Gas Dryer Repair Instructions

There are many problems that can cause your dryer to stop working. Gas dryer repair should be conducted carefully and accurately. Figuring out the problem will determine if you can repair it, if you need to call a professional, or if you need to replace the entire unit.

Broken Starter Switch

If your dryer won’t run, it could be due to the starter switch. Generally, if the starter switch is broken, you may hear a buzzing sound. Locate the starter switch on your unit. If you can't find it, the manual or the manufacturer’s website will tell you where it is. As always, before conducting any work on an electrical appliance, make sure it is either unplugged or that the circuit breaker is turned off, or both. Label the wires that lead to the start switch so that you can reattach them later on, then un-attach them by pulling the connectors off.

Use an ohmmeter or a multi-tester to test the start switch and connect the ends of the tester (which should have alligator clips) to the probes. The reading should be “infinity,” and when you press the switch it should read zero. If these are not the readings you received, then the start switch needs to be replaced.

Thermal Fuse Malfunction

The thermal fuse is often mounted in the exhaust duct in the back panel of the dryer. It is usually in a white plastic housing and measures about an inch long. If the fuse is not working, the dryer won’t run. You can test this by checking the thin wire to make sure it isn’t broken. Before replacing this fuse, check the vent and heating system to be sure that this is not the problem.

Gas Valve Coils

The way that a gas dryer dries clothing is by blowing air through a burner assembly that heats the air. If any part of this assembly isn’t working, the dryer will not heat or will slowly dry the clothing. To diagnose this problem, you should remove the access panel at the bottom, front of your drier, and turn the dryer on. After starting the dryer, the ignitor should glow, followed by the click of the gas valve coil, with the igniting of a small blue flame. If the ignitor glows for a few seconds and then goes out, your problem is probably the coils. If it stays on, the problem is likely the flame sensor, however if the flame ignites and then quickly goes out, the problem could be inadequate airflow.

These are just a few problems that could be had with a gas dryer unit. Be careful when installing your gas dryer to prevent fires, or worse, gas explosions. If you have any doubts about repairing your gas dryer, call in a professional to prevent any injuries or further damage to your dryer.