How to Replace a Gas Dryer Ignitor

The function of a dryer ignitor is to send a spark or heat up the gas to ignite it. If the ignitor stops working, your dryer won't heat properly, and your clothes will remain wet. You can buy a new ignitor at most appliance repair shops, and replace your faulty ignitor yourself. With the right tools and this guide you will be able to replace the ignitor on your gas dryer.

Step 1 – Turn-off the Gas Supply

Turn off the gas supply to the dryer by turning the gas shut-off valve in the counter clockwise direction. You can find the valve on the gas line at the back panel of the dryer.

Step 2 – Remove the Control Console

Remove the control console located on the dryer’s top. Two screws secure the control panel’s front to the console. Use the Philips-head screwdriver to remove them.

Step 3 – Remove the Front Panel

Use the Philips-head screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the front panel’s top to the side panel. Lift up the front panel, releasing it from the dryer’s base.

Step 4 – Remove the Dryer Drum

The idler pulley is located under the dryer drum. Reach out for it and push it to left to loosen the drum belt. Remove the belt and lift up and slide out the dryer drum

Step 5 – Remove the Wiring Harnesses

Disconnect the gas line from the dryer using a wrench. Pull apart the two wiring harnesses that connect the burner assembly to the flame sensor and the main assembly, respectively.

Step 6 – Remove the Burner

A bolt secures the burner’s support bracket to the dryer’s base. Remove it using a wrench. Pull the burner out of the dryer.

Step 7 – Remove the Ignitor

Disconnect the 2-wire connector attached to the ignitor wiring harness. Loosen the nut which attaches the ignitor to the burner assembly’s front.

Step 8 – Place the New Ignitor

Remove the ignitor from the burner assembly and slide in the new one. Tighten back the nut which you loosened and reconnect the connector you disconnected in the previous step.

Step 9 – Reconnect the Wiring Harnesses

Now, put back the things you removed in steps 6 and 5. Secure the burner’s support bracket and reconnect the two wiring harnesses for the flame sensor and the main harness.

Step 10 – Place Back the Dryer Drum

Put back the dryer drum along with the belt in the dryer. Run the belt around the idler and the motor pulley. To put the belt under tension, pull the idler pulley to right.

Step 11 – Secure the Front Panel

Place back the front panel and secure it to the side panel using the screws and the Philips-head screwdriver.

Step 12 – Turn-on Gas Supply

Secure back the control console to the dryer’s top. Reconnect the gas supply line and turn on the shut-off valve on the gas line.