How to Easily Light a Propane Stove Pilot

Nothing derails an outdoor cooking plan faster than turning on your trusty propane camp stove to find the pilot light is out. No glowing flame means no heat for grilling up dinner. But there’s no need to resign yourself to a sad meal of cold beans from a can. With a few simple steps, you can get that pilot lit and stove fired up again.

Relighting a propane stove pilot is a quick and easy process once you know how. In just a couple minutes, you can go from a dormant stove to sizzling burgers or boiling water for coffee. Don’t let an unlit pilot cut your camping cuisine short.

In this post, we’ll outline the straightforward method for getting your stove’s pilot going again. We’ll go over the basic steps like locating the pilot, turning the gas knob, and using a match. You’ll gain the confidence to restore stove operation and get cooking without delay.

With these tips, a darkened pilot light won’t ruin your outdoor cooking plans anymore. You’ll know exactly how to get your propane stove lit and ready for action when you need it. So don’t wait for someone else to come fix it – learn how to relight that pilot yourself and seize the cooking power once more!

How a Propane Stove Works

Before jumping into relighting the pilot, let’s do a quick refresher on how a propane stove functions:

• Propane is fed from tank to stove through a hose.
• Stove knob controls gas flow to pilot light and burners.
• Pilot light ignites and burns continuously when stove is on.
• Turning on a burner allows propane to flow to that burner.
• The existing pilot flame ignites the gas and makes the burner light up.

So the pilot light acts as the continual ignition source for the stove burners. That’s why it needs to be lit before any cooking can happen!

Why Did My Pilot Go Out?

There are a few common reasons the pilot light on your propane stove may have gone out:

• Strong winds blew out the flame.
• Stove ran out of propane.
• Pilot was accidentally bumped or toggled off.
• Dirt or debris clogged the pilot opening.
• Moisture in the gas line extinguished the flame.

Luckily, relighting a propane pilot is quick and straightforward with the proper steps.

Preparing to Relight the Pilot

Before attempting to reignite the pilot, take these safety precautions:

• Make sure propane tank is full and properly connected.
• Turn stove knob completely off to stop gas flow.
• Wait at least 5 minutes for any accumulated gas to dissipate.
• Perform relighting procedure outdoors only in well-ventilated area.
• Have a long match or barbecue lighter ready to use.

Taking a minute for safety prevents gas buildup and risk of accidental ignition. Now let’s get that pilot going!

How to Light a Propane Stove Pilot

Here is the complete procedure for safely relighting your propane stove pilot:

Step 1: Remove Stove Grates

Lift off the metal grates so you can access the pilot opening. This may require removing grill pins. Set grates aside carefully.

Step 2: Locate the Pilot

Find the pilot opening on the propane burner, often marked with “PILOT” label. It’s a small tube near the base of the burner.

Step 3: Turn Knob to Pilot Setting

Rotate stove knob counterclockwise to the pilot position. You may feel increased resistance.

Step 4: Light Pilot with Match

Place lit match or lighter flame at pilot opening.

Step 5: Hold Knob Down

With flame still at pilot, push the knob in and hold 5-10 seconds. This engages the gas flow to ignite.

Step 6: Release Knob

Let go of knob while keeping match in place. The pilot should now remain lit.

Step 7: Verify Pilot Stays Lit

Remove match and verify the pilot stays lit for at least one minute. Relight if needed.

Step 8: Turn Knob to On

Finally, turn knob to desired heat setting to relight burner and start cooking!

Following this sequence safely lights your propane stove pilot. Refer to manufacturer instructions for variations for your specific stove model.

Troubleshooting Pilot Lighting Problems

Having trouble getting the pilot lit? Try these tips to troubleshoot:

• Wait 10 minutes for gas to dissipate then retry lighting.
• Check propane levels – refill tank if empty.
• Clean pilot opening with pressurized air to clear obstructions.
• Adjust pilot flame height if too low using screwdriver.
• Replace thermocouple sensor if faulty pilot staying lit.
• Contact manufacturer if issue persists after troubleshooting.

Don’t force the knob or continuously click igniter to avoid risks. Carefully follow lighting steps and fuel should ignite.

Maintaining the Propane Stove Pilot

Once successfully lit, keep your pilot going strong with proper maintenance:

• Keep propane tank full. Running out of fuel will extinguish pilot.
• Close propane valve on tank after each use to avoid leaks.
• Install stove wind guards to protect pilot from gusts.
• Cover stove between uses to prevent pilot being bumped.
• Check for obstructions like spider webs around pilot opening.
• Have certified technician do annual inspections/cleaning.

With regular care, your propane stove pilot will provide reliable long-term performance.

Using Propane Stoves Safely

Always keep these safety tips in mind when operating propane stoves:

• Never use inside tents, campers, or enclosed spaces.
• Position stove so propane tank is lower than stove.
• Check hoses for wear/cracks and replace damaged ones.
• Keep children and pets away from hot stove.
• Extinguish stove fully between uses.
• Let stove cool fully before storing.
• Ensure stove is approved for intended use.

Following basic safety precautions prevents accidents when cooking with propane.

Alternative Cooking Methods

If you’re unable to relight your propane stove pilot, don’t fret! You have options for improvising camp cooking:

• Build a campfire for grilling food on sticks/grates.
• Use a portable charcoal grill.
• Cook over disposable sterno cans.
• Try no-cook camp meals.
• Use a jetboil or portable backpacking stove.

With creativity, you can still eat well without your propane stove!

Enjoy the Convenience of Propane Cooking

Troubleshooting a propane stove pilot light is easier than you think. With the proper relighting steps, you’ll have your stove running safely again in no time. Propane allows convenient, controlled outdoor cooking – so keep that pilot going strong.

Lighting the pilot only takes a few minutes when you follow the right procedure. Store this guide so you’re prepared to restore stove function if that flame ever goes out. Then get back to serving up delicious camp cuisine like a pro!