Your gas dryer’s igniter is glowing orange-hot, but no flame appears to dry your clothes. This frustrating issue means your dryer can’t generate heat, leaving you with damp laundry and a machine that’s essentially running on air alone.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Step 1: Check Your Gas Supply First
Before diving into complex repairs, verify your gas valve is fully open. Look behind your dryer for the gas shutoff valve – it should be parallel to the gas line. If it’s perpendicular, turn it to the open position. Also check if other gas appliances in your home are working properly. This quick check takes 30 seconds and could save you hours of unnecessary troubleshooting.
Step 2: Clean the Flame Sensor
Locate the flame sensor near the igniter assembly. It’s a small metal probe that detects when the burner lights. Unplug your dryer and shut off the gas first. Remove the lower front panel or lint filter housing to access it. Gently clean the sensor with fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool. Built-up residue often prevents the sensor from detecting flames, causing the gas valve to stay closed even when the igniter glows.
Step 3: Test the Gas Valve Coils
The gas valve has two or three electromagnetic coils that open to release gas when the igniter reaches proper temperature. These coils commonly fail in 2025 model dryers after 5-7 years of use. Watch your dryer through several cycles. If the igniter glows but shuts off after 30-60 seconds without igniting, the coils likely need replacement. This pattern may work for the first cycle but fail on subsequent ones as the coils heat up.
Step 4: Inspect the Igniter Itself
Although your igniter glows, it might not reach the required temperature (around 1,800°F) to open the gas valve. A weakening igniter glows dimly orange instead of bright white-orange. Use a multimeter to test continuity – it should read between 50-400 ohms. If outside this range, replace the igniter. Igniters are ideal for DIY replacement since they typically connect with just two wires and one or two mounting screws.
Step 5: Examine the Burner Tube
Remove the burner assembly and check for blockages. Lint, debris, or even spider webs can clog the small holes where gas flows. Use compressed air or a soft brush to clean the burner tube thoroughly. Pay special attention to the air shutter adjustment – improper air mixture prevents proper ignition even with adequate gas flow.
Step 6: Verify Proper Venting
Poor exhaust venting creates back pressure that disrupts the air-gas mixture. Check your exterior vent while the dryer runs – you should feel strong, steady airflow. Clean the entire vent path from dryer to outside. Restricted venting is best addressed immediately since it affects both ignition and drying efficiency.
Likely Causes
Cause #1: Failed Gas Valve Coils
Gas valve coils are electromagnetic components that physically open the gas valve when energized. They’re the most common failure point when igniters glow without producing flame. You’ll notice the igniter cycles on and off repeatedly without gas flowing. Test by swapping the coils’ positions – if the problem follows the coil, replacement is needed. Replacement coil kits cost $15-40 and are not recommended when you lack basic electrical skills.
Cause #2: Dirty or Faulty Flame Sensor
The flame sensor monitors whether ignition occurred successfully. When coated with residue or failing internally, it can’t detect the flame and signals the gas valve to remain closed for safety. Check by observing if the gas valve clicks open briefly then immediately closes. Clean first with fine sandpaper. If cleaning doesn’t work, replacement sensors run $20-50 and are best used in dryers under 10 years old.
Cause #3: Weak Igniter
Igniters gradually lose heating capacity over time. Your igniter might glow but not reach the temperature threshold required to open the gas valve. This cause is ideal for testing with a multimeter – readings outside 50-400 ohms indicate replacement is needed. New igniters typically cost $30-80 depending on your dryer model.
When to Call Expert Help
Contact a professional appliance technician if you smell gas at any point during troubleshooting. Gas leaks require immediate attention and specialized equipment to locate and repair safely. Also seek expert help if you’ve replaced the obvious components (igniter, coils, sensor) but still experience ignition failure. Complex issues like control board failures or gas valve body problems need professional diagnosis with specialized tools. Most reputable technicians in 2025 charge $150-300 for dryer repairs, often less than replacing the entire unit.
Copy-Paste Prompt for AI Help
“My gas dryer’s igniter glows orange but won’t ignite the gas burner. Model: [insert your model]. I’ve checked: gas supply is on, other gas appliances work. The igniter glows for about 45 seconds then shuts off. This happens repeatedly. What components should I test with a multimeter? What’s the proper testing sequence for gas valve coils? Include specific ohm readings and safety precautions for 2025 safety standards.”