Washer and dryer side by side under a wall-mounted water heater
Generic photo: Pușcaș Adryan · Pexels License

Field pattern: gas dryer igniter glows, then goes out with no flame

How long the igniter stays on tells you where to look. Igniter glows and then turns off without flame usually means the flame (radiant) sensor saw heat and the gas valve coils did not open the valve. Igniter that glows non-stop points to the flame sensor. The common wrong turn is replacing the igniter first, when the igniter is clearly working.

Cross-checked ~45 min moderateBrands: Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, GE, Frigidaire, Samsung, LG

Before you start

  • Unplug the dryer before touching igniter, sensor or coil wiring
  • If you smell gas at any time: stop, do not operate switches, ventilate, leave and call the gas utility
  • Work on the gas valve body, gas lines, orifice or any leak check is for a licensed gas technician only

Diagnostic steps

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Field pattern: gas dryer igniter glows, then goes out with no flame · OnCall Tech