ameoba5 pretended :
This might be a silly question, but can a faulty c.h. programmer cause
a gas pilot to go out?

No....

The wind can blow it out, or you can shut it off. Other than that the
thermocouple or gas valve might be faulty, or the flame inadequate
causing it to go out.

--
Regards,
Harry (M1BYT) (L)
http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk