If the pilot light goes out on your oven, it will prevent the oven from igniting and heating up. The pilot light is a small flame that remains lit continuously and is responsible for igniting the gas when you turn on the oven. If it goes out, you'll need to relight it or address the underlying issue causing it to extinguish.
Before considering replacing the entire appliance or any major components, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and attempt to relight the pilot light:
Safety First: Before attempting to relight the pilot light, turn off the gas supply to the oven and wait a few minutes to allow any lingering gas to dissipate. This will prevent any potential gas buildup.
Locate the Pilot Light: Find the location of the pilot light in your oven. It is typically located at the bottom of the oven compartment and may require you to remove the oven's bottom panel or access cover.
Check for Blockages: Ensure there are no obstructions or debris blocking the pilot light. Sometimes, accumulated dust or dirt can interfere with the flame.
Relighting the Pilot Light: Using a long-reach lighter or fireplace match, carefully relight the pilot light. Follow your oven's specific instructions for relighting the pilot light, as the process may vary depending on the oven model.
Hold the Safety Valve: In some cases, you may need to hold down the oven's safety valve for a short period after relighting the pilot light to ensure it stays lit. Refer to your oven's manual for guidance.
Verify Flame Stability: Once the pilot light is lit, check to see if it remains stable. If the flame is weak or keeps going out, there might be an issue with the gas supply, the pilot assembly, or other components that require professional attention.
Contact a Professional: If you've attempted to relight the pilot light but it continues to go out or if you're uncertain about the process, it's best to contact a qualified appliance technician to inspect and repair the oven.
In many modern ovens, the pilot light has been replaced with electronic ignition systems. If your oven has electronic ignition and the burner isn't igniting, it could be due to a faulty ignition system, and a professional technician will be able to diagnose and repair the issue.
Remember, safety is of utmost importance when dealing with gas appliances. If you are uncomfortable or unsure about the process, it's best to seek help from a qualified professional to avoid any potential hazards.