Proper Operation
Learn how your appliance is supposed to operate so you can determine if it is malfunctioning.


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Shorted Radiant Sensor

The radiant sensor is designed to detect the heat from either the ignitor or the burner flame. It is basically a bimetallic switch or thermostat. Its contacts are normally closed and designed to open when it detects the radiant heat of a fully glowing ignitor or burner flame.

Radiant Sensor

Once the radiant sensor detects that, its contacts open which forces power to the ignitor to go though the burner valve's secondary coil first. At that time the secondary coil opens the gas valve but at the same time deenergizes the ignitor which gradually begins to cool. Since the ignitor takes some time to cool, the escaping gas is still able to ignite on the now just slightly cooled ignitor, to produce a flame. The radiant heat of that flame keeps the radiant sensor's contacts open.

Radiant Sensor Flame On

If the radiant sensor's contacts remain closed the whole time, the ignitor will never shut off and no power will get to the secondary gas valve coil (see illustration below) for it to release gas into the burner to be ignited.

Radiant Sensor

Parts Required

Use the appliance model number to order the correct replacement radiant sensor.

Procedures for Replacing the radiant sensor

  1. Turn the dryer off and disconnect the dryer power cord.
  2. Open the dryer bottom access panel or open the burner access door. Remove the front of the dryer if you don't have full access to the burner assembly.
  3. Disconnect the two wires leading to the radiant sensor on the burner funnel.
  4. Remove the failed sensor from the side of the funnel.
  5. Reattach the new sensor to the side of the burner funnel.
  6. Reconnect the two wires to the radiant sensor.
  7. If you had to remove the whole front of the dryer, replace it now.
  8. Plug in the dryer.
  9. Turn the timer to a cycle that demands heat and start the dryer.
  10. Verify that the ignitor glows, the gas valve opens and the flame starts.
  11. Replace the access panel or close the viewing port.