I have a roper gas dryer model rdg4440sq0, the igniter glows then the flame lights. Then the flame goes out and doesn't light up again. When it cools down and i restart the dryer the igniter glows and flame lights. i checked the thermostats and they have continuity. what could be causing this problem?

Hello,

Hello,
Your have one of two problem causing the gas to not come on on your dryer.
1) the flame sensor is bad...if the igniter comes on and stays on and doesn't go off...usually within 1 minute the flame sensor isn't working as its supposed to
2) the coils on the gas valve could be the problem...if the igniter does indeed go off within 1 minutes and as soon as the igniter goes off if their is no flame the coils on the gas valve is what would need to be replaced
here is what each part looks like

FLAME SENSOR


GAS VALVE COILS


I hope i have been able to help you fix your dryer,
GENE

http://www.applianceaid.com/gas_dryer.html#noheat

The heating circuit is working perfectly except for the solenoid coils as indicated by the occasional glowing of the igniter but no gas is ignited. A gas valve closes as the solenoid coil weakens as it gets hot and does not open until it has cooled down. Replace both gas valve solenoid coils to get the dryer back into proper operation. The solenoid coils are part numbers 694539 and 694540 but also can be purchased as a kit here.

If electric then the thermostat or the heating element has failed.
If gas: First thing to check is the ignitor underneath the drum. (You have to open the panel to see it) It should glow shortly after the dryer starts, then the flame starts and the ignitor shuts off. If the ignitor does not glow then it or the thermostat is bad. If the ignitor is glowing but the gas does not light then the flame sensor may have to be replaced. If the gas ignites but does not stay on either the flame sensor or the coils are at fault.
See also: http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-repair-a-dryer.htm

check the igniter to make sure it is glowing white and not orange. if it's orange replace it. you may also need the gas coils replaced.

Hello, If your igniter is glowing does not mean it's good, Take a look at it while it is glowing..Is it orange in color..Uneven glow? then it's bad...the igniter needs to be pulling 3.5 amps in order for a) the gas valve to open B) gas to ignite once gas valve opens. The glow should be a brillient yellow that you find hard to look at. If the igniter is bad the only other possibilty is the flame sensor. It is the gadget hooked to the side of the tube where the flame is. Using an ohms meter disconnect the 2 wires from the terminals and check for condinuity..If you have no reading (condinuity) you should replace it. Good Luck!!! If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to comment again. Mike

Dryer does not have pilot light.  There is an ignitor that glows when the dryer is started and lights the flame when the gas begins to flow.  With the front of the dryer off start it up and look for the glow. when it glows hot enough (or on a newer model it might be a spark) the gas should ignite.  When the flame sensor sees that the gas is ignited it shuts off the ignitor and keeps the gas valve open until the temperature sensor gets high and shuts it off.  When the temp sensor cools down the cycle repeats.
If no glow or spark-->bad ignitor If no gas flow-->bad flame sensor or bad gas valve coil If gas comes on and goes off quickly-->lint filter and/or vent pipe or outlet may be clogged or bad flame sensor.

Make sure the lint filter is clean and the dryer vent pipe is not clogged all the way to the outlet.
If it is not getting warm the gas igniter/glow plug may need to be replaced.
If the igniter is OK but the flame does not light the gas valve coil may need to be replaced.
If it gets warm and the venting is not clogged, the thermostat or flame sensor may need to be replaced.

should have electronic igniter that light gas after turned on.

mjm_III1,I have the same problem and did what you did (replacing the gas valve solenoid coil). My problem is history.

Cheers!