Maytag MGD5800TW0 Igniter – What Fixes a Gas Dryer That Won't Light?
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Understanding the Problem
The igniter (sometimes called an ignitor) is the component that glows hot and ignites the gas in a Maytag MGD5800TW0 gas dryer. If the dryer tumbles but won’t produce heat, or you hear clicking but see no glow, the igniter or a related safety component is often the culprit. Follow these numbered diagnostic and repair steps to isolate and fix the issue. 1) Safety first: unplug the dryer and shut off the gas supply at the shutoff valve. If you work with live tests later, make sure gas is off until you’re ready to observe ignition and have a fire extinguisher nearby. 2) Confirm symptom: Run a timed cycle with no clothes and watch/hear startup. Note whether you hear the gas valve click, whether the igniter glows (orange), and whether a flame lights. 3) Inspect lint screen and venting: Remove lint and check the exhaust vent. Restricted venting can cause overheating and trip thermal safeties — clear blockage first. 4) Access the igniter: For MGD5800TW0 style Maytag gas dryers you usually remove the lint filter, disconnect power, remove a few screws at the top or front, tilt off the top, and remove the front or service panel to expose the burner box/igniter assembly. Consult the model’s service sheet for exact panel removal. 5) Visual check: Inspect the igniter for cracks, breaks, or physical damage. A broken ceramic rod or shattered glass element means replacement. 6) Continuity/resistance test: With power disconnected, disconnect the igniter wires and test with a multimeter on the lowest resistance range. A typical functioning glow igniter usually measures a low resistance (often tens to a few hundred ohms). If the meter shows open/infinite resistance, the igniter is bad. (Note: exact ohm value varies by igniter type — main test is continuity vs. open.) 7) Check related safeties: If the igniter tests good but no flame, test the thermal fuse (usually on the blower housing), high-limit thermostat, cycling thermostat, and the flame sensor/thermocouple. A blown thermal fuse or open thermostat will prevent the gas valve from energizing. 8) Check gas valve coils: If igniter glows but gas never flows, the gas valve coil pack may be faulty. These are usually accessible near the burner and can be tested for continuity; open coils mean replacement. 9) Replace igniter (if failed): Remove mounting screws or brackets holding the igniter assembly in the burner box, disconnect the two wires, transfer any gaskets/shields to the new part, and mount the new igniter securely. Reassemble panels, restore gas and power, and run a test cycle while watching the igniter glow and flame light. 10) Leak check: After reassembly and restoring gas, check connections and do a soap-bubble leak check at any fittings you disturbed. 11) Final test: Run a complete dry cycle and confirm consistent flame and correct temperature. Safety note: Never attempt to light the burner with a match. If you smell gas strongly at any time, stop, open windows, do not operate electrical switches, and call your gas utility or a technician. If you are not comfortable working with gas appliances, hire a qualified technician.
Common Symptoms
Dryer tumbles but no heat; no visible orange glow at igniter; clicking on start with no ignition; intermittent heating; blown thermal fuse after repeated attempts to start.
Common Causes
- Failing or broken igniter element (open circuit or cracked element)
- Blown thermal fuse or open high‑limit thermostat preventing gas valve power
- Faulty gas valve coil pack (igniter glows but gas never opens)
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Helpful Repair Tip
The quickest home check: on a start, if you hear a single click but the element never glows, the igniter is likely open (bad). If the igniter glows but no flame appears, suspect the gas valve coils or a safety thermostat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I test the igniter with a multimeter?
Unplug the dryer and shut off gas. Access the igniter and disconnect its two wires. Set the multimeter to the lowest resistance (ohms) range and measure across the two igniter terminals. If the meter shows continuity (a low resistance value), the igniter may be good; if it shows OL or infinite resistance, the igniter is open and needs replacement. Also visually inspect for cracks. Note: an igniter can sometimes still show some resistance but fail under load — if it fails to glow during a powered test (done carefully), replace it.
Can I replace the igniter myself or do I need a technician?
Many DIYers can replace the igniter if they are comfortable unplugging the dryer, shutting off the gas, and removing panels. The job usually involves removing a few screws, disconnecting two wires, and swapping the assembly. However, if you’re not comfortable working with gas, using a ladder for panel removal, or testing gas valves, call a qualified appliance technician. Always follow safety steps (power off, gas off, leak check after repair).
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