Gas Dryer Not Heating Up? 5 Causes and Solutions- Easy part replacement!

While electric dryers have become more and more popular, people with gas service available prefer the low-cost efficiency of a gas powered dryer. These units are a significant up-front investment, but pay for themselves easily in the long run.

Read Also: Gas vs Electric Dryer Essential Comparison Guide

While a gas dryer is normally more economical to operate than an all-electric dryer, they are not free from maintenance and repair issues. Below is a list of the five most common causes behind your gas dryer not heating up.

For around $30 on Amazon, you can purchase a GAS DRYER Repair Kit. This kit contains an igniter, gas valve coil, thermal fuse, and flame sensor. It might be cheaper to purchase the whole kit and replace multiple components if your gas dryer is older… or, if you suspect the gas dryer not heating up is caused by multiple issues. Double check your model number before ordering.

5 Common Causes Why Gas Dryer Not Heating Up

1. Faulty Gas Valve Solenoid Coils

In a typical gas dryer, the gas is allowed to enter the dryer through the gas valve. To ensure that the gas enters the dryer at the correct time, the valve is directed to open by use of an electrical solenoid (gas valve ignition solenoid coil).

The electrical solenoid is actuated when the dryer is started. If the gas valve does not open shortly after the dryer is started, one or more of the coils are not working.

The coils of the gas valve are located on top of the valve and can be tested using a multimeter. A

multimeter will help you test the coils for continuity.

Testing the coils is really easy after you gain access to the area where the gas valve is located. Be sure to unplug the dryer and disconnect the gas hose before attempting any repairs.

Locate the gas valve and remove the coil(s) and test them using a

multimeter, if you get a resistance reading on the meter of 1000-2000 ohms, the coil is bad and must be replaced.

You can get replacement coils by contacting the manufacturer and ordering the necessary number of coils. Coils are easily purchased at online retailers such as Amazon. Click here. Coils start at around $7. Be sure to check your model number for compatibility.

After replacing the faulty coils and buttoning everything back up, start the dryer and see if the dryer is working again.

Note: we may receive a small commission off your purchase at no additional cost to you.

2. Blown Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse in a gas dryer is part of its safety features. The thermal fuse is designed to prevent an overheating condition that could potentially cause a fire.

If the thermal fuse is blown, the dryer will not heat up again until the fuse has been replaced. A simple reason behind the gas dryer not heating up.

Depending on the model of the gas dryer, the thermal fuse will be located near the blower.

If the dryer does not heat up, it is possible that the thermal fuse could be blown and has stopped the dryer from working. The Thermal fuse will look like one of these styles below.

To check to see if the fuse is the cause, you can use a

multimeter and test it for continuity. Even if you do not have a multimeter, you can visually inspect the fuse for signs of damage/burn out. The replacement part is cheap enough to order and try (around $5), even if you aren’t sure this is the cause.

To replace the fuse, you’ll need to unplug the dryer and remove the access panel from the back of the dryer. Locate the blower housing the remove the thermal fuse. See image above.

Use a

multimeter to check for continuity. If the meter reads zero (infinity), then the fuse is bad and needs to be replaced.

Replacement thermal fuses are easily available online from retailers such as Amazon. Click here. Thermal fuses start around $6. Double check your model number for compatibility before ordering.

After replacing the fuse and buttoning up the access cover, plug the dryer back in and turn it on. If everything operates normally, than you are ready to go and have saved a significant amount of time/money.

3. Faulty Igniter

The igniter is a very important part of the dryer. If it does not heat up properly, the gas valve will not open to allow the gas to flow. The igniter activates the coils mentioned above.

The igniter is turned on when the dryer is started. If the tip of the igniter does not reach the proper temperature quick enough, the solenoid(s) will not open the valve and allow the gas to flow. Without the proper flow of gas, you obviously cannot have heat. Just as the ignition in a car starts the engine, the igniter in the dryer begins the process of heating the dryer.

If you suspect the igniter is faulty, you can test it with a

multimeter and check it for continuity.

Before you get started with this repair, move the dryer and disconnect both the power cord and gas hose from the back of the dryer.

Remove the back access panel and locate where the igniter is located and disconnect it.

Using a

multimeter, check for continuity and, if it is bad, you will need to replace. Contact the local part store or you can purchase a new igniter here.

For around $30 on Amazon, you can purchase a GAS DRYER Repair Kit. This kit contains an igniter, gas valve coil, thermal fuse, and flame sensor. It might be cheaper to purchase the whole kit and replace multiple components if your gas dryer is older… or, if you suspect the gas dryer not heating up is caused by multiple issues. Double check your model number before ordering.

Install the new igniter and button up the access panel and reconnect the gas hose and plug in the power cord. Test the dryer to ensure that it starts heating like it is supposed to.

4. Defective Radiant Flame Sensor

The radiant flame sensor in a gas dryer is very important. This sensor is how the gas valve knows when to open and allow the gas to flow. Once the gas is flowing, the igniter can light the flame.

When the sensor determines that the tip of the igniter reaches the proper temperature, it signals the solenoids to open the gas valve which allows the gas to flow and it is ignited.

If you suspect that the igniter is heating up and the gas is still not flowing, the radiant flame sensor just might not be working…causing your gas dryer not heating up. You can test the sensor using a

multimeter and replace it if necessary.

To check the radiant flame sensor you want to be sure that you disconnect the gas hose and unplug the power cord from the outlet.

Remove the back access panel and locate the flame sensor, it should be located near the igniter.

Remove the sensor in order to test it with a multimeter and if it does not read zero you will need to replace it.

To get a new sensor you, you can order from Amazon for around $10. Or, just purchase the entire flame sensor kit as mentioned above. Check your model number to order directly from the manufacturer, or go to a local parts supply store for the fastest turn around.

After you install the new sensor and button up the access panel, hook up the gas hose and plug in the power cord test the dryer to see if it heats up.

Read Also: GE Electric/Gas dryer not heating

Note: we may receive a small commission off your purchase at no additional cost to you.

5. Faulty High Limit Thermostat

The high limit thermostat is another part of the gas dryer’s safety features. It detects an overheating condition, just like when exhaust hose becomes obstructed.

If the thermostat activates, it will prevent the gas valve from opening and allowing the gas to flow into the dryer.

If you suspect the High Limit Thermostat you can test it with a

multimeter and check for continuity. To check the thermostat for proper operation,

Be sure to unplug the power cord from the outlet and open the back access panel.

The High Limit Thermostat should be either located on the blower housing cover or near the exhaust vent. Remove the thermostat and test with a

multimeter.

If you do not get a zero reading (infinity) the High Limit Thermostat is faulty and will need to be replaced. Cycling Thermostat behind gas dryer not heating up.

To get a new thermostat you will need to contact the manufacturer or purchase from an online retailer such as Amazon for $10.

After replacing the thermostat, button up the access panel and plug the power cord back in. Test the dryer and enjoy.

Read also: Can you Convert a Gas dryer to Electric?