Gas Stove Won’t Stay Lit – Thermocouple Adjustment & Cleaning
If your stove flame goes out as soon as you release the black button, this is usually caused by the thermocouple not heating properly. The thermocouple is the small black pin next to the burner. It is a safety device that keeps the gas flowing only when it is hot.
If the pin is not positioned in the flame—or is dirty—the stove will automatically switch off.
The steps below will help you fix the issue quickly without needing a Branch Visit.
Please watch the video below or read the walk-through below.
1. Check the Thermocouple Position
Light the stove and look at the flame.
Make sure the small black thermocouple pin is sitting inside the flame.
If the pin is not in the flame, it will not heat up and the stove will turn off when you release the button.
How to Fix the Position
Turn the stove off and let it cool.
Locate your spare tyre tool kit (black bag). Some vans include a pair of pliers.
Use pliers (or the back of a fork or butter knife) to gently bend the thermocouple pin closer to the flame.
Do not touch the stove directly if it may still be hot.
Relight the stove and check that the pin now sits within the flame.
Release the button — the flame should now stay on.
If the pin is sitting low, you can pull it up as per below using your fingers but CAUTION - Only when cold.
Usually you can use your fingers to pull this up (When cold)
Make sure this is in the fire, and you should have a working stove.
2. Clean Carbon or Food Buildup on the Thermocouple
If the thermocouple is already in the flame but the stove still switches off, the pin may be dirty.
Turn the stove off and let it cool.
Take a butter knife.
Scrape the thermocouple pin firmly, flicking upward to remove any black carbon or food residue.
Scrape it 5–10 times.
Relight the stove — it should now stay on.
3. Flame Too Small?
If the flame is very small, the thermocouple may not be heating enough.
With the stove OFF and cool, take the back of a butter knife.
Tap the top metal surface of the burner firmly.
This will loosen any debris blocking the gas flow.
You may see black grit fall out — this is normal.
Relight and check the flame height again.
When to Contact Us
Please reach out if:
The stove still won’t stay lit after following the steps
The thermocouple looks damaged or severely bent
You can smell gas or notice unusual behaviour
You don’t feel comfortable performing these steps
We are always happy to help and can provide guidance or direct you to the nearest workshop if needed.
Tip: You can use the live chat to the right of this screen.
Tip
Most issues come from normal road vibration, which gently shifts the thermocouple out of position, or from spilled food landing on the pin. Both are quick, easy fixes.