Gas Dryer Not Heating? Top 5 Reasons

Finding wet clothes in your gas dryer after a cycle can be frustrating. If it’s tumbling but not heating, the issue is usually tied to a few common problems with parts or setup. In this guide, we’ll cover the top five reasons your gas dryer isn’t heating and explain how to fix them.

1. Faulty Igniter

The igniter serves as the spark plug of your gas dryer, creating the initial flame that ignites the gas to produce heat. When this component fails, your dryer will tumble but remain cold. Igniters typically glow bright orange during normal operation before the gas valve opens.

To check and replace a faulty igniter:

1. Disconnect the dryer from power and shut off the gas supply for safety.
2. Remove the lower access panel from the front of the dryer (usually secured with screws).
3. Locate the igniter near the gas burner assembly at the bottom of the dryer.
4. Inspect the igniter for visible damage, cracks, or breaks.
5. Test for continuity using a multimeter—a working igniter should show continuity.
6. If the igniter fails the visual inspection or continuity test, purchase a replacement model specifically designed for your dryer.
7. Disconnect the wiring from the old igniter and remove any mounting screws.
8. Install the new igniter, reconnect the wiring, and reassemble the dryer.
9. Restore power and gas, then test the dryer’s heating function.

Igniter failure ranks among the most frequent causes of gas dryer heating problems, so this component should top your troubleshooting list.

2. Defective Gas Valve Solenoid Coils

Gas dryers typically feature two or three solenoid coils that control gas flow to the burner. When energized, these coils open the gas valve, allowing fuel to reach the igniter’s flame. Failure of one or more solenoids prevents gas release, resulting in no heat.

To inspect and replace gas valve solenoid coils:

1. Disconnect power and shut off the gas supply to the dryer.
2. Remove the lower access panel to expose the burner assembly.
3. Locate the gas valve—a component with multiple wire connections and a gas line input.
4. Inspect the solenoid coils (cylindrical objects attached to the valve) for signs of overheating or damage.
5. Test each coil with a multimeter; working solenoids should measure 1,200-1,400 ohms of resistance.
6. If any coil fails the resistance test, replace the entire gas valve assembly, as individual coils aren’t typically sold separately.
7. When installing the new valve, ensure proper connections to the gas line and electrical terminals.
8. Reassemble the dryer, restore utilities, and verify heating function.

Remember that gas components involve safety hazards, so if you’re uncomfortable performing this replacement, consult a professional technician.

3. Tripped Thermal Fuse

A thermal fuse acts as a safety device that prevents dryer overheating. When excessive temperatures occur—often due to restricted airflow—the fuse blows and cuts power to the heating system while allowing the drum to continue rotating.

To check and replace a thermal fuse:

1. Unplug the dryer and disconnect the gas supply.
2. Access the thermal fuse, typically located on the blower housing or near the burner assembly.
3. Remove the fuse by disconnecting its wire terminals and mounting screws.
4. Test the fuse for continuity with a multimeter—a blown fuse will show no continuity.
5. If the fuse has blown, investigate and resolve the underlying cause before replacing it:
   • Clean the entire exhaust vent system from dryer to outside vent cap
   • Remove lint accumulation from the lint screen and internal duct passages
   • Ensure proper spacing between the dryer and wall for adequate airflow
6. Install the new thermal fuse, reconnect the wiring, and reassemble the dryer.
7. Restore power and gas, then test the dryer’s heating function.

Importantly, a thermal fuse never resets—once blown, replacement becomes necessary. However, simply installing a new fuse without addressing ventilation problems will lead to repeated failures.

4. Malfunctioning Flame Sensor

The flame sensor, also called a flame detector or thermopile, monitors the burner flame during operation. If it fails to detect a flame, it signals the control board to shut off gas flow as a safety measure. A defective sensor may incorrectly indicate no flame exists, preventing heating.

To evaluate and replace a flame sensor:

1. Disconnect the dryer from electrical and gas supplies.
2. Remove the lower access panel to access the burner assembly.
3. Locate the flame sensor—a small device positioned near the burner with wire connections leading to the control board.
4. Inspect the sensor for damage, corrosion, or carbon buildup.
5. Clean the sensor gently with fine sandpaper if carbon deposits are present.
6. Test the sensor with a multimeter according to manufacturer specifications.
7. If testing reveals a defective sensor, obtain the correct replacement part for your model.
8. Install the new flame sensor, ensuring proper positioning relative to the burner.
9. Reconnect wiring, reassemble the dryer, and restore utilities.
10. Test the dryer’s heating capability.

While less common than other issues on this list, flame sensor problems can cause intermittent heating failures that prove particularly puzzling to diagnose.

5. Restricted Exhaust Venting

Though not a component failure per se, restricted exhaust venting stands out as a primary cause of heating problems in gas dryers. Poor ventilation creates excessive heat buildup, triggering safety mechanisms that shut down the heating system.

To inspect and resolve venting issues:

1. Disconnect the dryer from power and gas.
2. Pull the dryer away from the wall to access the exhaust vent connection.
3. Disconnect the vent from the dryer and check for obvious blockages.
4. Inspect the exterior vent cap to ensure it opens freely and isn’t blocked by lint, debris, or animal nests.
5. Clean the entire vent path using a dryer vent cleaning kit, which includes flexible brushes and extension rods.
6. Use a vacuum to remove loosened debris during cleaning.
7. Consider replacing accordion-style ducts with rigid metal ducts, which provide superior airflow and collect less lint.
8. Ensure the vent run adheres to manufacturer specifications regarding maximum length and number of bends.
9. Reconnect the vent to the dryer, restore utilities, and run a test cycle.

Regular vent maintenance dramatically reduces dryer problems while improving energy efficiency and reducing fire hazards.

Summary

When your gas dryer stops heating, these five common issues are a good place to start: a bad igniter, solenoid coils, thermal fuse, flame sensor, or blocked vents.

Check the easy fixes first, like cleaning the vent, and always disconnect power and gas for safety. With the right steps, you can get your dryer working again soon. But if a repair seems too tricky, calling Fleet Appliance is a smart move.