A pilot burner (also known as a pilot light) is the ignition source for starting your gas burners. When the pilot burner fails, you'll have a tough time lighting the burners on your range and, consequently, cooking any food for service. Pilot burners can get dirty or clogged, or break over time. Luckily replacing the pilot burner on your equipment is easy, and will certainly cost a lot less than calling a service technician.