Step 4:
Turn the gas control valve to the “OFF” position, as shown in Figure 3, and wait approximately 2 minutes for any gas in the pilot light assembly to dissipate.
Figure 3 - Furnace gas valve in "OFF" position
Step 5:
Identify the end of the pilot light by following the small tube from the gas control valve or the gas control switch.
Step 6:
Turn the gas control valve to the “Pilot” position, as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4 - Furnace gas valve in "Pilot" position
Step 7:
In order to light the pilot you may need to be a contortionist! Some pilot lights are located at awkward angles and can be in tricky locations. You may have to get creative in order to get a lit match or lighter into position to light the pilot.
Suggestions:
- Use a long match designed for lighting fireplaces.
- Use a butane barbeque lighter
- Tape a wood match stick to the end of a pencil or dowel.
Note: If you have a situation where you have to relight the pilot light frequently you can purchase an automatic pilot light relighting module. These units cost around $80 and you should be able to have one installed for less than $150 parts and labor.
Step 8:
Maneuver the lit match or lighter so that the flame is at the tip of the head of the pilot assembly. Depress the control valve knob or the reset button, depending on the style of control valve assembly that you have, and the gas coming out of the head of the pilot light assembly should ignite. Once the pilot light has lit you can remove the match or lighter, but continue to depress the reset button or control valve for approximately 30 seconds.
Depressing the reset button or control valve, bypasses the thermocouple control circuit to allow gas to flow and have the pilot light ignite.
Step 9:
Turn the gas control valve from the “Pilot” position to the “ON” position, as shown in Figure 5. This should cause the burners to activate, as the thermostat has been set to require heat (Step 1).
Figure 5 - Furnace gas valve in "ON" position
If the burners do not start, repeat step 8 holding the control valve or reset button for 60 seconds. If they still fail to ignite you could have a defective thermocouple or the pilot light flame may need adjustment or the orifice on the pilot light assembly may need cleaning.
Step 10:
Reset the thermostat to its normal temperature setting.