's manual if you cannot spot it — the manual will show a diagram with the exact location for your model.
Before you begin, make sure the oven is completely cool and the gas knob is turned to the off position. Open the oven door fully so you have clear access to the pilot opening and can see the flame once it lights. If your oven has a removable bottom panel or grate, you may need to remove it first to reach the pilot light.
Turn the Gas Knob to the Pilot Position
Look at the oven temperature knob on the front of your stove. Most manual pilot ovens have a separate knob labeled "Pilot" or a setting on the main knob that says "Pilot" or shows a small flame symbol. Turn the knob to this position — you should hear a faint hissing sound as gas begins to flow to the pilot opening.
Do not turn the knob all the way to a temperature setting yet. The pilot position allows gas to flow without igniting the main burner. If you do not hear hissing within a few seconds, the gas supply to your oven may be shut off at the valve behind the stove, or the pilot line may be blocked. Check that the main gas valve (usually a lever-shaped handle on the gas line behind the stove) is turned parallel to the pipe, which means it is open.
Light the Pilot with a Match or Lighter
Use a long lighter or a long wooden match — never a short match or your fingers will get too close to the flame. Hold the flame directly over or into the pilot opening while gas is flowing. You should see the pilot flame ignite within 2 to 3 seconds. Keep the flame in place for 10 to 15 seconds after ignition so the pilot light has time to heat up and stay lit on its own.
If the flame goes out as soon as you remove the lighter, wait 30 seconds and try again. Sometimes the pilot needs a longer burn time to heat the thermocouple (a safety device that keeps the gas flowing). If it goes out a second time, turn the knob to off, wait five minutes, and try once more. If the pilot still will not stay lit after three attempts, the thermocouple may be faulty and will need replacement by a technician.
Turn the Knob to Your Desired Temperature
Once the pilot flame is burning steadily, turn the oven knob from the pilot position to your desired temperature — usually between 300 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. You should hear a louder whoosh as the main burner ignites. The oven will take 10 to 15 minutes to reach the set temperature.
If the main burner does not ignite after you turn the knob, turn it back to off and let the oven cool for a few minutes. Then repeat the pilot lighting process. If the pilot stays lit but the main burner still will not ignite, the burner itself may be clogged or the gas valve may be stuck — both are repairs that require a technician.
Troubleshooting a Pilot Light That Will Not Stay Lit
A pilot light that goes out when ready after you remove the flame usually means the thermocouple is not getting hot enough to signal the gas valve to stay open. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and heats up when the flame is present. If it does not reach the right temperature, the gas valve closes automatically for safety.
To test this, light the pilot and hold the flame in place for a full 30 seconds instead of 10 to 15. If it stays lit after 30 seconds, the thermocouple is working but slow — this is normal for an older oven. If it still goes out, the thermocouple may be bent away from the flame, clogged with dust, or faulty. A bent thermocouple can sometimes be gently straightened, but a faulty one must be replaced by a technician.
If you smell gas but the pilot will not light at all, the pilot opening may be clogged. Turn off the gas, wait five minutes, and use a thin needle or paperclip to gently clear the opening. Do not force it — if the clog does not clear easily, stop and call a technician.
When to Call a Technician Instead
If your oven has an automatic ignition system (most ovens made after 1990), there is no pilot light to light manually. If the oven is not heating, the problem is a faulty igniter, a broken gas valve, or a wiring issue — none of which you can fix yourself. Do not attempt to light a pilot on an automatic ignition oven, as there is no pilot to light.
You should also call a technician if gas is flowing to the pilot but will not ignite even after multiple attempts with a fresh lighter, if the pilot stays lit but the main burner will not turn on, or if you smell gas but cannot locate the source. A gas leak is a safety hazard and requires professional attention when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the flame to the pilot opening?
Hold the flame in place for 10 to 15 seconds after the pilot ignites. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up so the gas valve stays open. If the pilot goes out right away, try again and hold for 20 to 30 seconds on the next attempt.
What if I smell gas but do not see a flame?
Turn the knob to off when ready and wait five minutes for the gas to clear. Open a window. Then try lighting again with a fresh lighter. If you still smell gas after a second attempt, turn off the gas at the main valve behind the stove and call a technician — you may have a gas leak.
Can I use a regular match instead of a long lighter?
A long match works, but a long lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. If you use a short match, your fingers will be very close to the pilot opening when it ignites. A long lighter or long fireplace match is the better choice.
Why does the pilot light go out when I turn the knob to a temperature?
This usually means the thermocouple did not heat up enough before you turned the knob. Light the pilot again and hold the flame in place for 20 to 30 seconds, then turn the knob slowly to your desired temperature. If it still goes out, the thermocouple may be faulty and needs replacement.
Is it normal for the pilot flame to be very small?
Yes, the pilot flame should be small — about the size of a pea or smaller. A small blue flame is normal. If the flame is orange or yellow, the pilot opening may be clogged with dust or debris. If it is very large, the gas pressure may be too high and a technician should check it.