How to replace igniter kit and bracket 279311 on a gas Whirlpool dryer

Is your Whirlpool gas dryer leaving clothes damp and cold? A worn-out igniter could be the culprit disrupting your laundry routine. Dive into our step-by-step guide, complete with a how-to video below, to effortlessly tackle this common DIY fix and get your dryer heating like new again!

Installing an igniter kit and bracket on a Whirlpool gas dryer is a straightforward DIY repair that can restore your machine when the original parts fail. The igniter is responsible for sparking the gas to provide the heat needed to dry clothing. Over time, the igniter can wear out and need to be replaced.

Let’s walk through the process of installing the new igniter kit so you can get your dryer running again.

If you need to order an igniter kit and bracket 279311, you can get it here. If you need more parts for your gas dryer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them.

Watch here: How to replace Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Igniter Kit 279311

What you need

• Screwdriver – to remove screws throughout the repair. Depending on the type of screws used in your dryer, you may need a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver.
• Putty knife – to release locking tabs and pry open panels without damaging the surfaces.
• Socket set – to remove screws or bolts that require a specific size.
• Pliers – to grip and manipulate small parts.
• 5/16-inch nut driver
• Flashlight
• Safety gloves – to protect your hands from sharp edges or pinching.

Read more: How does a gas dryer work?

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, including repairing a dryer igniter, it’s important to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your dryer or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• Always make sure there’s at least one carbon monoxide (CO) detector installed on each level of your home to provide timely alerts about any unsafe CO accumulation. Watch out for symptoms of CO exposure, which can include: Headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms, move to fresh air immediately and call 911 or emergency medical help.
• If the dryer has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access dryer parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your dryer or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the dryer or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Read more: How To Disassemble A Dryer

Installation steps

1. Before working on your dryer, make sure it’s unplugged or the circuit breakers are turned off so you can eliminate the risk of electrocution.
2. Lift up the lint screen cover to access the two screws. If the lint screen has a built-in cover, pull it out and remove the screws.
3. Use a putty knife to press and release the little locking tabs located about two inches from each corner of the top panel. Press above the tabs to release the top panel.
4. Use a screwdriver to release the clip holding the door switch wiring harness.
5. Remove the two screws (5/16 inch hex head) that hold the front panel. Lift the front panel and rest it on the clips at the base of the machine.
6. If your dryer has two panels, use a small screwdriver or putty knife to pop off the smaller access panel. Remove the door springs, if present. Loosen the screws on the bottom of the main panel.
7. Press the pulley towards the outside of the dryer to release tension and remove the belt from the pulley.
8. Grab the belt and support the drum as you pull it out from the front of the dryer. With the drum removed, you can access the inside of the dryer.
9. Remove the screw that holds the igniter assembly (5/16 inch).
10. Pull out the old igniter, and as you do, be very careful not to break the fragile gray part.
11. Use a small flat-head screwdriver to disconnect the wire harness.
12. If necessary, swap the old igniter bracket with the new one. Use a 5/16-inch socket to loosen the bracket. Attach the new igniter to the bracket using the same screw.
13. Carefully insert the new igniter into the burner tube and secure it with the mounting screw.
14. Use a small flat-head screwdriver to attach the wire harness to the new igniter.
15. Place the drum back into the dryer and make sure it rests on the roller wheels without pinching the felt.
16. Reinstall the belt by creating a loop and pulling it over the motor pulley.
17. Line up the front panel with the little teeth that stick out and push it down onto them.
18. Lift the drum to align it with the front seal. Wiggle the drum if necessary.
19. Secure the front panel with the 5/16-inch screws.
20. Reconnect the door switch wiring harness and reattach any additional panels.
21. Line up the screw holes for the lint screen and secure the screen in place.
22. Plug the dryer back into the power source.
23. Turn on the dryer and run a small test cycle to see if the dryer is working properly.

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

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the igniter on your gas Whirlpool dryer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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