Why would pilot light randomly go out?

A faulty, misaligned, dirty, or damaged thermocouple is often the culprit behind your pilot light going out. The thermocouple is an automatic safety shutoff device that prevents the gas valve from opening if the pilot light is out.

Why does my furnace not ignite sometimes?





If your furnace won’t ignite, the source of the issue may be a broken flame sensor. The sensor is responsible for turning off the gas burners to avoid gas buildup. Once this component starts to malfunction, it may stop the burners from igniting altogether.

How do you reset the pilot light on a Lennox furnace?

How do you reset the pilot light on a Lennox furnace?

  1. Remove the front panel from the furnace.
  2. Turn the pilot light switch from the “On” position to the “Off” position. …
  3. Next, turn the pilot knob to the “Pilot” position and then simultaneously press down and hold the “Reset” button located on the side of it.


How do you light an intermittent pilot?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Before the flame must be proved for instance 90 seconds if the pilot isn't detected in 90 seconds the control locks out and prevents further aberration.

How do you fix a pilot light that keeps going out?





We recommend replacing your thermocouple if you notice physical damage or if the pilot light keeps going out. Not only can these issues be frustrating and time-consuming, but they could also be a safety risk. If your pilot light just won’t stay on, try replacing your thermocouple.

When I release the pilot button the flame goes out?

If you’re able to light the pilot light, but it goes out when you release the control knob, the thermocouple probably needs replacing. The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off gas flow if it senses the pilot light is out, but when damaged it loses its regulatory ability.

Why does my furnace only work sometimes?

Dirty filters are the most common cause of furnace problems. Dust and dirt restrict airflow—and if the filter gets too clogged, the heat exchanger will overheat and shut off too quickly, and your house won’t warm up. If the blower is running but no heat is coming out, replace the filter.

Can a flame sensor work intermittently?

The flame sensor is a safety component that detects whether or not there is a flame in the combustion chamber. If this sensor is dirty, the dirt can cause the sensor to operate intermittently. When this happens, your furnace will most likely light, but because the sensor can’t properly detect if a flame is present.

Can hear your furnace click on but it does not fire up?



If your gas furnace initiates the start cycle but does not fire up, it’s likely because of a faulty, damaged, or dirty ignitor/sensor. This is a very common furnace problem—you can try to clean the sensor and replace the ignitor.

What does intermittent ignition mean?

An intermittent pilot system uses an electronically controlled high-voltage electric spark to ignite a pilot light—and subsequently the main burners—when the thermostat calls for heat.

How are most intermittent pilots lit?

Most modern furnaces use an intermittent pilot, in which gas is fed to the burner assembly as needed, and it is lit via a spark or hot surface ignition. Hot surface ignition uses silicon carbide, a material that reaches extremely high temperatures when energized, up to the ignition temperature of gas.

What is interrupted pilot?



Interrupted pilot for a gas hearth product means a pilot that is automatically ignited when an appliance is called on to operate and is automatically extinguished after the main burner operation has been initiated.

How do I know if my thermocouple is broken?

After about a minute, when you’re sure the probe has gotten hot, place one lead on the shaft of the thermocouple and the other lead on the connector. If the reading is less than 25 millivolts, the thermocouple is bad and needs to be replaced.

Why does my pilot light keep going out after replacing thermocouple?

If the pilot will lit but goes out after it reaches the temperature, it is the control valve. It happened to me. After the plumber replaced the control valve then it stays lit. You will have to order the control valve from the manufacturer.

How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?

1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. It’s easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater’s burning chamber, it’s easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly.

How long do thermocouples last?



10 years

Thermocouples can last up to 10 years if properly installed and maintained, while furnaces can last 15-20 years, although either may wear out sooner in multifamily units.

How do you clean a thermocouple on a furnace?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Use a soft abrasive pad or emery cloth to gently clean the outside of the thermocouple. Be careful not to scratch the coating. Next insert the thermocouple into the pilot assembly.

How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple in a gas furnace?

$150 to $250



Replacing a thermocouple costs $150 to $250, mostly due to labor time. On older models without an ignitor, it checks to make sure your pilot light is lit. If it’s not, it’ll shut the gas off.

What is the most expensive part on a gas furnace?

4 Most Expensive Furnace Repairs and How to Avoid Them

  • Blower Motor and Capacitor: $500 – $1,500. Simple blower motor repairs might run $150 to $450 while complete replacement could cost $1,500 depending on the brand. …
  • Draft Inducer Motor: $500 – $1,500. …
  • Circuit Board: $500 – $1500. …
  • Gas Valve: $400 – $1,000.


How do I know if my furnace gas valve is bad?

Here are some signs that indicate your furnace has a bad gas valve.

  1. A Gas Leak. This is a major indicator that something could be wrong with the gas valve in your furnace. …
  2. A Total Shutdown of the Furnace. …
  3. A Flooded Furnace. …
  4. Get Expert Services.