Amana Furnace Pilot Light Troubleshooting and Restart Guide

The Amana furnace pilot light is a small but essential component that ensures reliable heating performance. This article explains how the pilot light works, common causes for it going out, safety precautions, step-by-step relighting instructions, troubleshooting tips, and guidance on when to call a professional. The focus is practical, helping homeowners restore heat safely and maintain their Amana furnace.

Symptom	Likely Cause	Quick Fix
Pilot light won’t stay lit	Faulty thermocouple or dirty pilot assembly	Inspect/replace thermocouple; clean pilot
No pilot ignition	Gas supply off or blocked	Check gas valve and ignition source
Smoky or yellow flame	Combustion issue or dirty burner	Turn off furnace; call technician

How The Amana Furnace Pilot Light Works

The pilot light is a small, continuous flame that ignites the main burners when the thermostat calls for heat. In older Amana furnaces the pilot light remains lit and relies on a thermocouple to sense heat and keep the gas valve open. Newer models may use electronic ignition systems, but many residential Amana furnaces still have standing pilot lights.

Key Components: the pilot orifice, the thermocouple, the pilot tube, the gas control valve, and the main burners. Each plays a role in safe ignition and stable operation.

Common Reasons An Amana Furnace Pilot Light Goes Out

Understanding why the pilot light goes out helps diagnose and prevent reoccurrence. Common causes include a faulty thermocouple, a dirty or clogged pilot orifice, drafts near the furnace, low gas pressure, or issues with the gas control valve.

Other causes: recent repairs or maintenance left the gas turned off, debris in the combustion chamber, or unstable gas supply from the utility. In older units, corrosion and age-related wear increase failure rates.

Safety Precautions Before Working On A Pilot Light

Safety is paramount. Before attempting to relight a pilot light, turn off the furnace power at the switch and set the thermostat to OFF. If the furnace has a POWER switch on the control panel, use it. Clearly ventilate the area to prevent gas accumulation.

When Smelling Gas: do not attempt to relight. Evacuate the home, call the gas company or 911 from a safe location, and avoid operating electrical devices. If unsure about any step, stop and call a licensed HVAC technician.

Step-By-Step: How To Relight An Amana Furnace Pilot Light

Tools And Materials Needed

Long-handled lighter or fireplace match, flashlight, adjustable wrench (if needed), gloves, and mirror or inspection camera for tight spaces. Have the furnace manual handy for model-specific instructions.

Relighting Procedure

1. Locate the pilot assembly and gas control valve on the Amana furnace. The control usually has settings labeled OFF, PILOT, and ON. Confirm the thermostat is OFF and power to the furnace is turned off.

2. Turn the gas control valve to OFF and wait 5 minutes to clear any gas. This reduces the risk of flare-ups during relighting.

3. Turn the gas control to PILOT. Depress and hold the pilot button (or knob), then use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot flame. Continue holding the pilot button for 30–60 seconds after ignition to allow the thermocouple to heat and signal the gas valve.

4. Slowly release the pilot button. If the pilot remains lit, turn the gas control to ON and restore furnace power. Set the thermostat to the desired temperature and observe the furnace cycle to ensure proper ignition of main burners.

If the pilot does not stay lit after several attempts, the thermocouple or gas valve may be faulty, or the pilot orifice may be dirty. Proceed to troubleshooting steps below.

Troubleshooting Amana Pilot Light Problems

Pilot Lights That Won’t Stay Lit: Most often caused by a failing thermocouple. The thermocouple senses the pilot flame; when it cools or is weak, it shuts off gas flow. Replacing the thermocouple is a common DIY repair if comfortable with basic tools, but confirmation and correct part selection are important.

Weak Or Intermittent Flame: Check for drafts, which can blow out the pilot. Inspect the pilot orifice and pilot tube for dirt or spider webs. A clogged pilot orifice reduces fuel flow and weakens the flame.

No Spark Or Ignition (on electronic ignition models): Confirm power, check fuses or breakers, inspect the ignitor for cracks, and verify wiring connections. Electronic ignition failures are best handled by a service technician.

Replacing The Thermocouple And Common Parts

Thermocouples are relatively inexpensive and widely available for Amana furnaces. When replacing, ensure the part matches the furnace model or control valve thread size. Typical steps: turn off gas and power, unscrew thermocouple from the gas valve and pilot bracket, install the new unit, and test pilot operation.

Other parts that may need attention include the pilot orifice, the gas control valve, and flame sensor. Replacing a gas control valve is more complex and often requires a licensed professional due to gas safety rules and potential need for leak testing.

When To Call A Professional For Amana Furnace Pilot Light Issues

Call a licensed HVAC technician if there is a persistent pilot outage, if gas odors are present, if the pilot flame is yellow or smoky, or if replacing the thermocouple and cleaning do not fix the problem. Professionals can perform accurate gas pressure checks, replace valves, and test combustion safety.

Also seek professional service for complex symptoms like frequent cycling, noisy burners, or visible corrosion inside the combustion chamber. Licensed technicians ensure repairs meet local codes and safety standards.

Preventive Maintenance To Keep The Pilot Light Reliable

Annual furnace maintenance reduces pilot light problems. Recommended tasks include cleaning the pilot assembly and burner, inspecting and replacing corroded parts, testing the thermocouple and gas valve, and checking venting and drafts around the unit.

Keeping the area around the furnace clear of dust, pet hair, and debris reduces airflow disruptions and keeps flames stable. Replace filters regularly and schedule professional inspection before the heating season.

Costs And Typical Repair Timeframes

Thermocouple replacement typically costs $50–$200 for a DIY part or service call, while professional repairs including labor may range $150–$400. Gas control valve replacement and more extensive repairs can cost $400–$1,200 depending on parts and labor.

Simple relighting or cleaning can take 15–45 minutes. Thermocouple replacement typically takes 30–60 minutes. Major repairs and parts ordering may extend to several hours or require follow-up visits.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Do not ignore a persistent pilot outage or attempt major gas valve repairs without proper licensing. Avoid using candles or open flames near the furnace when attempting diagnostics. Do not bypass safety devices like thermocouples or limit switches; these prevent dangerous gas leaks and unsafe operation.

Avoid over-tightening fittings or using incorrect replacement parts, as improper seals can cause leaks. When in doubt, contact a certified Amana dealer or HVAC professional.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amana Furnace Pilot Light

Why Is My Amana Pilot Light Yellow Instead Of Blue?

A yellow or orange pilot flame indicates incomplete combustion or contamination of the pilot assembly. This can be caused by dirt, a blocked burner, or problems with air supply. Turn off the furnace and call a technician for combustion inspection.

How Often Should The Pilot Light Be Serviced?

An annual furnace tune-up is recommended. If the home has pets, excessive dust, or is in a windy location, more frequent inspections help prevent pilot issues.

Can A Homeowner Replace The Thermocouple?

Yes, a homeowner with basic mechanical skills can replace a thermocouple if the correct part is obtained and safety steps are followed. If the homeowner is uncomfortable or the furnace uses sealed combustion or integrated controls, hire a professional.

Is A Pilot Light Safer Than Electronic Ignition?

Electronic ignition systems eliminate the continuously burning pilot, improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel usage. Pilot lights are simple and reliable but require ongoing maintenance and slightly higher gas use. Neither is inherently unsafe when maintained.

Additional Resources And Where To Find Parts

Official Amana parts and manuals are available through Amana’s parent company resources and authorized dealers. HVAC supply houses, major home improvement stores, and online retailers carry thermocouples, pilot orifices, and gas control parts compatible with Amana furnaces.

For safety information, homeowners can reference the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and local utility providers for guidance on gas leaks and emergency procedures. Always verify part compatibility by model number before purchasing.

Key Takeaway: Most pilot light issues stem from the thermocouple, blockage, or gas supply. With proper safety precautions, many homeowners can relight or perform simple maintenance, but persistent or complex problems require a licensed HVAC technician to ensure safe, code-compliant repairs.