How to Troubleshoot & Replace Ge AP2042753 / WE4X693 Dryer Gas Valve Main Coil

Dryer is 22 years old and the main and dual coils were worn out, (not remaining open long enough to properly heat the unit). Replaced them both and works like brand new. Toss a heavy jacket it the dryer ran it on low for 30 min and came out just as dry as it went into the wash. 

GE Gas Dryer Model DBVH512GF1WW began to heat for only a short amount of time so drying clothes took WAY too long. Read online that the first thing to replace are the solenoids. Bought the two solenoids from AppliancePartsPros.com for about $50 total, and it seems to have fixed the problem. Had to watch a few videos to learn to disassemble the dryer, and the job took a couple of hours, but now that I know what I'm doing it could be done in less than 30 minutes. Also, the old solenoids tested for correct range of resistance (and nearly exactly matched the resistance of the brand new ones) but apparently they can test ok when cold and then fail to work properly when in use. Could have ordered same two solenoids online for $10 (guess where?) but they would not be original GE parts and I read some reviews suggesting the cheaper ones could easily fail in a year or less. Probably worth the extra $40 to get original parts. WIll change my rating from 4 to 5 stars if the solenoids hold up and are confirmed to be the solution to the heating problem. 

The fail and the fix: After some research on the web, I took a shot at the cause and ordered the dual coil and main coil. They arrived in a few days. The videos are excellent, and the dryer is even easier to take apart than it looks. Takes about 30 minutes start to finish. BUT, after I replaced the coils and re-assembled everything the flame still sputtered. Fail! I decided to clean everything before calling the repair guy. I removed the drum as before, and also took out the grey gas burner (two screws). There was a white buildup in the brass orifice on the gas valve. Gently, gently, gently I used a toothpick to remove the white stuff. It seemed powdery, and smelled strongly of that "natural gas smell." After the white stuff was gone I had a clean hole in the brass, about 1/16" diameter. Re-assembled everything and the flame now is strong and smooth. Fix! We purchased the dryer new in 2002. My dryer uses Philips screws on the body and has four torx screws on the control panel. 

With coils 

I replaced the gas valve coils and cycling thermostat and the dryer now dries all loads properly. I replaced all 3 since I had the unit already apart and also thoroughly cleaned and lubricated the dryer as well. 

I deducted that the sensor was the problem, since the igniter was working but the burner would not re-ignite after a short cycle. Being a moderately capable repair person, I spoke to one of the people from Appliance Parts Pros and was given the ohm values to check the 2 coils on the gas burner, and the resulting failure of adequate resistance resulted in ordering both coils. I installed the coils per the video and the dryer now works properly. I than the pros for giving me direction to solve the problem without buying a new dryer. Thank You 

First I YouTubed the problem, consensus was coils and/or ignitor. Then I searched ApplianceParts site to confirm the fix. Their probability rating for the fix gave me confidence to order the parts needed. The install was very simple, took about 35 minutes and, voila, heat for the dryer. 

Replacing the igniter and two coils, took longer than expected, knees are bad, 

We run a busy Airbnb at the beach and no dryer is tragic. Ordered the most likely part and installed immediately. Was back in business in two days and a few hours labor. 

Replaced gas igniter and both coils.