Phillips screwdriver
Use it for: Removes common access panel and burner housing screws.
Shop Phillips screwdriversDryer repair
How to Replace a Dryer Igniter
To replace a dryer igniter, unplug the dryer, shut off the gas supply if your dryer uses gas, open the access area, remove the failed igniter, install the matching new igniter without touching the glowing tip, then reassemble and test the dryer.
A bad igniter can keep a gas dryer from heating. This is a moderate repair because you may need to work around sharp metal panels and a gas appliance. Move slowly, keep track of screws, and stop if the burner area does not match what you can safely identify.
Before you start: Match the replacement part to your exact dryer before ordering.
Safety first
- Unplug the dryer before opening any access panel.
- Shut off the gas supply first if your dryer uses gas.
- Wear gloves because interior metal edges can be sharp.
- Handle the igniter gently. It is fragile and can crack easily.
- Do not continue if you smell gas. Ventilate the area and get qualified help.
Tools you may need
Nut driver set
Use it for: Many dryers use hex-head screws on front, lower, or burner access panels.
Shop nut driver sets
Work gloves
Use it for: Helps protect your hands from sharp sheet metal edges inside the dryer.
Shop work gloves
Flashlight
Use it for: Lets you see the igniter mount, wire routing, and burner area clearly.
Shop flashlights
Needle nose pliers
Use it for: Helps disconnect small wire terminals or guide clips carefully.
Shop needle-nose pliers
Vacuum with crevice tool
Use it for: Useful for cleaning lint from the burner compartment before reassembly.
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Step-by-step fix
Step 1: Prepare the dryer and work area
- Let the dryer cool fully if it was recently running.
- Unplug the power cord from the outlet.
- If this is a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply valve before opening the cabinet.
- Pull the dryer forward enough to reach the access panel comfortably and place screws in a small container as you remove them.
If it works: The dryer is cool, disconnected from power, and safe to open.
If it doesn’t: If you cannot unplug the dryer or shut off the gas supply, stop and handle that first before continuing.
Stop if:
- You smell gas before starting.
- The gas shutoff valve will not move or appears damaged.
- The dryer is hardwired or installed in a way you cannot safely access.
Step 2: Open the access panel and locate the igniter
- Remove the lower front panel, front panel, or other service panel that gives access to the burner area.
- Use a flashlight to find the burner assembly near the bottom of the dryer cabinet.
- Identify the igniter mounted near the burner tube. It is usually a small fragile part attached with one or more screws and connected by wires or a plug.
- Take a quick photo of the wire routing and igniter position before removing anything.
If it works: You can clearly see the igniter, its mounting point, and how its wires are connected.
If it doesn’t: If you cannot find the burner assembly or the igniter location is blocked by parts you cannot confidently remove, pause and look up a model-specific diagram before going further.
Stop if:
- The burner area does not match what you expected and you cannot identify the igniter.
- You would need to disconnect the gas line to continue.
- A panel is stuck and forcing it may bend or crack it.
Step 3: Remove the old igniter
- Disconnect the igniter wire plug or terminals carefully by pulling on the connector, not the wires.
- Remove the mounting screw or screws holding the igniter bracket in place.
- Lift the igniter out gently. If it is broken, remove all loose pieces so nothing is left in the burner area.
- Compare the old igniter to the new one for overall shape, bracket style, and connector type.
If it works: The old igniter is out and the new part appears to match.
If it doesn’t: If the new igniter does not match the old one closely, do not install it. Recheck your dryer model and part fit before continuing.
Stop if:
- The wire connector is damaged or burnt.
- The new part has a different mount or connector that does not fit.
- You find damaged burner parts beyond the igniter itself.
Step 4: Install the new igniter
- Handle the new igniter carefully and avoid touching the glowing element area more than necessary.
- Set the new igniter in the same position and orientation as the old one.
- Reinstall the mounting screw or screws snugly without overtightening.
- Reconnect the wire plug or terminals exactly as they were before, keeping wires away from hot or moving parts.
If it works: The new igniter is mounted securely and wired the same way as the original.
If it doesn’t: If the igniter feels loose, sits crooked, or the connector will not seat fully, remove it and correct the fit before reassembling the dryer.
Stop if:
- The igniter cracks during installation.
- The wires cannot be routed safely away from the burner area.
- The mounting bracket does not line up without forcing it.
Step 5: Clean the area and reassemble the dryer
- Vacuum loose lint from the burner compartment and nearby floor of the cabinet without disturbing the new igniter.
- Reinstall any covers or shields you removed around the burner area.
- Reattach the access panel and tighten the screws evenly.
- Move the dryer back into place carefully so the vent and gas connection are not strained.
If it works: The dryer is fully reassembled and ready for a test.
If it doesn’t: If a panel will not sit flat or extra screws are left over, reopen the access area and check that all parts are back in their original positions.
Stop if:
- You notice a disconnected wire you did not reconnect.
- The exhaust vent came loose or was crushed while moving the dryer.
- The gas connection appears disturbed or damaged.
Step 6: Restore service and test for heat
- If this is a gas dryer, turn the gas supply valve back on.
- Plug the dryer back in.
- Run a short heated cycle and listen for normal startup.
- After a few minutes, check for heat at the drum and watch for normal operation without unusual smells, sparks, or noises.
If it works: The dryer starts normally and produces heat again.
If it doesn’t: If the dryer still does not heat, the problem may involve another burner or control component. Recheck the igniter connection and part fit, then consider further diagnosis.
Stop if:
- You smell gas at any point after turning the supply back on.
- The dryer trips power, makes unusual noises, or shows visible sparking.
- The burner area glows abnormally or the dryer overheats.
Replacement Parts
Find a dryer igniter on Amazon
Match the replacement part to your exact dryer before ordering.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Repair Riot may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Verify the repair
- The new igniter is mounted firmly and the connector is fully seated.
- All panels and screws are back in place with no loose parts left inside the cabinet.
- The dryer runs on a heated cycle and the drum begins warming normally.
- There is no gas smell, scraping noise, or rattling after reassembly.
FAQ
How do I know the igniter is bad?
A failed igniter is a common reason a gas dryer runs but does not heat. In many cases the dryer tumbles normally, but the burner never lights. Because other parts can cause similar symptoms, replacing the igniter makes the most sense when you have confirmed it is damaged or not working.
Can I replace a dryer igniter myself?
Many homeowners can replace a dryer igniter if they are comfortable removing access panels and working carefully around a gas appliance. Stop if you cannot identify the burner parts clearly, if the replacement does not match, or if you smell gas.
Do I need to shut off gas to replace the igniter?
Yes. If your dryer uses gas, turn off the gas supply before opening the cabinet and working near the burner assembly.
Should I touch the new igniter element with my fingers?
It is best to handle the igniter as little as possible and avoid touching the element area directly. Hold it by the bracket or sturdier base when you can.
What if the dryer still does not heat after replacing the igniter?
Recheck that the connector is fully attached and that the new part matches the original. If the dryer still does not heat, another component may be preventing ignition or heat, and further diagnosis may be needed.