Dryer Igniter Not Working — What Causes It & How to Fix It
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Understanding the Problem
The igniter (also called glow bar or ignitor) is the small ceramic-and-coil part in gas dryers that heats up and lights the gas. When it fails the dryer will tumble but produce little or no heat, or you may see clicking without ignition. Below are clear diagnostic and repair steps to find and replace a faulty igniter. 1) Confirm the symptom: Run a timed cycle and listen/watch. Common signs of a bad igniter are: no glow during the heat cycle, a faint click then nothing, or a steady smell of gas without ignition. If the dryer doesn’t tumble at all, diagnose motor or belt first. 2) Safety first: Unplug the dryer and shut off the gas supply before opening panels. Work in a well-ventilated area and have a fire extinguisher nearby. If you smell a strong gas odor, do not attempt repairs — ventilate the area and call your gas utility or a pro. 3) Access the igniter: Remove the dryer’s front panel or lower access panel according to your model. The igniter sits near the burner tube in the burner assembly behind the front lower panel on most brands. 4) Visual inspection: Look for a broken, cracked, or discolored glass/ceramic igniter. Any visible break means replacement. 5) Continuity/resistance test: With the dryer unplugged and igniter disconnected, use a multimeter set to ohms. Place probes on the two igniter terminals. A working igniter usually shows a low resistance reading (commonly 10–120 ohms depending on model). An open/infinite reading = bad igniter. Note: exact ohm values vary by manufacturer. 6) Check related parts if igniter is good: If the igniter glows but the gas doesn’t ignite, test the gas valve coils/solenoids and flame sensor/thermistor. If the igniter never gets power, check the thermal fuse, high-limit thermostat, cycling thermostat, door switch, timer/control board, and wiring for continuity and 120 VAC where appropriate. 7) Replace the igniter: If the igniter is open/broken, replace it. Steps: a) Unplug dryer and turn off gas. b) Remove the access panel to reach the burner. c) Disconnect the igniter harness and any clips/screws securing it. d) Remove the old igniter carefully — it’s fragile. e) Install the new igniter by mounting and reconnecting the harness. f) Reassemble panels, restore gas and power, and run a test cycle. 8) Final tests: With dryer powered and gas on, run a heat cycle. The igniter should glow, then the gas should ignite. If the igniter glows but no flame, turn off and check gas valve coils or gas supply. If nothing glows, re-check power and safety switches. Safety note: Diagnosing gas ignition involves live electrical checks and handling gas. If you are not comfortable performing live-voltage tests or dealing with gas components, stop and hire a qualified appliance technician.
Common Symptoms
Dryer tumbles but no heat, no glow in the burner area, clicking sounds without ignition, or intermittent heating.
Common Causes
- Broken or burned-out igniter (filament open)
- Blown thermal fuse or faulty thermostat cutting power to igniter
- Bad gas valve coils or flame sensor preventing gas flow
- Wiring fault or failed control/timer not sending power to igniter
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Helpful Repair Tip
If the igniter visibly glows but the burner never lights, the igniter is likely OK and the gas valve coils or flame sensor are the next parts to check. If the igniter never glows and shows infinite resistance on a multimeter, replace the igniter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my dryer igniter is bad or if the gas valve is bad?
Start by observing the burner area during a heat cycle. If the igniter glows bright orange and the gas does not ignite, the igniter is likely OK and the gas valve coils or gas supply are at fault. If the igniter does not glow and shows an open reading (infinite resistance) on a multimeter when disconnected, the igniter is bad and should be replaced. Always cut power and gas before testing components.
Can I replace the igniter myself and how long does it take?
Yes — many homeowners can replace a dryer igniter with basic tools. Typical time is 20–45 minutes depending on the model and how accessible the burner compartment is. Always unplug the dryer and shut off the gas first. Handle the new igniter carefully; the element is fragile. If you’re uncomfortable with gas or live-voltage checks, hire a qualified repair technician.
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