[calenbd]

I have a Kenmore gas dryer that runs and starts to heat, but shuts off in a minute or two and continues to blow non-heated air. Vents are clear and air flow is good. I noticed the glow tube does not stay on once it ignites the burner. Any ideas? Thanks.

[Zanshin]

You have a few components to check into, first off that igniter should be glowing the entire time the gas valve is opened, has to do with resistence to current. There is a small square attached to the flame tube called a "flame sensor" if it doesnt see the flame it won't allow the gas to continue. You need to check that for continuity. also you can check the glowplug the same way. Its possible the gas valve is opening but closing because the coils are bad also.

[calenbd]

OK, thanks. I thought maybe it might be sensor or fuse. Any idea how I get to the flame sensor and glowplug on this model? Would I need to remove the dryer drum?

[Zanshin]

Most gas models you can access directly from the lower access panel, few screws kinda at foot level. If you cant get to it that way, you will have to remove front cabinet assembly.
Also you shouldnt have to remove the drum , its all on the right side

[calenbd]

Well, I checked the continuity on both the flame sensor and the coils and they all check out. Any other ideas? I noticed that when the flame came on it was yellow, not blue and then went out after about 15 seconds. Thanks.

[Gene]

If your dryer ignites only once and then fails to reignite, than most likely the problem is bad coils. Continuity test is not enough to be sure there is nothing wrong. More dependable is to test them by resistance at the time when the dryer does not reignite.

The coil with two terminal should have 1200 ± 50 Ohms
The coil with three terminals, if held with the terminals in upper position:
a) across the left and the middle terminals - 1360 ± 25 Ohms;
b) across the left and the right terminals - 560 ± 25 Ohms

These coils is one of the most common problem with gas dryers and I would just replace them.

The flame sensor is nothing else but a thermal switch which opens the circuit and switches power through the coils. The coils energizes and open the gas valve.Igniter lights up the burner, goes "off" and stays "off" until next call for heat. Power to the burner now controls by a series of thermostats.

- The part number for the coil kit is AP3094251

Gene.

[calenbd]

Gene,

You are a genius! I ordered the coil kit and installed it. What do you know; my dryer works perfectly! Thanks for your help, you were really on the money! Thanks again.

[Gene]

You are welcome. We are glad you were able to fix it.

Gene.