How to test a gas dryer igniter when your dryer is not heating up?
If your gas dryer is not heating up, then you may want to get a cup of coffee, sit down and read my long troubleshooting guide.
First we are going to start with the glow bar igniter:
Your Glow Bar Igniter is located in front of the valve/burner assembly (see diagram below #4) it maybe broken or burned out. But first we need to get to it.
How to get to your gas dryer igniter?
If your gas dryer made by (Kenmore, Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, Roper, Crosley and Estate) and your lint screen housing located in the top cabinet panel then use these steps below.
Unplug your dryer and turn off you gas valve.
Remove your lint screen from that located on top of your dyer cabinet. Now remove the 2 screws that hold the top panel.
Now we need to rise up your dryer top panel by releasing the panel locking. Use a putty knife and push it under the lid near the left and right edges of the front of your dryer.
Now lift the top panel and prop it securely against the wall behind the dryer.
Now disconnect the wire harness for the door switch. Use a small flat screwdriver to release the locking tab.
Now find the 2 screws that hold the front panel from the inside of the cabinet and remove them. Use a 5/16-inch nut driver.
Lift the front panel off and unhook it from the 2 bottom hangers and set it aside.
We need to remove the drum by releasing the belt off the idler pulley. Make sure to remember how to put the belt back.
Now left up the drum with the belt outside of the dryer cabinet and put it on the side.
At this point you will see your igniter. Disconnected from the wire harness by release the locking tab first and pull.
How to test your gas dryer igniter?
By looking at the igniter, you can tell if it is damaged or burned out.
Now we use the multimeter to check for resistance or continuity. (click here to learn how to use a multimeter). Use the multimeter probes and touch each terminal on the igniter. If the meter reads between 50-400 ohms of resistance, the igniter has continuity. If not, this indicates no continuity, and the igniter needs to be replaced.
The manufacturer part number for your igniter is 279311
. You can buy it on-line from Appliance Parts Pros, and you should be able to install it by yourself. They even have a video showing you how to install it. Click here to watch the video
But if your igniter check out, then there is a list of parts that maybe bad, and they are connected and wired in series circuit between the your timer or electronic control board and the gas valve/burner assembly. Each one of them can be tested for continuity. Please read my next page to troubleshoot the next part " Thermal Fuse ".
Look up your own dryer.
Here below you can enter your model number to find the exact part number for your dryer.