Honeywell Furnace Pilot Light Reset: Step-by-Step Guide and Troubleshooting

The article explains how to reset a Honeywell furnace pilot light, covering safety steps, the difference between standing pilot and electronic ignition systems, detailed reset procedures, troubleshooting common problems, and maintenance tips to prevent future pilot outages.

Issue	Quick Action	When To Call A Pro
Pilot Out	Relight Following Manufacturer Steps	If It Won’t Stay Lit After 3 Attempts
Thermocouple Fault	Inspect/Clean Or Tighten Connections	If Thermocouple Needs Replacement
Ignition Failure	Reset Control Or Check Power	If Electronic Ignitor Or Control Board Fails

How Honeywell Furnace Pilot Systems Work

Honeywell furnaces use either a standing pilot flame that burns continuously or an electronic ignition system that lights the burner on demand. The pilot assembly includes a pilot orifice, pilot tube, thermocouple (or thermopile), and a gas valve controlled by a thermostat and safety circuits.

The thermocouple senses heat from the pilot flame and signals the gas valve to stay open. If the pilot goes out, the thermocouple cools and the valve closes, preventing gas leaks. Understanding this interaction helps diagnose why a pilot will not stay lit or fails to ignite.

Safety Precautions Before Resetting The Pilot

Before attempting a pilot light reset, turn off the thermostat and shut off power to the furnace at the breaker. Shut off the gas supply at the furnace gas valve or the home gas meter if necessary. Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid open flames or smoking around the appliance.

If a strong gas odor is present, do not attempt to relight the pilot. Evacuate the area and contact the gas company or emergency services. Always follow Honeywell or furnace manufacturer safety decals and the furnace user manual instructions.

Identifying The Type Of Ignition System

To determine whether the furnace uses a standing pilot or electronic ignition, remove the furnace access panel and look at the burner area. A visible small flame near the burners indicates a standing pilot. Electronic ignition systems use a spark or hot surface ignitor and will not have a continuously burning pilot.

Honeywell labels and model numbers on the control compartment or the furnace cabinet can also indicate system type. The user manual or Honeywell support site provides specifics for each model if identification is unclear.

How To Reset A Honeywell Standing Pilot Furnace

Step 1: Prepare And Turn Off Gas

Turn the thermostat to OFF and set the furnace power switch to OFF. Locate the gas control knob on the furnace and turn it to the OFF position. Wait at least five minutes to allow accumulated gas to dissipate before attempting to relight.

Step 2: Switch To Pilot Position

Turn the gas control knob to the PILOT position. Press and hold down the knob to open the gas flow to the pilot orifice. Some Honeywell valves require pressing a separate pilot button while holding the gas control knob.

Step 3: Light The Pilot

While holding the gas control knob depressed, use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot flame. Once lit, continue to hold the knob depressed for 30–60 seconds to allow the thermocouple to warm up and generate voltage to keep the gas valve open.

Step 4: Release And Turn To On

After the warm-up interval, slowly release the gas control knob. If the pilot remains lit, turn the gas control to the ON position and restore power to the furnace. Set the thermostat back to the desired temperature to resume normal operation.

Troubleshooting If Pilot Won’t Stay Lit

If the pilot does not stay lit after three attempts, inspect the thermocouple for damage or loose connections. Clean soot or debris from the pilot assembly and thermocouple tip with fine sandpaper or emery cloth. Tighten the thermocouple nut at the gas valve.

If cleaning and tightening do not work, the thermocouple may be defective and require replacement. Use a Honeywell-compatible thermocouple with the correct length and thread specification for the furnace model.

How To Reset A Honeywell Electronic Ignition Furnace

Understand The Ignition Types

Electronic ignition includes intermittent pilot and direct spark or hot surface ignitor (HSI) systems. These systems use a control module that attempts ignition cycles when the thermostat calls for heat.

Standard Reset Procedure

Turn the thermostat to OFF and switch the furnace power off at the breaker for 30 seconds. Turn the power back on; many Honeywell control modules will automatically reset and allow the furnace to start an ignition sequence on the next heat call.

When To Manually Reset The Control

Some Honeywell furnaces have a reset button on the gas valve or control module. Follow the manufacturer instructions: press and hold the reset button for the specified time, usually 3–5 seconds. If the furnace fails to ignite after several automatic attempts, the control may lock out and require a manual reset.

Troubleshooting Electronic Ignition Failures

Check for error codes on the control board LED or diagnostic indicator. Refer to the furnace manual for code definitions. Common issues include a failed ignitor, failed flame sensor, clogged burners, or a defective control module.

Inspect wiring, harness connections, and the flame sensor. Clean the flame sensor rod with fine steel wool or emery cloth to remove oxidation that prevents proper sensing. Replace a cracked or visibly damaged ignitor; handle HSI elements carefully to avoid fingerprints or oils on the surface.

Common Causes Of Pilot Light Problems

• Thermocouple/thermopile failure: Worn or damaged sensors fail to keep the valve open.
• Pilot orifice clogging: Dust, soot, or spider webs reduce gas flow and flame size.
• Drafts or ventilation issues: Strong air currents can extinguish a small pilot flame.
• Gas pressure problems: Low household gas pressure or a regulator fault reduces flame stability.
• Control module lockout: Repeated ignition failures trigger lockouts requiring manual reset or service.

Maintenance Tips To Prevent Pilot Outages

Regular maintenance reduces pilot-related failures. Schedule annual furnace inspection and cleaning by a qualified HVAC technician. During tune-ups, have the pilot assembly, burners, gas valve, and flue checked for proper operation and safe venting.

Homeowners can keep the furnace area clean and free of debris. Replace air filters regularly to reduce soot buildup. Ensure combustion air vents are unobstructed and that the furnace has proper ventilation to prevent drafts that can extinguish the pilot.

When To Call A Professional

Contact a licensed HVAC technician or gas service if the pilot will not stay lit after multiple attempts, the thermocouple or control needs replacement, or there is a persistent gas odor. Professionals can perform safe diagnostics, measure gas pressure, and replace parts with compatible Honeywell components.

If the furnace exhibits repeated lockouts, frequent cycling, or unsafe operation signs like yellow flames or soot, stop using the appliance and schedule service. A professional evaluation ensures compliance with local codes and manufacturer warranty terms.

Replacing Thermocouples And Ignitors: What To Know

When replacing a thermocouple, match the length, thread size, and tip type to the original. Thermocouple connectors often use 1/4-inch nuts; some systems require specialized fittings. Use only parts recommended by Honeywell or the furnace manufacturer.

For hot surface ignitors or spark ignitors, use OEM replacements and follow anti-static handling guidelines. Replace ignitors with the furnace power off and ensure mounting and gap specifications match the original installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Times Should One Try To Relight The Pilot?

Attempt relighting the pilot up to three times following the proper waiting interval. If it will not stay lit after three safe attempts, stop and proceed to inspection or call a professional.

Can A Dirty Flame Sensor Cause Pilot Problems?

Yes. A dirty flame sensor can falsely report no flame and shut down the gas valve in electronic ignition systems. Cleaning the sensor often restores reliable ignition sensing.

Is It Safe To Replace The Thermocouple At Home?

Replacing a thermocouple can be a DIY task for someone comfortable with basic tools and gas appliance work. However, if uncertainty exists about the correct part, fitting, or gas connections, a licensed technician should perform the replacement to ensure safety and code compliance.

Useful Honeywell Resources And Documentation

For model-specific instructions, troubleshooting flowcharts, and replacement part numbers, consult Honeywell product manuals and support pages. Honeywell technical bulletins and installer guides provide wiring diagrams and diagnostic LED code references valuable during troubleshooting.

Additionally, local utility companies often provide safety guidelines for gas appliance operation and relighting procedures specific to regional gas systems and codes.

Key Takeaways And Practical Checklist

Key Points: Identify ignition type, follow safety steps, attempt relight up to three times, clean thermocouple/flame sensor, and call a qualified technician for persistent issues.

• Turn off gas and power before working on the furnace.
• Allow gas to dissipate five minutes before relighting a pilot.
• Hold the gas control knob for at least 30–60 seconds when relighting a standing pilot.
• Inspect and clean pilot assembly and flame sensing components regularly.
• Replace faulty thermocouples or ignitors with OEM-compatible parts when necessary.

For complex problems or safety concerns, rely on licensed HVAC professionals to ensure safe, reliable furnace operation and compliance with Honeywell guidelines.