How to Test the Ignitor on a Maytag Dryer

Unplug the dryer power cord from the electrical outlet.

Locate the two screws on the lower side of the front panel. Remove the screws with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Rotate the bottom edge of the front panel outward to disengage it from the retaining clips at the top of the panel. Reach behind the panel and pull apart the electrical connector for the door switch. Remove the front panel from the dryer chassis.

Locate the large burner tube mounted to the dryer chassis, which should be visible on the lower right side of the dryer after removal of the front panel. Pull apart the wiring connector on the ignitor -- which is mounted within the burner tube.

Loosen and remove the ignitor retaining screws with a socket and ratchet wrench. Slide the ignitor out of the burner tube and remove it from the dryer.

Turn the adjustment dial on a multimeter to the highest setting for ohms of resistance. Place the metal contact on the black wire from the multimeter onto one of the metal terminals in the wiring connector from the ignitor. Place the contact on the red wire from the multimeter on the remaining terminal in the connector. The meter should read between 50 and 400 ohms of resistance, and a zero reading indicates there is no continuity in the ignitor filament.

Slide the ignitor or a replacement -- depending on the results of the test -- back into the burner tube on the dryer. Replace the retaining screws and tighten them. Push the ends of the wiring connectors back together.

Lift the front panel and place the tabs in the bottom edge of the panel into the slots on the bottom edge of the dryer chassis. Hold the panel in this position while plugging the ends of the door switch connectors back together.

Rotate the top of the panel to the top of the dryer. Push in on the top of the panel until the retaining clips engage. Replace the screws at the bottom of the panel. Plug in the dryer power cord.