The Basic Steps to Relight Your Pilot Light
Most stove pilot lights can be relit in under five minutes by following the same sequence: locate the pilot light assembly (usually a small opening near the burner controls or underneath the cooktop), turn the gas knob to the "Pilot" setting, hold down the ignition button while bringing a lit match or lighter to the pilot opening, and keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. The pilot should stay lit once you release the button and turn the knob to "On."
The exact location and controls vary by stove model, so check your owner's manual first—it will show you exactly where the pilot assembly sits and whether your stove has a manual ignition button or an electronic spark igniter. If you cannot find the manual, search the manufacturer's name and model number (usually printed inside the oven door frame) online, and most companies post PDFs for free.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the gas control knob to "Pilot" and press the ignition button while holding a lit match or lighter to the pilot opening until the flame catches.
- Keep the knob pressed down for 30 to 60 seconds after ignition so the thermocouple heats up and signals the gas valve to stay open.
- If the pilot will not light after three attempts, or if it lights but goes out when you release the knob, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement.
- A pilot light that goes out repeatedly can signal a draft, a clogged opening, or a failing thermocouple—each has a different fix.
- Never force the knob or ignition button, and do not use the stove if you smell gas; turn off the gas at the meter and call your gas company.
Finding the Pilot Light Assembly on Your Stove
On most gas ranges, the pilot light sits underneath the cooktop surface, near the front left or center burner. You may need to lift the cooktop or remove a panel to see it. Some older stoves have the pilot assembly visible on the side of the oven, with a small metal tube and a button labeled "Pilot" right on the front.
Look for a small brass or steel tube with a tiny opening—that opening is where the flame burns. Next to it you will usually see a button (for manual ignition) or a spark electrode (for electronic ignition). If your stove has been sitting unused for months, dust may have collected around the opening; gently wipe the area with a dry cloth before you attempt to light it.
Lighting the Pilot with a Match or Lighter
Turn the gas control knob all the way to "Pilot"—do not turn it to "On" yet. Press and hold the ignition button (or the knob itself, depending on your model) to release gas into the pilot line. While holding the button down, bring a lit match or long-reach lighter to the pilot opening. You should see a small blue flame appear within a few seconds.
Once the flame is burning steadily, keep the button pressed for another 30 to 60 seconds. This time allows the thermocouple—a heat-sensing device near the flame—to warm up and signal the main gas valve that it is safe to keep the gas flowing. If you release the button too soon, the pilot will go out because the thermocouple has not reached the right temperature yet.
After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the button. The pilot flame should stay lit. If it does, turn the knob from "Pilot" to "On" and you are done. If the flame goes out as soon as you release the button, wait a minute and try again—sometimes the thermocouple needs a second attempt to heat fully.
What to Do If the Pilot Will Not Stay Lit
If the pilot lights when you hold the button but goes out when ready when you release it, the thermocouple is likely not heating properly. Try holding the button down for a full 90 seconds instead of 30 to 60—occasionally a slow-heating thermocouple just needs more time. If it still goes out, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing and will need attention.
A dirty thermocouple can often be cleaned without removing it. Turn off the gas, let the pilot cool for a few minutes, then use a soft brass brush or fine steel wool to gently scrub the tip of the thermocouple where it sits closest to the flame. Wipe away any debris with a dry cloth, then try lighting the pilot again. Do not use water or cleaning solution—only dry brushing.
If cleaning does not work, or if the pilot lights but the flame is very small or yellow instead of blue, the thermocouple may need replacement. This is a job for a service technician, as it involves disconnecting gas lines and requires proper tools and safety checks.
Troubleshooting a Pilot That Keeps Going Out
A pilot light that stays on for a while but then goes out on its own usually points to one of three problems: a draft blowing out the flame, a clogged pilot opening, or a thermocouple that is failing slowly. Start by checking for drafts—close any nearby windows or doors, and make sure the stove is not in a path of air from a ceiling fan or air conditioning vent. If the pilot stays lit after you eliminate the draft, you have found the problem.
If there is no draft, the pilot opening may be clogged with dust or debris. Turn off the gas, let the stove cool, and use a thin needle or a compressed air can to gently clear the opening. Do not poke hard or you may damage the brass fitting. Blow out any loose particles and try lighting the pilot again.
If the pilot still goes out after 10 to 30 minutes of burning, the thermocouple is likely wearing out and will need to be replaced by a technician. A thermocouple usually lasts 5 to 10 years depending on how often the stove is used.
Safety Steps to Follow Every Time
Before you light the pilot, make sure the area around the stove is clear of paper, cloth, or anything flammable. Keep your face and hands a safe distance from the pilot opening—the flame is small but hot. If you smell gas at any point, stop when ready, turn off the gas control knob, and open a window. Do not use matches or a lighter if you smell gas; call your gas company from outside the house.
Never force the ignition button or the gas control knob. If either one feels stuck or hard to turn, stop and call a technician. Forcing a stuck control can damage the internal mechanism and create a gas leak. If the pilot will not light after three careful attempts, or if you see any signs of damage to the stove, do not keep trying—contact a service technician instead.
When to Call a Professional
You can safely relight a pilot light yourself if it is a straightforward matter of the flame going out. However, call a technician if the pilot will not light at all after three attempts, if you smell gas, if the control knob or button is stuck or damaged, if the pilot flame is very small or yellow, or if the pilot keeps going out no matter what you do.
A service call usually costs between $100 and $200 for diagnosis and a straightforward repair like thermocouple replacement. If you are renting, contact your landlord or property manager first—they are often responsible for stove repairs. If you own the stove and it is still under warranty, check the warranty terms before paying for a repair, as some manufacturers cover parts for a set period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the ignition button down?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If the pilot goes out when you release the button, try again and hold it for a full 90 seconds on the next attempt.
What if my stove has an electronic igniter instead of a button?
Electronic igniters create a spark automatically when you turn the knob to "Pilot." You do not press a button; instead, you hold the knob in the "Pilot" position while bringing a lit match to the opening. The spark helps the match flame reach the pilot. Hold the knob for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot catches.
Can I use a lighter instead of a match?
Yes. A long-reach lighter is actually easier to use than a match because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. Make sure the lighter works before you turn on the gas, and keep your face back from the opening in case the flame pops or flares.
Why does my pilot light keep going out after a few hours?
The most common causes are a draft from a window or fan, a clogged pilot opening, or a thermocouple that is wearing out. Try closing nearby windows and doors first. If that does not work, gently clear the pilot opening with a needle or compressed air. If it still goes out, the thermocouple likely needs replacement by a technician.
Is it dangerous to relight the pilot myself?
No, relighting a pilot light is a safe, routine task if you follow the steps carefully and stop if anything feels wrong. The flame is small and controlled. The only real danger is if you smell gas—in that case, do not use any ignition source and call your gas company when ready.