How do you light a gas oven without an igniter?

Author: Prof. Issac Lemke Sr.  |  Last update: Sunday, July 20, 2025

Hold a long match or lighter near or in the pilot light hole to light it. Light a long match with your hand that isn't holding the oven knob, or use a lighter with a long tip (like a BBQ lighter). Slowly move the flame towards the pilot light hole until it lights.

How to manually light a gas oven without an igniter?

The pilot light is normally located at the back of the oven near the burners. Once you find it, turn on the gas and hold a flame from a long match, the kind used to light a fireplace, at the pilot light. If you have no long matches, take a few straws off a straw broom and use those. That should ignite it.

Can you manually light a gas oven with electronic ignition?

No, the valve that turns on the gas to the oven it electronic also and for safety reasons it will not allow you to light it manually, the oven can only be lit with electricity only.

Can you light a gas oven if the igniter is not working?

Yes it's fine. If you have the igniter out of the circuit no gas will come out in that oven even if you accidentally turned it on.

Can I start a gas oven with a lighter?

Use a grill lighter or long match to light the pilot light valve at the bottom of the oven. Some ovens are designed to be manually lit at each use. In this case, slowly turn the temperature knob while holding the flame to the pilot light valve. Close the oven door after the pilot light ignites.

Gas Stove Top Burner Not Lighting (Easy Fix!)

Can you hand light a gas stove?

You can still manually light nearly every modern gas stove with a match or lighter, even if the igniter is broken. Matches are safer and will work better than typical cigarette lighters. Turn gas on medium.

Is it safe to manually light a gas oven?

Do not attempt to manually light ovens, griddles, French tops, and charbroilers without power, as they are higher output. It is also more difficult to reach their ignition areas with matches. Caution: For safety reasons, only manually light gas surface burners without power.

Can I use gas stove without igniter?

Your ability to manually light your gas stove's burner will depend on the make and model of your appliance, since your stove may have a safety feature that prevents it. Remember, while you may be able to use your cooktop, you won't be able to use your gas oven, since it needs an electric ignition to get going.

What happens when an oven igniter fails?

However, one of the most worrisome parts to go faulty is the igniter in your oven. Not only will a faulty igniter mean your oven will not produce any flame or heat, but it could mean that it continues to release natural gas as it tries to ignite.

Why is the ignition not working on my gas oven?

Remove the oven racks and metal plate covering the gas burner and igniter. Check the igniter for any buildup, discoloration or damage. Discoloration is often the first sign of a faulty igniter. If nothing looks wrong with the part, plug the oven back in and watch to see if the igniter glows after turning on the oven.

Do all gas stoves have electronic ignition?

However, when it comes to lighting gas stoves, depending on the quality of the model, there are basically two main choices – manual and automatic ignition.

Is it safe to light a gas stove during a power outage?

While older stoves may be usable during a power outage, most new models will not be. Before trying to cook with your gas stove, check your range's manual to see whether it includes an interlock. The interlock is a feature that prevents any gas from entering the appliance unless there is electricity.

Can you manually light a gas stove with electronic ignition?

CAN YOU MANUALLY LIGHT A GAS STOVE WITH ELECTRIC IGNITION? Some gas stove models have a safety feature that can prevent manual lighting of a cooktop burner. If your stove doesn't have this feature, you may be able to manually light the burner. Consult your owner's manual for model-specific instructions.

How to tell if an oven has a pilot light?

The oven pilot is usually located at the back of the oven; turn a screw on the pilot ignition unit to adjust the pilot flame height. One pilot light usually serves all the top burners of a gas range. Some ranges have two pilot lights, one for each side of the range.

Do gas oven igniters stay on?

The oven burner itself should have an even flame on either side. The flame itself should have minimal orange tipping. This is an indicator that the air to fuel mixture and gas supply quality is good. After the ignition is achieved, the igniter will continue to stay on until the oven reaches temperature and cycles off.

How do you manually light an oven?

Hold a long match or lighter near or in the pilot light hole to light it. Light a long match with your hand that isn't holding the oven knob, or use a lighter with a long tip (like a BBQ lighter). Slowly move the flame towards the pilot light hole until it lights.

What is manual ignition in a gas stove?

Gas stoves are of two types based on the ignition- manual and auto. Manual needs a lighter or matchbox while automatic just has to be ignited by a knob.

Can you replace igniter on gas stove?

If you're handy with tools and have a knack for tinkering, replacing a gas stove igniter is a manageable task.

How to light a gas oven with no pilot light?

Modern ovens / gas ranges / water heaters don't need pilot light as they use piezo-electric ignitors. So you have to look for a button to press to ignite the oven. So just turn and press the knob and, few seconds after the fire lit, release the knob and adjust the temperature.

What not to do with a gas oven?

✔ Do not run the burners without ignition.

You should never let gas flow into your house. Always use the igniter when you turn on the gas to burn the fuel. If the gas oven won't light but you smell gas, call a professional to look at the appliance.

How does auto ignition work in a gas stove?

How does auto ignition work? Auto ignition stoves use a piezoelectric or electric ignition system that creates a spark when the stove knob is turned. This spark lights the gas coming out of the burner.

What happens if pilot light goes out in oven?

Freestanding gas range models with an oven pilot ignition have a 1/8" flame. The amount of gas furnished to burn the oven pilot is minimal. If the pilot should go out, gas is immediately shut off to the main burner, however, there is still a small amount of gas that will continue to flow to the oven pilot.

How to relight an automatic pilot light?

Step By Step Guide for Relighting Your Furnace's Pilot Light
  1. Turn Off Power to Your Furnace. ...
  2. Locate the Gas Valve Knob. ...
  3. Turn the Knob to Pilot. ...
  4. Automatic vs. ...
  5. Turn the Gas Valve Knob to On. ...
  6. Turn the Power Back On. ...
  7. Unsuccessful Relighting. ...
  8. Professional Furnace Services.

Is it safe to relight a pilot light oven?

If the pilot light is extinguished, allow at least 5 minutes for accumulated gas to disperse after turning off the gas valve before attempting to relight the pilot. Follow manufacturer's specific instructions for relighting the pilot after the gas has dispersed.

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