Gas-Dryer Flame Cycle-Time Problems

Flame-Sensor Basics

• Timing is critical to a flame sensor’s performance. A sensor that’s working properly detects whether or not an igniter is hot enough to make a flame when gas is released from the valve. Once a flame is ignited, the sensor then turns off the igniter. Throughout a routine drying cycle, an igniter cycles on and off. Each time, the flame sensor must ensure the igniter is operating correctly and a flame is produced; otherwise, it will direct the ignition system to shut down and, consequently, the dryer won’t heat.

Flame-Sensor Check

• Verify that a flame sensor is operating normally by monitoring the behavior of the igniter. Locate the igniter on your gas dryer. It should stay on for about 15 seconds after starting a drying cycle -- enough time to generate a flame that the sensor should detect. If the igniter doesn’t go dark after a flame is ignited, the sensor is broken and should be replaced. You can also use an ohm multimeter to test the sensor’s resistance level -- the force that lessens or stops the flow of electric current as temperature changes. A cool dryer should have a resistance level of zero or no value, states Appliance Assistance. Contact a dryer repair technician to change out the faulty sensor.

Igniter

• A faulty igniter could explain cycle-time problems related to a flame sensor’s operation. A properly functioning igniter should glow red-orange or spark, depending on the type, to produce a flame. If the igniter doesn’t come on, the flame sensor won’t ever detect a flame, and the dryer won’t heat. Watch the igniter to see if it comes on when starting your dryer. If it doesn’t glow or spark, replace it.

Gas-Valve Coils

• Flame cycle-time issues sometimes occur when there’s a problem with a dryer’s gas-valve coils. The flame heats the metal coils that give off heat to dry clothes. Once you’ve confirmed that the igniter is cycling on and off, indicating the flame sensor is probably working, the gas coils are the next component to check. A bad gas valve is a typical problem with aging gas dryers, according to Appliance Outlet. Test the valve coils with an ohm multimeter. If you don’t get a resistance reading of about 1,300 ohms, the coils are bad and should be replaced.