Kenmore 110.72702100 gas dryer runs but doesn't always ignite?

Question

My dryer takes hours to dry a load. I checked the ignitor and it will light and the drum will ignite sometimes but other times the ignitor will not illuminate. Normally the clothes are not warm when door is opened while running. Any suggestions?

Thanks!!

Answer 1

If it sometimes fails to light when cold then nine times out of 10 it is a cracked ignitor. It is cracked but still touching so it still works sometimes. And sometimes not.

I think the ohms on that one should be around 50 ohms. I have seen ones that work intermittantly, cracked, be at about 80 ohms or more.  But it can fail more when warm then the crack opens. So ohm'ing it is not a sure check.

If it usually lights when it first starts then acts up later then I would start to suspect a thermostat tripping and shutting the heat down.

If that is the case; Check the vent cover on the outside to make sure it isn't plugged. And/or you can remove the hose off the back, open a window, and test to see if a plugged vent is tripping the high limit.

I think I have only seen the coils on the valve fail only once. It is very rare.  

Good Luck

Answer 2

There is a high-limit switch as well as a temperature regulator switch in many dryers.   If either of those are defective or intermittent, it would cause the symptoms you describe.    A bad connection on the supply to the ignitor, or an intermittent ignitor itself could also cause it to fail as described.  

Since the clothes aren't hot, I won't suggest that the dryer vent may be clogged.

Answer 3

More than likley you have bad coils on the gas valve. When coils start going bad it will cycle a few times then just quit heating. They are little black circular things on top of the valve. one has two prongs the other has three. they are simple to change but if not comfortable call servicer.

Answer 4

It is possible one of the solenoids is starting to fail on the burner assembly. This style is quite easy to replace compared to the older models. Phone an appliance store and ask if they have a gas solenoid kit part number DE382. It will be around 40 - 50 dollars. Turn the gas off at the burner assembly and then remove the burner from the dryer CAREFULLY so that you don't damage the ignitor. Remove the screws that hold the solenoids in place and replace the solenoids. Pay attention to how they sit although they are designed so that you can only install them one way. Reassemble the burner, reinstall and I would think that will solve your problem. Please note....if you have any hesitation in doing this procedure, then call a service company to do it. Improper gas repair can kill you.  Good luck.....

Addition:...I don't know what Thor does or where he works, but I replace a lot more coils than ignitors by a ratio of 10 to 1

Answer 5

Replace the ignitor!  If you don't know what you are doing have it done.  It can be dangerous done wrong.

Is this machine under warranty?  Call them.

You should consider getting insurance to cover your appliances - it's worth it.

My insurance covers everything in my home - plumbing, elect., sewage, evaporative cooler - for $50 they check it - repair or replace it.