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


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Failed Gas Valves

Gas Valve

The gas valve assembly contains two internal valves with corresponding external solenoid coils. When the coils are powered they open the internal valve and allow gas to flow.

The coils them self rarely ever become permanently open circuits but they can fail (ie. open up electrically) intermittently while in use and then reset to normal after a short period of inactivity. This can make the coils tricky to absolutely pinpoint as the troublemaker of heating problems. The valve itself has also been known to 'stick' shut, totally preventing the solenoid coils from opening the gas flow.

Procedures for Gathering Confirming Data

  1. Open the dryer bottom access panel or open the burner access door. Start the dryer in a cycle that demands heat.
  2. If the ignitor glows bright, the radiant sensor opens, the ignitor starts cooling off but the gas valves don't open and there is no flame, suspect the gas valves.
  3. Note where all the wires go on the burner assembly and label them.
  4. Disconnect the two wires from the radiant sensor.
  5. Disconnect the two wires coming from the rear of the dryer.
  6. Turn the gas valve off at the burner assembly and remove the fitting at the valve assembly. Sometimes this fitting has LEFT hand threads.
  7. Remove the screws securing the burner assembly to the dryer.
  8. Remove the burner assembly from the dryer.
  9. Disconnect the two wires going to the ignitor.
  10. Make sure that all the wires are labeled and then remove them from the valve assembly.
  11. Remove the valve assembly from the burner assembly.

Parts Required

Use the model number of your dryer or any part numbers found on the old burner to purchase the proper replacement. Procedures for Replacing the Valve Assembly

  1. Reattach the wires to the new valve assembly
  2. Reattach the valve assembly to the burner assembly.
  3. Reconnect the two wires to the ignitor.
  4. Install the burner assembly in the dryer.
  5. Reconnect the gas line to the valve assembly and turn the valve on.
  6. Reconnect the two wires to the radiant sensor.
  7. Reconnect the two wires coming from the back of the dryer.
  8. If you had to remove the whole front of the dryer, replace it now.
  9. Plug in the dryer.
  10. Turn the timer to a cycle that demands heat and start the dryer.
  11. Verify that the ignitor glows, the gas valves open and the flame starts.
  12. Replace the access panel or close the viewing port.