The Basic Steps to Relight a Pilot Light

To relight your stove's pilot light, turn the control knob to the "Off" position and wait three minutes for any gas to clear. Then turn the knob to "Pilot," hold it down firmly, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the small flame at the pilot opening while you hold the knob. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches — this heats a safety device called a thermocouple that tells the stove gas is flowing. Release the knob slowly. If the flame stays lit, turn the knob to "On." If it goes out, wait three minutes and try again.

The whole process takes about five minutes and requires no tools beyond a lighter or matches. Most stoves have the pilot light located at the front left or center of the burner area, visible as a small opening or tube. If you cannot see it, check your stove's manual or look inside the oven — some models have the pilot light there instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Always turn the knob to "Off" and wait three minutes before attempting to relight, so any gas in the line can escape safely.
  • The pilot light opening is usually a small tube at the front of the burner area, and you light it directly with a long lighter or match while holding the control knob down.
  • Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame ignites so the thermocouple heats up and signals the stove that gas is flowing.
  • If the pilot light goes out when ready after you release the knob, wait three minutes and repeat — it usually catches on the second or third try.

Locating Your Pilot Light Opening

The pilot light opening is a small brass or steel tube, usually about the width of a pencil, positioned near the front of your burner assembly. On most stoves, it sits to the left of the main burner or in the center, roughly level with the bottom of the burner box. Look for a small hole or a tube that points slightly downward.

If you cannot spot it from the front, open the oven door and look inside — some stove models, especially older ones, have the pilot light mounted inside the oven cavity instead. Check your stove's manual if you are unsure; the manual will show you exactly where it is and may include a diagram. If you no longer have the manual, search online for your stove's brand and model number, which is usually printed on a label inside the oven or on the back of the stove.

Preparing the Stove and Gathering Tools

Before you begin, turn off the stove's main control knob and set it to "Off." Wait a full three minutes. This pause is not optional — it allows any gas that may have accumulated in the line to dissipate safely. Skipping this step is the most common reason people struggle to relight the pilot.

Gather a long lighter (the kind used for candles works well) or a box of long matches. A regular short match or lighter will work, but you risk burning your fingers reaching into the burner area. If you do not have a long lighter, a rolled-up piece of paper lit at the stove's main burner and held with tongs is a safe alternative. Have these ready before you start so you are not fumbling while holding the knob down.

The Lighting Process Step by Step

Turn the control knob to "Pilot" — you should hear a faint hissing sound as gas begins to flow to the pilot opening. when ready press and hold the knob down firmly. This action opens a valve that allows gas to reach the pilot light. Do not release it yet.

While holding the knob down, bring your lighter or lit match to the pilot opening and ignite the small flame. You should see a blue flame appear at the opening. Once it catches, keep holding the knob down for another 30 to 60 seconds. This time allows the thermocouple — a heat-sensing device directly above the pilot flame — to warm up. When the thermocouple is hot enough, it signals the main gas valve that the pilot is lit and it is safe to deliver gas to the burners.

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. Watch the flame. If it stays lit, turn the knob to "On" and you are done. If the flame goes out as soon as you release the knob, wait three minutes and repeat the process. A second or third attempt usually succeeds because the thermocouple may not have been quite hot enough the first time.

Common Mistakes That Prevent Relighting

The most frequent error is not waiting three minutes at the start. If you skip this step, residual gas in the line can make the pilot light difficult to ignite or cause it to behave unpredictably. The second mistake is releasing the knob too quickly — you must hold it for at least 30 seconds so the thermocouple heats up. If you let go after just a few seconds, the flame will extinguish the moment you release pressure.

A third common problem is not holding the knob down firmly enough. The knob must be pressed with steady, deliberate pressure — a light touch will not open the valve fully, and gas may not flow to the pilot opening. Finally, some people aim their lighter at the wrong spot. The flame needs to touch the pilot opening itself, not the area around it. If you are having trouble reaching it, use a long lighter or light a piece of paper and hold it with tongs.

When the Pilot Light Will Not Stay Lit

If the pilot light ignites but goes out within a few seconds of releasing the knob, the thermocouple is likely not heating up properly. This usually means the thermocouple needs cleaning or replacement. Try the relighting process two or three more times — sometimes the thermocouple just needs a moment longer to respond. If it still fails, the thermocouple may be bent or positioned too far from the flame.

A thermocouple is a small, thin metal rod that sits directly in the pilot flame. Over time, dust and debris can coat it, preventing it from sensing heat properly. If you are comfortable doing so, you can gently clean the thermocouple with a soft brush or cloth, but be careful not to bend it. If cleaning does not work or if you are uncomfortable opening the stove, contact a service technician — thermocouple replacement is inexpensive and usually takes less than an hour.

Safety Reminders While Relighting

Never force the knob or turn it past "Pilot" — the knob has stops for a reason, and forcing it can damage the valve. Do not use a regular match if you can avoid it; your fingers will get too close to the flame. Keep your face back from the burner area while lighting — you do not need to lean in close to see the pilot opening.

If you smell gas at any point and the pilot light will not catch after three attempts, stop trying and turn the knob to "Off." Open windows to ventilate the area and wait 15 minutes before trying again. If the smell persists or you cannot relight the pilot after several attempts, contact your gas company or a service technician. Do not attempt to force the issue — a persistent gas smell or a pilot that will not light can indicate a more serious problem that requires professional attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down before releasing it?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame ignites. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the main gas valve. If you release too quickly, the flame will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine — there is no penalty for waiting a full minute.

What if I cannot see the pilot flame when I light it?

The pilot flame is small and blue, so it can be hard to spot in bright light. Try relighting in a dimmer area or shade the burner with your hand (not the knob). If you still cannot see it after lighting, the flame may be there but very faint — hold the knob down for the full 60 seconds anyway and then release slowly to check if it stays lit.

Can I use a regular lighter instead of a long lighter?

Yes, but a long lighter is safer because it keeps your fingers farther from the flame. If you only have a regular lighter, light it and then use tongs or a folded piece of paper to extend your reach to the pilot opening. Never lean your face close to the burner or reach in with your bare hand.

Why does the pilot light go out right after I release the knob?

The thermocouple is not hot enough yet. Wait three minutes and try again, holding the knob down for the full 60 seconds this time. If it still goes out after several attempts, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement — contact a service technician.

Is it normal to smell gas while relighting the pilot?

A faint gas smell for a few seconds is normal as the gas line fills. If the smell is strong or lingers for more than a minute, turn the knob to "Off," open windows, and wait 15 minutes. If the smell returns when you try again, stop and contact your gas company or a technician.