Troubleshooting the Gas Burner in a Whirlpool-Kenmore Gas Dryer

Samurai Appliance Repair Man, a.k.a., The Appliance Guru in New London, NH, shows you how to troubleshoot a gas burner that's not firing up in a Whirlpool-built gas dryer. This is the style of dryer with the long, rectangular lint filter in the top panel of the dryer.
Here's the thermal fuse I installed to fix this dryer: www.repairclini...
Here's a good non-contact voltage sensing light stick like the one I used in the video: www.repairclini...
For free appliance repair help and to order part, visit appliantology.org
The Appliance Guru provides prompt, convenient service in the following towns in New Hampshire: New London, Elkins, Wilmot, Springfield, Georges Mills, Sunapee, Mt. Sunapee, Newbury, Sutton, Bradford, Warner, Grantham, and the Eastman Community. Visit our website for more info and a discount coupon on your next service call: applianceguru.com
Created on July 1, 2012 using FlipShare.
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Get peer-to-peer tech help at our online forums: appliantology.org

[@BobBies1960]

Good thing I've seen this video. My gas dryer constantly becomes inefficient and I've tried to see whether the problem lies on technical. Now, I'll try to see if my vent works perfectly. Thanks for posting this!

[@Plumbers-edmontonCa]

Thank you for allowing me to watch this short DIY tips on repairing your gas burner. My gas dryer had undergone several malfunction during its course. Maybe doing this quick do it yourself suggestion can help me.

[@airconditioningedmonton4213]

I agree with Bob. Usually, vent causes the burning to abnormally work. Make sure that you'll have to see if vent works good and connect-disconnect method is the first aid solution to this.

[@K00H]

my dryer lights up but only a small red fire right in front of the gas spayer/jet.. it's like a candle, and wont reach to the ignitor. there is also no clicking sound like when the blue flame ignited. can you please advise?

[@georgekonstantino4219]

Interesting I tried this with dryer apart and door switch jumped out and found the flame was rolling back. I believe because assembled there is airflow that pulls the flame towards the back of the flame can, up the back and into the dryer. lack of the assembled dryer door, does not provide adequate airflow, hence rolls back. and dryer flame turns off quickly. When dryer os fully assemble seems fine. Anyone have any suggestions?

[@user-zd6fv5vx7c]

I'm dealing with a Kenmore Coin operated Gas Dryer. A flame sensor and coils have been changed. All we get is a constant igniter flame. We also put a new gas line on the dryer. I checked some of the front fuses and they are good. What else can stop the gas flame not to heat up the dryer?

[@johnstewart3595]

It's the radiant sensor on the side next to the ignitor, as a test, pull both wires from the sensor and jump them to see if it flames up.

[@kennethpayne2019]

I have a Kenmore Elite clothes dryer # 796.9102 front loader on a pedestal and want to know how I might get to the heating assembly so I can clean any lint around it ( if any) which I'm sure there is?

[@MontyMontemayor]

Yes, it's fixed... it was one of the thermostat, it was acting up, turns off too quickly at around 120F, and I have to wait for it to cool down... (i noticed the gas would turn on/off very briefly for a few seconds, ever 10mins) ... no wonder why. Usually, this thermo should turn off at around 180F range. anyways, I busted one of the coils by accident, during my troubleshooting, I don't know how. so I ended up replacing it too. :(

[@fixitrod4969]

My flame comes on for 10-15 seconds. Fuse is good. If I short the thermal overload it'll stay running (vent disconnected and everything clean). I replaced it and it still trips in 10-15 seconds. I can see it opens with a volt meter. Why will cause it to get too hot?

[@AppliantologyOrg]

Check your lint filter, too. Any restriction in air flow from intake to exhaust can cause this short cycling problem you’re seeing.

[@yeahitworks]

My dryer turns off the gas after a couple minutes when it was first turned on, and the drum would just keeps on rolling, the gas stays off after that, unless I cycle the dyer again or when the timer rests back to zero. All thermostat shows continuity though, What could be the problem?

[@christran774]

Okay so my dryer is having similar problems and I've searched everything I can think of. The flame does not stay on for more than 4 seconds each time it cycles. I've replaced the coils, and the thermostat and still the same problem. I have ordered the thermal fuse but wondering what else it can be. All exhaust vents and everything is free of clogging.

[@Android_Warrior]

chris tran Look at the blower housing tube for obstructions, if clear you may have a weak/bad gas valve.

[@AppliantologyOrg]

A restricted vent will cause the burner to behave this way. An easy test is to disconnect the vent from the back of the dryer and run it again, checking to see of the burner runs normally.

[@mauricelinton5867]

Just a shot in the dark here. But. Is there any chance that a faulty centrifugal switch would cause a gas dryer not to glow? It’s one of them funky LG dryers with the thermistor instead of the thermal fuse. All sensors checked ok, was getting 4 ohms at the control board (I know amps > ohms) while motor was running. No clicks or anything other than a faint click at the control board when motor is running. I narrowed it down inconclusive to the motor or control board (relay). Any thoughts?

[@lite1979]

You probably have this fixed by now, but it sounds like the gas coils to me. I'm about to replace mine for the exact same symptoms.

[@SJKLR99]

What if igniter is reading 98 ohms instead of 60? Is that faulty? I have no glow or heat everything else works

[@AppliantologyOrg]

SJK99 klr You have to go by current draw, not resistance.

[@SJKLR99]

It ended up being the dial on top...I guess that's why everything I checked tested poss. Dial was stuck on fluff I'm thinking so it wouldn't allow glow or selanoids to work...right? Cheapest 1 was $99 a pretty odd part to fail from all I've read

[@forgivenprodution]

Hi..Thank u for this video it really helped me ..But how did you jumped out the switch?..pleaseletme know..thanks

[@AppliantologyOrg]

+ChillyWillyGoCycling I use jumper wires with alligator clips attached at each end. Radio Shack.

[@forgivenprodution]

+SamuraiRepairman Thanks a lot I'm going to try that..

[@forgivenprodution]

+SamuraiRepairman Hey man thanks for the help I fixed it was that white fuse..great video

[@AppliantologyOrg]

Good job!