Maytag gas dryer klank

Our dryer is 5 yrs old. Normally, you hear a klank, the ignitor heats up and the gas ignites. That all changed yesterday. Now it goes klank klank klank klank klank klank klank , then the ignitor heats up and the gas ignites. What do you think is wrong, and needs to be replaced?
thanks

 

Hello Charles and Welcome to the Do It Yourself Web Site and my Gas Appliance forum.

Your problem discription <klank-klank> sounds like one of the solenoids, on top of the gas valve, is dropping out.

This condition could be caused by a defective solenoid. It could also be a poor connection at one of the solenoid valves. Check the wire quick disconnects and be sure they are firmly in place.

You may also want to first disconnect the electrical power from the dryer and check the wire connections at the timer, etc. You'll need to access these parts from the rear of the dryer.

Should everything seem to be tight and secured, you may have to remove the whole gas valve assembly and take it to your local appliance parts store for testing. Besure to turn off the gas before attempting this proceedure.

Contained within the archives of this forum, are more details and instructions on this proceedure.