Quck answer
To light a pilot light on a Trane furnace, follow these steps:
1. Locate the pilot light assembly. It is usually found near the bottom of the furnace.
2. Turn the gas valve to the “off” position and wait for about five minutes to allow any accumulated gas to dissipate.
3. Locate the pilot light control knob and turn it to the “pilot” position.
4. Press and hold the knob while using a long-reach lighter or match to ignite the pilot light.
5. Continue holding the knob for about one minute to allow the thermocouple to heat up.
6. Release the knob and turn it to the “on” position.
7. If the pilot light stays lit, you have successfully lit the pilot light on your Trane furnace. If not, repeat the process or consult a professional.
Gas furnace manufacturers have mostly stopped using standing pilot ignition systems, so if you need to light the pilot light on your Trane furnace, it means that the furnace is over 20 years old. Newer gas furnaces now use electronic ignitors, and if there is an issue with them, the furnace LEDs will display a code to indicate the problem. These ignitors can wear out quickly, but they are usually inexpensive and easy to replace. Older furnaces like the Trane XE60 do not have these LEDs, so if the furnace is not producing heat, you will need to visually inspect the burner to see if the pilot light is on.
If the pilot light is off, you can relight it yourself, but there is a reason why it went out, and this may indicate the need for professional servicing. Two common reasons for the pilot light to go out are carbon buildup in the pilot tube and a faulty thermocouple. While homeowners can fix these issues themselves, a professional can do a better job while providing the necessary maintenance for the furnace.
Things You’ll Need
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Head lamp
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Long-reach lighter
How to Ignite a Trane Standing Pilot
Step 1: Lower the Thermostat
Before starting the process, make sure to turn down the room thermostat to its lowest setting to prevent the furnace burners from turning on while you work. Alternatively, if the furnace has a power switch, you can turn that off instead.
Step 2: Locate the Pilot Light
Remove the furnace cover and locate the gas valve and the gas control, which is a plastic or metal knob with three settings: “on,” “off,” and “pilot.” You will notice three tubes connected to the bottom of the gas valve. Follow one of the two smaller tubes (the larger one is for the gas burners) inside the burner compartment and take note of where they terminate. This is the spot where you will hold the flame to ignite the pilot light. You may need a head lamp to clearly see this termination point.
Step 3: Activate the Gas
Turn the gas control knob to the “off” position and wait a few minutes to allow any remaining gas to dissipate. Then, turn the knob to “pilot” and push it in. At this point, gas will start flowing from the pilot orifice.
Step 4: Ignite the Flame
Hold a lit long-reach lighter over the pilot orifice until the pilot light starts to burn. Keep holding in the gas control to give the thermocouple time to heat up. This typically takes 10 to 20 seconds.
Step 5: Repeat if Necessary
Release the gas control knob and check that the pilot flame continues to burn. If it goes out, repeat the entire procedure, but hold in the gas control for a little longer. Once the flame is burning steadily, replace the furnace cover, turn the furnace back on, and set the thermostat to the desired temperature.
Indications That the Furnace Requires Maintenance
If you are able to ignite the pilot but it fails to remain lit once you release the control, it is likely that the thermocouple needs to be replaced. Conversely, if you are unable to ignite the pilot at all, and you have confirmed that there is gas flowing to the furnace, then the pilot orifice probably needs to be cleaned. In either case, it is advisable to contact a professional service technician. Additionally, it is recommended to seek service if the pilot flame is weak or if it burns in an orange or yellow color. A properly functioning pilot flame should be bluish in color, approximately one inch in height, and burn consistently.
