How to Troubleshoot Pilot Light Failure

If the pilot light for your furnace isn’t functioning properly, you should take some time to troubleshoot it before calling your furnace repair person. You may find that the problem is something you can fix on your own without incurring the expense of a service call. Your furnace should have directions posted on it detailing how to light the pilot, or check your owner’s manual for specifics about your particular furnace.

Thin wire
Fireplace match

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the main gas line to your house and the switch in the circuit breaker that powers the furnace. Wait 10 minutes before proceeding to let fumes from the gas to dissipate.
- 2
  Insert a thin wire into the orifice leading to the pilot to clean out ash particles. If the gas line going to the pilot light is clogged, this may be affecting the proper functioning of the pilot light.
- 3
  Turn the screw or dial that adjusts the flame for the pilot light. Turn it to the high setting. When you relight the pilot, the flame should burn about 1 1/2 inches high without any yellow in the flame.
- 4
  Turn the gas and circuit breaker back on. Light the pilot manually with a fireplace match while pressing the red button next to the flame-adjustment screw or dial. Press the button for one full minute. Or light it with the automatic lighter by pressing the red button next to the flame-adjustment screw or dial.
- 5
  Let go of the red button; the pilot light should be burning. If not, repeat this procedure again after 10 minutes time so the gas fumes will dissipate.

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