What does Kenmore Gas Dryer Igniter Replacement - Signs & How-To mean?

No heat or burner won't light? A failed igniter usually won't glow or can't ignite gas. Replacing the igniter restores burner ignition and heat.

How do I fix Kenmore Gas Dryer Igniter Replacement - Signs & How-To?

Follow the step-by-step diagnosis below. The most likely fix is identified by checking power, sensor resistance, and control-board signals in order — using a multimeter and the part numbers documented in the parts reference table.

Can I keep running the equipment with this fault active?

Generally no. Faults on Appliance units are emitted when a sensor, safety, or control circuit is outside its operating envelope. Running through an active fault risks compressor, heater, or control-board damage. Diagnose and clear the fault first.

What part is most commonly replaced for Kenmore Gas Dryer Igniter Replacement - Signs & How-To?

The most frequently replaced parts for Kenmore Gas Dryer Igniter Replacement - Signs & How-To are listed in the Parts Reference section of this guide with OEM part numbers and typical price ranges. Check the table for direct replacements.

Is Kenmore Gas Dryer Igniter Replacement - Signs & How-To a DIY repair or do I need a technician?

Sensor swaps, fan motor replacements, and condenser cleaning are typical DIY-level repairs. Anything involving refrigerant, gas, or high-voltage (>240V) work requires a licensed technician for both safety and code-compliance reasons.

Kenmore Gas Dryer Igniter Replacement - Signs & How-To

Kenmore Gas Dryer Igniter Replacement — What This Part Does

The igniter in a Kenmore gas dryer glows hot to ignite the gas at the burner assembly. When you start a heated cycle, the igniter heats up first. Once it reaches the correct temperature, it signals the gas valve coils to open and allows gas to flow to the burner, where the igniter lights it. If the igniter is cracked, electrically open, or weak, it won’t glow or won’t reach the temperature needed to open the valve and light the burner.

Common causes of igniter failure include age, physical damage from handling, cracks in the ceramic element, or misalignment after a previous repair. If the dryer heats at the start of the cycle but stops heating later on, the gas valve coils are usually the problem instead of the igniter. If the igniter glows but no flame appears, the fault is often in the gas valve or burner control assembly rather than the igniter itself.

Jump to Replacement Steps

Signs It Needs Replacing

Igniter does not glow at all You open the cabinet and observe the igniter during a heat cycle, but it never lights up or glows.
Dryer runs but produces no heat The drum tumbles normally and the blower works, but the air stays cold because the burner never ignites.
Igniter glows but burner does not light The igniter element glows orange or white but no flame appears at the burner, pointing to a gas valve or burner assembly issue.
Visible cracks or damage on the igniter You inspect the igniter and find cracks in the ceramic body or see that the element is broken.
Dryer heats briefly then stops mid-cycle The burner lights at the beginning but shuts off and won’t relight for the rest of the load, usually indicating failed gas valve coils rather than the igniter.
Igniter is loose or mispositioned The mounting screw is loose or the igniter has shifted out of alignment, preventing proper flame ignition even if the element glows.

How to Replace It

Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet and shut off the gas supply valve on the supply line behind the dryer.
Pull out the lint screen, remove the two screws at the lint duct, then lift the top panel and prop it open or lay it back against the wall.
Disconnect the door-switch wire harness, remove the screws securing the front panel, then lift the front panel off and set it aside.
Remove the drum belt from the motor pulley and idler, then lift the drum out of the cabinet to expose the burner assembly at the lower rear.
Locate the igniter mounted on the burner housing, remove the single mounting screw holding it to the bracket, and unplug the wire harness from the igniter terminals.
Position the new igniter onto the mounting bracket in the exact alignment as the old one, secure it with the mounting screw, and reconnect the wire harness.
Reinstall the drum, route the belt around the drum, motor pulley, and idler pulley in the correct path, then check that the drum spins freely by hand.
Reattach the front panel, reconnect the door-switch harness, lower the top panel, reinstall the lint-duct screws, and replace the lint screen.
Open the gas supply valve, plug in the dryer, and run a timed heat cycle to verify the igniter glows and the burner lights within about 30 to 60 seconds.

The Part You Need

Part	Notes
Gas dryer igniter	Amazon \| Whirlpool/Kenmore part 279311 (replaces 338900, 5303937186, 31001556). Check the model and serial plate inside the door opening or on the rear panel to confirm fitment for your dryer.

If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:

When to Call a Pro

Gas appliance work carries risk of leaks, fire, or carbon monoxide exposure if not done correctly. If you are uncomfortable shutting off gas, opening the cabinet, or reassembling the drum and belt, call a qualified appliance technician. Also call a pro if the new igniter glows but the burner still won’t light, if you smell gas at any point, or if the dryer heats at first then stops later in the cycle, which usually means the gas valve coils need replacement instead of the igniter. For gas line, burner, or igniter work, or if you ever smell gas, stop and call a licensed technician.