How to clean, reposition, or replace the ignitor/thermocouple

Sometimes, when DIYers install a new thermocouple they over tighten it. The correct way to install a thermocouple is to finger tighten the connection into the gas control valve and then, with appropriately sized open in wrench, tighten it only 1/4 turn more. Over tightening it, can cause the control valve to lockup. Also, check the positioning of the thermocouple. The pilot flame should engulf the tip of the thermocouple. If it doesn't reposition the thermocouple and clean the pilot. Especially clean it, if the pilot flame is curling upward, instead of being straight out.

Hope this helped you troubleshoot and solve the problem.

Its either a bad electronic control board (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=1265&N=244804),
or a bad bake igniter (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=1265&N=1990).

Hi and welcome to FixYa, I am Kelly.

What you are experiencing is the lack of a signal from the thermocouple to the gas valve. I.e. the thermocouple is not passing heat information at all. This is caused by either a defective thermocouple, a dirty mating area where the thermocouple connects to the gas valve or... an improperly positioned thermocouple that is not "in the flame" with the pilot lit.

• First make sure the FIRE end of the thermocouple is in the flame when lit. (reposition if necessay)
• Next disconnect the thermocouple by unscrewing the fitting on the top of the gas valve. (No gas will come out) Clean the metal mating area as best you can and then re-install the thermocouple. Just a good snug fit. Once you feel it come snug add 15 degrees of tightening motion with a wrench.

Attempt to light the pilot... wait 45 seconds to 1 minute while holding the pilot button down before letting it up. If it stays lit.... GOOD JOB. If it goes out the next step is to replace the thermocouple. If after replacing the thermocouple it does not stay lit the remedy is to replace the gas valve. There are no short cuts and the sequence of repairs is just as I stated in order.

You can remove your old thermocouple and walk in to almost any appliance parts supply or Plumbing and heating supply to purchase the correct thermocouple without a part number. They will match it up with yours.

Thanks for choosing FixYa,
Kelly

I also would assume the same. This is all that keeps the pilot light lit, is the thermocouple sending signal to the gas valve saying hey I am on and hot so turn on the gas and lets get things hot. Try cleaning the thermocouple with steel wool and make sure it is on the top of the flame for best results.If this does not do it replacing the thermocouple is next, they are cheap and easy to replace.

You can try cleaning the thermocouple and repositioning it directly over the pilot flame, if this does nothing the replace the thermocouple. The job of a thermocouple is to sense heat from the pilot and upon demand from a thermostat turn on the gas valve and ignite the gas burners.

If your pilot light will not stay lit when you release pilot light button then chances are that your thermocouple is bad. Make sure that the tip of thermocouple is directly in line with pilot light. Tip of thermocouple should be cherry red if it is properly placed. If pilot will not stay lit then replace it. If you aren't sure about placement of thermocouple you can heat thermocouple with a seperate heat source. If you do this and pilot light stays lit then reposition thermocouple in pilot flame. If it still won't keep pilot burning then replace thermocouple. Hope this helps. Thanks.

1. Open the small access door in front of the dryer and start the heat cycle. The ignitor must glow a bright orange so that it is hot enough to light the gas. If there is no orange glow, then the ignior needs replacement.
2. If it glows then cuts off, then glows, again and cuts off, the thermocouple sensor wire is out of position. It needs to be very, very close to the ignitor. This thermocouple sends a temperature signal when it senses that the ignitor is hot enough to ignite the gas. Unplug the dryer. Re-position the thermocouple wire mount so that the thermocouple wire is almost touching the ignitor. You may also "bend" the wire. Plug power back on and heat.
3. If it still does not heat, then the automatic gas valve that is controlled by the thermocouple sending unit is broken. The automatic gas valve cannot be safely "fixed" and must be replaced.
Hope it's just the thermocouple wire.

There are three things besides what you aleady checked:
1. Open the small access door in front of the dryer and start the heat cycle. The ignitor must glow a bright orange so that it is hot enough to light the gas. If there is no orange glow, then the ignior needs replacement.

2. If it glows then cuts off, then glows, again and cuts off, the thermocouple sensor wire is out of position. It needs to be very, very close to the ignitor. This thermocouple sends a temperature signal when it senses that the ignitor is hot enough to ignite the gas. Unplug the dryer. Re-position the thermocouple wire mount so that the thermocouple wire is almost touching the ignitor. You may also "bend" the wire. Plug power back on and heat.

3. If it still does not heat, then the automatic gas valve that is controlled by the thermocouple sending unit is broken. The automatic gas valve cannot be safely "fixed" and must be replaced.
Hope it's just the thermocouple wire.

One of three things, in this order:

Open the front access door and turn ON the heater.
Does the electronic ignitor turn a bright orange?
If not, then it is the ignitor.
If it does turn bright orange, check the thermocouple.
The thermocouple looks like a bare copper wire that is supposed to almost touch the ignitor.
It senses if the ignitor gets hot enough to ignite the gas.
If the thermocouple is loose or not mounted close to the ignitor, then re-position the thermocouple (it is not electrified; however, unplug power cord before doing this). It is also ok to bend the thermocouple if you are unable to loosen its mountiing bracket.
Plug power back on and turn on heater again.
If it fails to flame, you must call for service. The automatic gas valve is stuck. The valve cannot be safely "fixed", it must be replaced.
I hope its the thermocouple out of place.

You will have to clean, reposition, or replace the ignitor/thermocouple