Nordyne Furnace Pilot Light Troubleshooting and Relighting Guide

The Nordyne Furnace Pilot Light is a small but critical component that starts many gas furnaces; this guide helps identify common pilot light issues, safe relighting steps, troubleshooting tips, and when to seek professional HVAC service.

Issue	Likely Cause	Quick Action
Constantly Going Out	Drafts, Dirty Pilot Or Thermocouple	Clean, Secure, And Check Thermocouple
No Pilot Light	Gas Supply Or Pilot Valve Problem	Verify Gas, Follow Relight Procedure
Pilot Light Weak Or Yellow	Clogged Or Incomplete Combustion	Clean Or Call Technician

How A Nordyne Furnace Pilot Light Works

The pilot light provides a continuous flame that ignites the main burner when the thermostat calls for heat. Nordyne models use either a standing pilot flame or, in newer units, an electronic ignition; the term “pilot light” typically refers to the standing flame system.

Key Components include the pilot burner, thermocouple or thermopile, pilot tubing, and pilot valve. The thermocouple senses heat and allows gas flow to continue safely.

Common Nordyne Pilot Light Problems

Pilot Light Goes Out Frequently

Frequent outages can be caused by drafts, a dirty pilot orifice, or a failing thermocouple. Mechanical vibration or improper adjustment may also lead to instability.

Pilot Light Is Yellow Or Sooty

A healthy pilot flame is blue with a small inner cone. A yellow or sooty flame suggests incomplete combustion, which can result from a clogged orifice or insufficient ventilation.

Pilot Will Not Light At All

If the pilot does not ignite, possible causes include no gas supply, a closed gas valve, a faulty pilot valve, or an obstructed pilot orifice. Always verify gas availability before troubleshooting further.

Safety First: Important Precautions

Before attempting any work, turn off the furnace power and gas supply. Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid open flames if gas odor is present. If the smell of gas is detected, evacuate immediately and contact the gas company or emergency services.

Do Not attempt repairs beyond basic cleaning and relighting if unfamiliar with gas systems. Improper handling can cause leaks, fire, or carbon monoxide hazards.

How To Relight A Nordyne Furnace Pilot Light

This step-by-step procedure applies to most Nordyne furnaces with a standing pilot. Refer to the furnace manual for model-specific instructions and diagrams.

1. Turn Off The Furnace: Switch the furnace to the “Off” position and shut off the gas at the pilot control knob.
2. Wait For Gas To Clear: Allow at least five minutes for any residual gas to dissipate to avoid flare-ups.
3. Access The Pilot Assembly: Remove the furnace access panel to reach the pilot burner and pilot control valve.
4. Set Pilot Control To “Pilot”: Turn the gas knob to the pilot position and depress it to start gas flow.
5. Ignite The Pilot: While holding the knob, use the furnace’s built-in igniter or a long lighter to light the pilot; continue holding the knob for 20–60 seconds.
6. Release And Test: Release the knob slowly. The pilot should stay lit; if so, turn the knob to “On” and reassemble the access panel.

If the pilot will not remain lit after multiple attempts, the thermocouple or pilot valve likely requires replacement or adjustment.

Thermocouple And Thermopile: Roles And Troubleshooting

The thermocouple generates a small voltage when heated by the pilot flame, keeping the gas valve open. A failing thermocouple cannot produce sufficient voltage, causing the pilot to shut off.

Thermopiles perform a similar role in systems with electronic gas valves and can fail over time. Testing requires a multimeter; typical thermocouple output is around 25–30 millivolts when hot.

Cleaning And Maintenance Steps

Routine maintenance extends pilot component life and improves ignition reliability. Recommended annual maintenance includes cleaning the pilot orifice, checking connections, and inspecting the thermocouple.

• Turn Off Gas And Power Before Cleaning.
• Use Compressed Air Or A Fine Wire To Clear The Pilot Orifice.
• Wipe Pilot Assembly And Thermocouple With A Soft Cloth To Remove Soot.
• Ensure Proper Pilot Flame Shape After Cleaning (Solid Blue Flame).

When To Replace Parts Or Call A Technician

Replace the thermocouple if the pilot lights but does not stay lit. If cleaning does not restore a blue pilot flame, the pilot orifice or valve may be obstructed or damaged.

Call A Professional if there is a persistent gas smell, main burner issues, or if the furnace has an intermittent ignition system failure. Licensed HVAC technicians can test gas valve pressures and perform safe replacements.

Common Diagnostic Tests And What They Reveal

Simple tests can identify failing components. A multimeter test of the thermocouple measures millivolts when heated; low voltage indicates replacement. Observing the flame color and stability helps determine orifice cleanliness and combustion quality.

Test	Procedure	Indication
Thermocouple Voltage	Heat Pilot And Measure Millivolts	Less Than 20mV Suggests Failure
Visual Flame Check	Inspect Flame Color And Shape	Yellow Flame Indicates Clogging Or Venting Issues
Gas Supply Check	Confirm Other Gas Appliances Operate	No Gas Means Supply Or Valve Problem

Replacement Parts And Costs

Thermocouples and pilot assemblies are relatively affordable; typical thermocouple prices range from $10 to $40, while pilot valves and assemblies might cost $50 to $200 depending on model compatibility.

Professional service costs vary widely; expect a service call and diagnostic fee plus parts and labor. For safety and proper adjustments, complex repairs should be performed by licensed HVAC technicians.

Preventive Maintenance Schedule

Adopt a seasonal maintenance routine to reduce pilot light problems. At least once a year, inspect and clean the pilot assembly, check gas connections for leaks, and test thermostat operation.

• Before Heating Season: Full inspection and cleaning.
• Midseason: Quick visual check for flame quality.
• After Season: Turn off gas to pilot if recommended for your model.

Model-Specific Notes For Nordyne Furnaces

Nordyne furnaces cover a range of models; some older units rely on standing pilots, while modern units use intermittent pilot or hot-surface ignition systems. Identifying the exact model number on the furnace nameplate helps determine the correct procedures and parts.

Owners of furnaces with electronic ignition should refer to manufacturer documentation because relighting procedures differ or are not applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Should A Pilot Light Stay Lit?

A standing pilot should remain lit continuously as long as the gas supply and thermocouple are functioning properly. If it goes out frequently, troubleshooting is required.

Is A Yellow Pilot Light Dangerous?

A yellow pilot flame indicates incomplete combustion and potential carbon monoxide risk. It warrants immediate cleaning and inspection, and possibly professional service.

Can A Homeowner Replace A Thermocouple?

Yes, homeowners with mechanical aptitude can replace a thermocouple, but must follow safety protocols: turn off gas, remove the old thermocouple, install the replacement, and test the pilot operation. When in doubt, hire a licensed technician.

Resources And Further Reading

For installation diagrams, model-specific troubleshooting, and replacement part numbers, consult the Nordyne owner manual and parts lookup for the furnace model. Manufacturer instructions supersede general guidance in this article.

Local utility companies and certified HVAC professionals provide safety advice and service recommendations for gas appliances.

Key Takeaways

Nordyne Furnace Pilot Light reliability depends on clean pilot components, a healthy thermocouple, and proper ventilation. Routine maintenance and cautious troubleshooting can resolve most pilot issues; persistent problems or gas odors require professional intervention.