Gas Dryer Isn’t Heating: Top 5 Reasons and Fixes

Is your gas dryer leaving your clothes cold and damp? A malfunctioning heating system may be the culprit, but there’s no need to worry! With our comprehensive guide and step-by-step how-to video below, you can easily diagnose and fix the issue yourself, saving time and money while ensuring your home’s safety.

Need a replacement part for your gas dryer? Search below using your specific clothes dryer model number to identify the exact part needed:

If your clothes don’t come out warm and dry after a load, it’s possible your dryer isn’t heating properly. In this case, you’ll need to fully examine your gas dryer to find out why it’s not heating and what you can do to fix it. Fortunately, you can diagnose your gas dryer by yourself in little under an hour. Simply follow this step-by-step guide that our experts at Appliance Parts Pros.com have put together for your benefit. With it, you can find out why your gas dryer isn’t heating and identify which part you’ll require for a full repair.

Why it’s important to fix a gas dryer that’s not heating

When your gas dryer isn’t heating, it’s important to take a look as soon as possible. Dryer fires are a real cause of concern whenever your dryer isn’t in good working order. In fact, the U.S. Fire Administration estimates that there are approximately 2,900 home clothes dryer fires reported each year, which cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss. That’s why you should check your gas dryer for these top five reasons at the earliest opportunity. By troubleshooting the issue, you’ll be able to prevent hazards and find out what repair is required. Best of all, you can check for these common causes on your own without calling a handyman!

How to buy the correct gas dryer parts

As you repair your gas dryer, you may need to buy a replacement part. To get the right one for your model, you can simply type your model number into the search bar at AppliancePartsPros.com and:

• Find your part on the easy-to-read diagram.
• Match it to the numbered parts listed below
• Click on the item for photos and a repair video
• Click “Add to Cart,” purchase the item and receive it within 1-2 business days!

Alternatively, you can also go straight to our dryer parts section and browse items as needed. Simply use the filters on the left-hand side to narrow down your options.

What you’ll need to troubleshoot a gas dryer that isn’t heating

Time: 1 hour or less

Parts

• You may need a replacement part, such as a thermal fuse, dryer igniter, gas valve solenoids, radiant flame sensor or gas valve. No matter what you require, you can find it on AppliancePartsPros.com.

Tools

• A multimeter
• A screwdriver to open the panels of your dryer. Check your operator’s manual to find out the exact size of the screws.
• Work gloves

How to troubleshoot the reason your gas dryer isn’t heating

Warning: Unplug your dryer and turn off the gas valve

Stay safe as you diagnose and work on your gas dryer. Before getting started, make sure to unplug your dryer and turn off the gas valve so that there’s no risk of electrocution or a gas leak. 

1. Thermal fuse

The thermal fuse is the safety device that shuts off the heat if the temperature inside the dryer gets too hot. Typically, these fuses are rated at 190-225°F and cut off once they reach the set temperature.

Where to find it:

• The thermal fuse is located on the blower housing. However, on some models it’s located by the heat source.

You should check:

• Your multimeter first. Whenever you use a multimeter, you should touch the two probes together to make sure the meter is working.
• The thermal fuse for continuity by using your multimeter. To test the thermal fuse, remove the wiring from each of the two terminals. Next, touch a probe to each terminal and check the reading on the meter.
• The vents for any clogging. Often the thermal fuse fails due to a restriction in air flow. Check your vents to make sure there isn’t any lint or debris stuck inside. If there is, go ahead and clean it out, as well as the inside of the dryer when you replace the fuse.

Solution:

• If the meter shows a reading, it has continuity which means the fuse is in good working order.
• If the meter doesn’t have a reading, you’ll need to buy a new thermal fuse and replace the old one.

2. Dryer igniter

The dryer igniter glows red hot to ignite the gas and thus heat the dryer. As the image above shows, the igniter has a ceramic base and a gray heating element on top. This heating element is very fragile and can easily break. If you must handle it, be sure to grab the igniter by the base.

Where to find it:

• The dryer igniter is located by the burner assembly. It’s usually mounted onto the burner tube.

You should check:

• The igniter for any damage. Typically you can see that it’s broken or has a burn mark without removing it from the assembly.
• The igniter for continuity. If you’re not sure that it’s damaged, you can take a reading. To test it, unplug the wire harness to the igniter. From there, simply touch a probe to each pin inside.

Solution:

• If the meter shows a reading, the igniter has continuity which means it’s working.
• If the dryer igniter doesn’t show a meter reading or it’s otherwise damaged, you’ll need to buy a new one and replace it.

3. Gas valve solenoids

The gas valve solenoids are a key part to the machine’s flow of gas. Essentially, these parts open the valve and allow gas to flow.

If it’s broken, you’ll notice:

• The solenoids stop working after 1-2 heat cycles and then increase the drying time until they fail.

Where to find it:

• The gas valve solenoids are part of the burner assembly and are located on top of the gas valve.

You should check:

• The solenoids after running the dryer for a while and getting them warm. That’s because these parts are more likely to show a failure at higher temperatures.
• The igniter for glowing. If the solenoids have failed, the igniter will glow on and off approximately every 90 seconds without creating any flame. In this case, they’ve already failed and will need to be tested for continuity at room temperature
• The solenoids for continuity. It can be tricky to do this because these parts may have continuity but still be bad. What you’ll want to do is set your multimeter to Ohms. From here, your meter may automatically detect a reading, or you may have to manually enter 2,000 Ohms of resistance (or the number on your dryer’s wiring diagram). To test the solenoids, unplug the wire harnesses and then:
  • For the 2-terminal solenoid, touch a probe to each terminal and check the reading. It should fall between 1,000-1,300 Ohms.
  • On the 3-terminal solenoid, place a probe on the left terminal and the other on the middle one. It should fall between 1,300-1,400 Oms. Next, place a probe on the left terminal and the other on the right one. This should read between 500-600 Ohms.

Solution:

• If any of your readings are off, or they don’t show continuity at all, you’ll need to buy and replace both solenoids.

4. Radiant flame sensor

The radiant flame sensor is designed to send power to open the gas valve when it detects heat from the igniter.

There are two reasons why the radiant flame sensor can fail. First, the sensor may be broken, causing the contacts to never touch. In this case, the igniter never comes on. Or, the contacts of the sensor may have fused together, which makes the igniter stay on all the time. Either way, the gas valve won’t open.

Where to find it:

• The radiant flame sensor is by the burner assembly. It’s usually mounted on the tube, next to the igniter.

You should check:

• The sensor for continuity. Make sure the meter is set to continuity again. Next, remove the wires from the sensor and place a probe at each terminal.

Solution:

• If there’s no continuity or the igniter stays on all the time and the gas valve doesn’t open, you’ll need to buy a new one and replace it.

5. Gas valve

As the name suggests, the gas valve lets the gas into the burner. It’s unusual for this part to fail. Overall, there are two main causes of a broken gas valve. Firstly, it may be stuck open and gas is leaking out. Or secondly, the valve may be stuck closed and no gas can get through.

Where to find it:

• The gas valve is located by the burner assembly.

You should check:

• The gas valve for any loose wires. If you’ve checked everything else and the gas valve still isn’t opening or it’s leaking, it means this part is broken.

Solution:

• Buy a new gas valve and replace the old one.

Keep your gas dryer maintained

Congratulations! You’ve now identified the reason why your gas dryer isn’t heating. Remember to buy the replacement part you require on AppliancePartsPros.com in order to get your dryer back up and running.  Finally, it’s vital that you maintain your gas dryer on an annual basis to prevent hazards such as fires and gas leaks. A whopping 34% of dryer fires are caused by failing to clean it, so take the time to thoroughly clean the inside of your dryer every year. This includes the lint screen, the blower housing, the ducting from the back of the dryer to the wall, and the ducting from the wall to the outside of your home.

Gas dryer heating FAQs

If my gas dryer isn’t heating, does that mean it’s broken?

When your gas dryer isn’t heating properly, you’ll need to perform a full diagnostic. Typically, the underlying cause is a worn-out part, which you can easily replace. Make the most of our guide above to identify why your gas dryer isn’t heating and how best to fix the issue.

How can I be sure to buy the correct dryer part?

Your machine’s model number is key information to buy the correct dryer part. Look up the model number in your operator’s manual and simply type it into Appliance Parts Pros.com. From here you’ll be able to search for the parts you need on the diagrams or lists, ensuring that the part is compatible with your machine.

How can I reduce the risk of a dryer fire?

The key to preventing the risk of dryer fire is keeping your machine clean and well-maintained. Be sure to clean out the lint screen after every load and complete an annual lint sweep of the inside of your dryer. In addition, don’t ignore issues with your dryer heating. If you notice it’s not working properly, perform the diagnostic tests above in order to rule out any more serious issues. For example, lint can get into the vents or blower wheel and catch fire if left ignored over time.

Where to find us

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

Stay connected with the latest DIY tips, tutorial videos, and repair guides by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We love hearing about your repair stories and successes. If you need more help or want personalized guidance, feel free to contact or call us at 877-477-7278. We’re ready to help you take on your next project with confidence!

Since 1999, AppliancePartsPros.com has helped millions of people repair their broken appliances by providing high-quality original parts at well below retail prices, free support and troubleshooting, and award-winning customer service from an expert, friendly, US-based customer support team!