Washing Machines Logo
Posted on Sep 25, 2009
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

Dryer ignites to heat sometimes, then other times does not ignite

1 Answer

Anonymous

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 500 times.

  • Master 1,197 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 27, 2009
Anonymous
Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 500 times.

Joined: Apr 06, 2009
Answers
1197
Questions
1
Helped
414339
Points
4380

First, in many cases, the dryer actually IS heating, but there’s just not enough airflow out the vent to take advantage of it, so the end result’s the same as ‘no heat’.So first determine that there’s a strong flow of air out the vent. I can’t stress this enough - low airflow’s the no. 1 cause of dryer problems, not to mention dryer fires. Then check if there’s any heat in the drum when running empty. Note: there's finally a simple, inexpensive tool to test airflow in Whirlpool-built dryers!
If there doesn’t seem to be any heat at all, first check for 240V present at the dryer. I can tell you that many hours have been wasted over the years by not *doing this first*!Neglecting this is probably THE most common mistake of the novice appliance tech (and some pros who should know better! <g> ).

If you have a voltmeter or 240V bulb, just check for 240V at the dryer term. block, and you will save some aggravation and possibly a service call.

If you have no way to test this, or you are at all uneasy about messing with 240V (you HAVE read my disclaimer, right?), just go to your breaker box and throw the dryer breaker off/on several times.(If your dryer is connected with fuses, replace both of them and try it again.)Sometimes - just sometimes - resetting the breaker will restore 240V, especially in damp basements.

(On the handiest tool list: a 240V/10W bulb with leads/alligator clips, carried in your pocket - a real timesaver, and far superior to neon testers)
How you proceed from here depends on your abilities, and I’m not able to get too involved in this short article.I’d probably suggest calling a pro if you’ve proven 240V to the machine, there definitely is no heat, and there’s plenty of air out the vent. A pro sees this problem every day and can usually diagnose it in 10-15 minutes.
I will say to those of you who are ‘handy’ - start at the heat source and work *backwards*.If there’s nothing obvious (burnt wiring, etc) attach that 240V bulb to the element leads (or gas valve 120V supply), and fire the dryer up.
Light = open element (gas control/ignition system problems).
No light = other problems (thermal fuse, t'stat, etc).

Keep it simple.This one usually is.





courtesy: davesrepair




regards
iversh

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

tip

Gas Dryer not Working Gas Dryer Not Heating


If your gas dryer is not working because it is not heating then you need to check this out. Today’s gas dryers often do not use the simple thermocouple with a pilot to prove the flame anymore. They use a much more complicated method of lighting the burner and proving the flame.

The use of electric igniters has become the standard for many dryers today. The thermostat calls for heat, power is supplied to the igniter, then after a certain amperage draw on the igniter, the gas valve is energizes to open and allow gas to flow starting the flame. As long as the amperage draw on the igniter is high enough then the gas valve stays open till the thermostat is satisfied.

Sometimes the igniter will crack and no current will go through and the igniter will not even heat up or glow. Sometimes the igniter will wear to the point where it will still heat up and glow, but the current draw will not be high enough to allow the gas valve to open. This creates a confusing situation where you look into the dryer and see the glow from the igniter, but get no heat because the burner never lights up. If this is the case then you will need to replace the igniter even though it seems to be okay. The only way to know for sure is to know what the current draw requirements are for that gas valve and to have an amp meter to check the current draw.

Most of the time the problem will be in the igniter, and not the gas valve. Gas valves can go bad, but that is the case in only a very small amount of the situations. It is a pretty safe bet that if you have a problem with you gas dryer lighting that you have a problem with your igniter.


http://www.fixya.com/support/r4312805-dryer_maintenance

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3866744-dryer_not_working_dryer_not_drying

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3907570-buy_appliance_parts_online

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3866345-dryer_troubleshooting_electric_dryer_won

http://www.fixya.com/support/r4496386-dryer_cord_wiring_dryer_3_wire_or_4_wire

http://www.fixya.com/support/r4416566-dryer_repair_squeaks_grinding_clicking

http://www.fixya.com/support/r4422207-dryer_repair_dryer_not_turning

http://www.fixya.com/support/r4460438-dryer_repair_dryer_will_not_start

http://www.fixya.com/support/r4398592-gas_dryer_not_working_gas_dryer_not
on Mar 23, 2010 • Dryers
0helpful
1answer

No heat

This information is Courtesy of expert heatman101

If your gas dryer is not working because it is not heating then you need to check this out. Today?s gas dryers often do not use the simple thermocouple with a pilot to prove the flame anymore. They use a much more complicated method of lighting the burner and proving the flame.

The use of electric igniters has become the standard for many dryers today. The thermostat calls for heat, power is supplied to the igniter, then after a certain amperage draw on the igniter, the gas valve is energizes to open and allow gas to flow starting the flame. As long as the amperage draw on the igniter is high enough then the gas valve stays open till the thermostat is satisfied.

Sometimes the igniter will crack and no current will go through and the igniter will not even heat up or glow. Sometimes the igniter will wear to the point where it will still heat up and glow, but the current draw will not be high enough to allow the gas valve to open. This creates a confusing situation where you look into the dryer and see the glow from the igniter, but get no heat because the burner never lights up. If this is the case then you will need to replace the igniter even though it seems to be okay. The only way to know for sure is to know what the current draw requirements are for that gas valve and to have an amp meter to check the current draw.

0helpful
1answer

Maytag neptune gas dryer dryer will run but the igniter will only ignite part of the time, thought we had a bad igniter put in a new one, it lit up right away dryed one load completely dry, put in the next...

Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} Hi,
If you are having problems with your gas dryer not heating the most common problem is that the ignitor goes bad. Even though it glows sometimes it is still not working properly.

if you dryer is gas check out this gas no heat tip....

If you have an electric dryer, you can have many different things that can go wrong causing the dryer not to heat.

check out this electric no heat tip...


heatman101
0helpful
1answer

Dryer tumbles continuously but does not dry. When

Check the following areas to combat this issue. the most common problem spot will be a blown Thermal fuse, but in your case, i would pay close attention to the gas valve coils.


1. Gas valve coils
igniter glows, then shuts off without igniting gas - the problem is probably with defective coils (black, located on top of the gas valve). It is recommended to replace all coils (usually two or three) if found defective.

Note: Sometimes the whole gas valve may be defective, thus not letting the gas out. However, this problem is not common.

2. Thermal fuse
Most dryers have a thermal fuse, which burns out when the dryer overheats, in which case the dryer will either not run at all or stop heating. The fuse is usually located on the vent duct, inside the dryer. A blown fuse will show no continuity when measured with a meter. Before replacing the fuse, make sure the blower wheel is not broken or clogged, and there is nothing blocking the venting.

Note: It is recommended by most dryer manufacturers to replace a hi-limit thermostat when replacing a thermal fuse.

3. igniter
igniter may burn out or break. Replace the igniter if found defective.

Note: Igniters are very fragile and break easily. It is recommended to handle the igniter only touching the ceramic part of it (usually white in color).

4. Flame sensor (or radiant heat sensor)
Replace the sensor (located near the igniter) if found defective.

2helpful
1answer

Dryer burner just stopped working. the motor turns but no heat. It also will not start on timed heat.

HI, i recommend inspecting all areas stated below to address this issue. the most common problem will be a set of defective gas valve coils but, i suggest checking all points before replacing the coils.


1. Gas valve coils
igniter glows, then shuts off without igniting gas - the problem is probably with defective coils (black, located on top of the gas valve). It is recommended to replace all coils (usually two or three) if found defective.

Note: Sometimes the whole gas valve may be defective, thus not letting the gas out. However, this problem is not common.

2. Thermal fuse
Most dryers have a thermal fuse, which burns out when the dryer overheats, in which case the dryer will either not run at all or stop heating. The fuse is usually located on the vent duct, inside the dryer. A blown fuse will show no continuity when measured with a meter. Before replacing the fuse, make sure the blower wheel is not broken or clogged, and there is nothing blocking the venting.

Note: It is recommended by most dryer manufacturers to replace a hi-limit thermostat when replacing a thermal fuse.

3. igniter
igniter may burn out or break. Replace the igniter if found defective.

Note: Igniters are very fragile and break easily. It is recommended to handle the igniter only touching the ceramic part of it (usually white in color).

4. Flame sensor (or radiant heat sensor)
Replace the sensor (located near the igniter) if found defective.
4helpful
1answer

Alg331raw gas dryer. Runs but no heat. Worked

Check the following to address this issue


1. Gas valve coils
Igniter glows, then shuts off without igniting gas - the problem is probably with defective coils (black, located on top of the gas valve). It is recommended to replace all coils (usually two or three) if found defective.

Note: Sometimes the whole gas valve may be defective, thus not letting the gas out. However, this problem is not common.

2. Thermal fuse
Most dryers have a thermal fuse, which burns out when the dryer overheats, in which case the dryer will either not run at all or stop heating. The fuse is usually located on the vent duct, inside the dryer. A blown fuse will show no continuity when measured with a meter. Before replacing the fuse, make sure the blower wheel is not broken or clogged, and there is nothing blocking the venting.

Note: It is recommended by most dryer manufacturers to replace a hi-limit thermostat when replacing a thermal fuse.

3. Igniter
Igniter may burn out or break. Replace the igniter if found defective.

Note: Igniters are very fragile and break easily. It is recommended to handle the igniter only touching the ceramic part of it (usually white in color).

4. Flame sensor (or radiant heat sensor)
Replace the sensor (located near the igniter) if found defective.
0helpful
1answer

Gas Dryer does not continue to heat.

Check the Following to address this issue--



1. Gas valve coils
Igniter glows, then shuts off without igniting gas - the problem is probably with defective coils (black, located on top of the gas valve). It is recommended to replace all coils (usually two or three) if found defective.

Note: Sometimes the whole gas valve may be defective, thus not letting the gas out. However, this problem is not common.

2. Thermal fuse
Most dryers have a thermal fuse, which burns out when the dryer overheats, in which case the dryer will either not run at all or stop heating. The fuse is usually located on the vent duct, inside the dryer. A blown fuse will show no continuity when measured with a meter. Before replacing the fuse, make sure the blower wheel is not broken or clogged, and there is nothing blocking the venting.

Note: It is recommended by most dryer manufacturers to replace a hi-limit thermostat when replacing a thermal fuse.

3. Igniter
Igniter may burn out or break. Replace the igniter if found defective.

Note: Igniters are very fragile and break easily. It is recommended to handle the igniter only touching the ceramic part of it (usually white in color).

4. Flame sensor (or radiant heat sensor)
Replace the sensor (located near the igniter) if found defective.


0helpful
1answer

Dryer not heating

For a gas dryer, check the following---

1. Gas valve coils
Igniter glows, then shuts off without igniting gas - the problem is probably with defective coils (black, located on top of the gas valve). It is recommended to replace all coils (usually two or three) if found defective.

Note: Sometimes the whole gas valve may be defective, thus not letting the gas out. However, this problem is not common.

2. Thermal fuse
Most dryers have a thermal fuse, which burns out when the dryer overheats, in which case the dryer will either not run at all or stop heating. The fuse is usually located on the vent duct, inside the dryer. A blown fuse will show no continuity when measured with a meter. Before replacing the fuse, make sure the blower wheel is not broken or clogged, and there is nothing blocking the venting.

Note: It is recommended by most dryer manufacturers to replace a hi-limit thermostat when replacing a thermal fuse.

3. Igniter
Igniter may burn out or break. Replace the igniter if found defective.

Note: Igniters are very fragile and break easily. It is recommended to handle the igniter only touching the ceramic part of it (usually white in color).

4. Flame sensor (or radiant heat sensor)
Replace the sensor (located near the igniter) if found defective.

For a electrical dryer, check the following---


. No power to the dryer
Make sure there's power getting to the dryer. Check for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. An electric dryer uses two circuit breakers or fuses, and if only one of two is tripped or blown, the dryer might still run but not heat. Sometimes the power cord disconnects or burns at the dryer, if this is the case, the wiring and the terminal block must be repaired or replaced.

2. Heating element
A burned out heating element will show no continuity when measured with a meter. Replace the element if found defective.

3. Thermal fuse
Most dryers have a thermal fuse, which burns out when the dryer overheats, in which case the dryer will either not run at all or stop heating. The fuse is usually located on the vent duct, inside the dryer. A blown fuse will show no continuity when measured with a meter. Before replacing the fuse, make sure the blower wheel is not broken or clogged, and there is nothing blocking the venting.
0helpful
1answer

WILL NOT HEAT

Check the following to address this issue you are having at this time.


1. Gas valve coils
Igniter glows, then shuts off without igniting gas - the problem is probably with defective coils (black, located on top of the gas valve). It is recommended to replace all coils (usually two or three) if found defective.

Note: Sometimes the whole gas valve may be defective, thus not letting the gas out. However, this problem is not common.

2. Thermal fuse
Most dryers have a thermal fuse, which burns out when the dryer overheats, in which case the dryer will either not run at all or stop heating. The fuse is usually located on the vent duct, inside the dryer. A blown fuse will show no continuity when measured with a meter. Before replacing the fuse, make sure the blower wheel is not broken or clogged, and there is nothing blocking the venting.

Note: It is recommended by most dryer manufacturers to replace a hi-limit thermostat when replacing a thermal fuse.

3. Igniter
Igniter may burn out or break. Replace the igniter if found defective.

Note: Igniters are very fragile and break easily. It is recommended to handle the igniter only touching the ceramic part of it (usually white in color).

4. Flame sensor (or radiant heat sensor)
Replace the sensor (located near the igniter) if found defective.
Not finding what you are looking for?

121 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Whirlpool Washing Machines Experts

Mike Cairns
Mike Cairns

Level 3 Expert

3054 Answers

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Brad Brown

Level 3 Expert

19187 Answers

Are you a Whirlpool Washing Machine Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...