My Commercial Speed Queen Dryer With a Direct Spark Will Not Ignite

Heat Setting

• Sometimes a direct spark igniter won’t ignite if the dryer is in Cool Down, Cool Tumble or Extended Tumble, notes Speed Queen. Also, verify that the Fabric Selector knob isn’t set on No Heat, as this will also keep an igniter from making a spark. A heat setting must be selected on your commercial dryer for its direct spark igniter to ignite.

Circuit Breaker

• Although a gas dryer supplies heat from a gas-fueled flame, the igniter uses electricity to ignite. If the laundry room’s circuit breaker for the dryer isn’t in the “On” position, the direct spark lighter won’t initiate a spark when you turn on your dryer. Locate your home’s main circuit box and confirm that the dryer’s breaker is on. Reset the breaker if it’s not.

Igniter Bracket

• If the igniter’s bracket is bent or broken, the igniter might not be in the path of gas, and consequently won’t ignite. Remove the screws on the dryer’s rear panel to expose the igniter. Start your dryer and watch to see if the igniter sparks; a spark should be generated within 10 to 15 seconds. If you see a spark but the gas doesn’t ignite, the bracket might need adjusting or replacement. Tighten the screws on the bracket to reposition the igniter. If the bracket appears damaged, contact Speed Queen to replace it.

Faulty Igniter

• If the direct spark igniter doesn’t spark after you start your dryer, the igniter is defective. It’s not unusual for a direct spark igniter to go bad over time with normal dryer use. Contact Speed Queen to have a repair technician replace the existing igniter with a new one, or change out the igniter yourself. You can obtain a new direct spark igniter from Speed Queen or an appliance store or website that sells Speed Queen replacement parts.