How to Put an Ignitor in a Dryer

Troubleshooting

• The signs that you might need a new ignitor are the same as those that accompany other forms of dryer failure. A faulty ignitor prevents the dryer from producing any heat, so while your clothes may tumble, they'll come out wet and cool. If the clothes won't tumble, or if the dryer's controls don't work, the problem is electrical. Problems with the gas supply can cause symptoms similar to a bad ignitor, so further inspection is necessary.

Accessing the Ignitor

• To determine that the problem is in fact with the ignitor, open the small access door on the front of the dryer. Turn on the dryer and look for a spark, flame or glowing metal as the dryer begins to run. If you don't observe any of these, the ignitor needs replacement. If you see a spark, flame or glowing ignitor, but the dryer doesn't produce heat, the problem is likely with the gas supply.

Ignitor Replacement

• To replace an ignitor, begin by unplugging the dryer. Unscrew the safety plate that conceals the ignitor if your dryer is equipped with one. The ignitor is a small, thin cylinder with a ceramic cap and a wire leading away from it. If the wires connect to a snap-in wiring harness, unsnap it to remove the ignitor. If no harness is present, clip the wires with wire cutters a few inches away from the ceramic cap. To install the new ignitor, either plug it into the existing wiring harness or strip the wires and twist them together before covering them with electrical tape and replacing the ignitor in its housing.

Safety Issues

• Eliminate the risk of electrical shock by only handling the dryer's electrical connections when it's unplugged. Make sure the wires leading to the ignitor are completely covered with insulation or electrical tape before plugging in the dryer to test the new ignitor. Consult the dryer's owner's manual for special safety instructions, suggested repair procedures or information about the type of ignitor the dryer uses.