Testing Ignitors on Kenmore Dryers

Kenmore residential gas dryers are Whirlpool-built appliances that use an ignitor component, rather than a heating element, to produce the heat that dries the clothes. If your clothes are still wet at the end of the drying cycle, a faulty ignitor may be to blame. Testing the ignitor helps you determine whether the component needs to be replaced or if your troubleshooting efforts should be concentrated elsewhere. The ignitor testing process is so simple and straightforward that it can be completed in 10 minutes or less.

Flat-blade screwdriver
Needle-nose pliers
Multimeter

Instructions

- 1
  Slide a flat-blade screwdriver along the top of the bottom toe panel to locate the retaining clips. Apply pressure to the retaining clips with the tip of the screwdriver to release them. Pull the panel away from the dryer cabinet and set it aside.
- 2
  Set the cycle selector knob to "Normal Dry." Turn the temperature selector knob to the "Cotton/High Heat" setting. Press the large "Start" button on the right-hand side of the control console.
- 3
  Look below the drum on the left side of the dryer cabinet to locate the gas burner assembly. Watch the assembly for 10 to 20 seconds; the ignitor should start to glow.
- 4
  Perform a multimeter test on the ignitor component if it doesn't begin to glow within 20 seconds of starting the drying cycle. Disconnect the power cord from the grounded wall outlet prior to testing the ignitor.
- 5
  Detach the two wires from the ignitor terminals. Pull firmly on the wire connectors with a pair of needle-nose pliers; do not pull or yank on the wires themselves.
- 6
  Switch on the multimeter and set it to "RX1" to read resistance. Place the multimeter leads on the ignitor terminals. A reading between 50 and 600 ohms indicates a functional ignitor. Troubleshoot, repair or replace an ignitor that delivers a reading of "0" or "infinity."

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