Are you wondering how to test dryer igniter without facing any hassle? Well, In this article, we will guide you through some easy steps to test your dryer igniter.
Igniter becomes burned out with time due to the continuous contact with heat that it produces. You have to test it for confirmation if this is the problem.
Before finding out how to test an igniter, it will be an excellent option to know how it works. It is located inside a gas burner assembly close to the gas valve. When you plug the dryer to dry your clothes. Igniter heats up and produces a flame inside the burner assembly. It is located inside a gas burner assembly close to the gas valve. Hot air travels from the assembly and reaches the dryer drum after passing through the blower housing. This hot air serves the purpose of removing the moisture from the garments. This is just an overview, there is so much more to learn, so you better read further!
How To Disassemble The Dryer To Locate The Igniter
Before climbing to the actual testing method, read this step-by-step guide on how to disassemble the dryer to access the igniter. Opening a dryer assembly is a lengthy process and requires experience in repairing appliances. Don’t take this instruction as a joke. Otherwise, you will make a significant mess with your dryer. That mess will result in contact with a service company. And, of course, they will charge you hundreds of bucks to fix up that mess. But, if you have some experience yourself or an experienced helping hand to make things easy for you if you get in some sort of trouble. Then, there is no need to worry. Let’s move on to a step-by-step guide on disassembling the dryer to locate the igniter.
Tools needed for the operation
- Philips screwdriver
- Nut driver
- Putty knife
Step #1. Unplug the dryer
Plug off the dryer from the electrical outlet. Don’t forget to turn the gas valve off. Then, remove the lint screen from its housing by pulling it out. Then, take the Phillips screwdriver and open two screws from the lint screen housing to remove it from the top panel.
Step #2. Remove the top panel
Now, you have to remove the top panel from the dryer. Pull the clips located on the front side of the panel with the help of a putty knife. Pull out the door switch from the wire harness after removing the front panel.
Step #3. Detach the screws
Open the screws on both sides of the front panel with a nut driver. Lift the panel on the upper side and then the downside. Pull the front panel upward after unlocking it from the hangers. Observe the settings on the drive belt and take a picture from your phone. The picture will help you to reassemble the pulleys correctly.
Step #4. Remove the belt
Put your phone back in as it won’t let you focus on your work. Then, push the idler pulley on the right side to release tension from the drive belt. Pull the belt from the upper side of the dryer drum and remove it from the cabinet. After removal, set the dryer drum aside. It may also be a good idea to read about how to install a belt on a Maytag dryer and how to replace a belt on a GE dryer.
Step #5. Takeout an igniter
Now, pull the igniter from the wire harness. So, you have reached the final step. After pulling out the igniter, it’s time to test it.
Ways To Test Dryer Igniter
If your igniter’s filaments seem to be cracked or singed, it indicates that the electrical path is broken. To confirm, you have to do a continuity test by using a multimeter. We have two major types of multimeters; digital and analog. Read down to figure out how to test dryer igniter using both types of multimeters.
#1. Analog multimeter testing
- Testing an igniter by using an analog multimeter is not a big thing. Pinch both probes of the multimeter together.
- The needle will move to the zero point.
- Then, just touch the two probes with the terminals of If there is no change in the position of the needle, it means that there isn’t a continuous path in the filaments.
#2. Digital multimeter testing
Testing an igniter by using a digital multimeter requires these simple steps:
- Turn the range selection dial to the lowest settings of ohms of resistance. Or, you can choose the tone-setting if available in your multimeter.
- Touch both terminals of the multimeter to check the continuity. If you see no change on display, the path is broken.
- But, if you see a resistance ranging between 50 and 400 on display. It is an indication that the igniter is all right, and there isn’t a problem with the path.
Replace The Igniter
There may be a need to replace the old igniter with the new one. To determine that the old one has been damaged or defected. Check the display on the digital multimeter. It shows OL on an open igniter. Attach a new igniter with the wire harness to keep things reasonable inside your dryer.
It’s A Wrap!
We tried our best to provide you with the exact information on how to test dryer igniter. Testing and fixing an igniter is a simple and easy process that only needs an hour for completion. Try this recipe of testing dryer igniter as soon as possible to taste the flavor of pleasure that comes after completing a new task. You may also want to read about what causes dryer ignitor not to ignite and how do I fix my LG dryer that won’t heat.