What does Maytag Dryer Flame Sensor Replacement - Signs & How-To mean?

Dryer runs but won't heat or heats inconsistently when the flame sensor fails to control the igniter and gas valve sequence. Replacing the sensor restores normal burner operation.

How do I fix Maytag Dryer Flame Sensor 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 Maytag Dryer Flame Sensor Replacement - Signs & How-To?

The most frequently replaced parts for Maytag Dryer Flame Sensor 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 Maytag Dryer Flame Sensor 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.

Maytag Dryer Flame Sensor Replacement - Signs & How-To

Maytag Dryer Flame Sensor Replacement — What This Part Does

The flame sensor (also called a radiant flame sensor) sits at the burner assembly across from the igniter and controls the igniter and gas valve sequence. It is normally closed for continuity at room temperature, allowing the burner circuit to operate. When the sensor detects flame and heat at the burner tube, it opens and closes at specific points in the cycle to manage gas flow and ignition timing.

The sensor fails when its internal contacts wear out or become stuck from age and repeated heat cycling. A sensor that reads open (no continuity) at room temperature interrupts the burner circuit so the igniter and gas valve cannot operate normally. A sensor stuck closed prevents proper control of the gas valve, causing the igniter to glow without lighting the burner. Many Whirlpool-built Maytag gas dryers use a small mechanical sensor mounted near the burner tube that can fail after years of service.

Jump to Replacement Steps

Signs It Needs Replacing

Dryer tumbles but produces no heat The drum turns and the motor runs, but the burner never ignites and clothes stay damp at the end of the cycle.
Igniter glows orange but burner does not light You see the igniter glow continuously through the access panel or vent, but the gas valve never opens and you hear no flame.
Inconsistent or intermittent heating The dryer heats for a few minutes then shuts off, or cycles heat on and off unpredictably, leaving some loads damp and others scorched.
Long dry times and damp clothes Cycles take twice as long as normal because the burner cuts out early or fails to reignite, leaving towels and jeans still wet.
Flame sensor reads open (infinite resistance) at room temperature A continuity test across the sensor terminals with the dryer unplugged shows no continuity when it should read near 0 ohms.
Burner lights then immediately shuts off The flame ignites briefly at the start of a cycle, then the burner extinguishes and will not relight.

How to Replace It

Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet and shut off the gas supply valve (usually a lever or knob on the gas line behind the dryer).
Pull the dryer forward from the wall to access the rear or lower front panels (depending on your model).
Remove the screws securing the lower front access panel or the rear panel to expose the burner assembly.
Locate the flame sensor mounted at the burner assembly, directly across from the igniter (it is a small cylindrical or rectangular component with two wire leads).
Disconnect the two wire terminals from the flame sensor and test continuity across the sensor terminals with a multimeter set to ohms (a good sensor reads near 0 ohms at room temperature; an open or infinite reading means the sensor is bad).
If the sensor is bad, remove the retaining screw holding the sensor bracket to the burner housing and pull the old sensor free.
Position the new flame sensor in the same mounting location and orientation, secure it with the retaining screw, and reconnect the two wire leads to the new sensor terminals.
Reinstall the access or rear panel and secure all screws.
Slide the dryer back into position, turn on the gas supply valve, plug in the dryer, and run a timed dry cycle to verify the burner ignites and heats normally.

The Part You Need

Part	Notes
Flame sensor (radiant flame sensor)	Amazon \| Common OEM part number is WP338906 (replaces 338906, 14205529, 14210083). Check your model and serial number on the dryer’s data plate (usually inside the door rim or on the rear panel) and search by model number to confirm the exact sensor for your Maytag gas dryer, as some models use different sensors such as 903600, 632484R, or 05200060.

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

When to Call a Pro

If the new flame sensor still does not restore heat, or if the igniter does not glow at all, the fault lies elsewhere in the burner circuit (gas valve coils, igniter, high-limit thermostat, cycling thermostat, control board, or wiring harness). Gas appliance burner and igniter diagnosis requires special tools and an understanding of the sequential control logic, so call a qualified appliance technician to troubleshoot the full burner assembly and gas delivery path. Also call a pro if you are uncomfortable working around gas lines or if local codes require a licensed technician for any gas-appliance repair. For gas line, burner, or igniter work, or if you ever smell gas, stop and call a licensed technician.