Maytag Gas Dryer Igniter Replacement — What This Part Does
The igniter in a Maytag gas dryer heats up and glows to light the gas burner that produces the drying heat. When you start a heat cycle, the igniter draws current and reaches a high enough temperature to open the gas valve coils and ignite the gas flowing to the burner. Over time, the igniter element weakens from repeated thermal cycles and can crack, break, or fail to reach the glow temperature needed to signal the gas valve.
When the igniter fails, the burner never lights and the dryer tumbles with no heat. In some cases the igniter may glow but the gas valve coils or flame sensor circuit still prevent ignition. Contamination from skin oils or improper positioning during installation can also shorten igniter life or cause immediate failure after replacement.
Signs It Needs Replacing
- Igniter does not glow at all You look into the burner area during a heat cycle and see no orange glow from the igniter element.
- Igniter glows but burner never lights The igniter heats up and glows orange but the gas valve does not open and no flame appears at the burner.
- Dryer runs but produces no heat The drum turns and air moves but clothes stay wet because the burner is not firing.
- Visible cracks or breaks in the igniter When you inspect the igniter you see a cracked ceramic body or a broken filament wire inside the element.
- Intermittent heat or short heat cycles The burner lights for a moment then shuts off repeatedly, or heat comes and goes during the cycle.
- Igniter glows weakly or dims The element lights up but stays dim red or orange instead of reaching bright white-hot glow needed to open the valve.
How to Replace It
- Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet and shut off the gas supply valve on the gas line leading to the dryer.
- Pull the dryer away from the wall to access the rear panel or lower front access panel, depending on your Maytag model.
- Remove the screws securing the access panel and set the panel aside to expose the burner assembly and igniter.
- Locate the igniter mounted near the burner tube, disconnect the wire harness connector from the igniter, and remove the mounting screw holding the igniter bracket.
- Lift out the old igniter and inspect it for cracks or breaks, then position the new igniter in the exact same orientation as the original without touching the ceramic element with bare fingers.
- Secure the new igniter with the mounting screw, reconnect the wire harness, and check that the igniter sits in the proper position relative to the burner ports.
- Reinstall the access panel and screws, then reconnect the gas supply line and turn the gas valve back on.
- Apply a soap-and-water solution to the gas fitting and watch for bubbles to confirm there is no leak at the connection.
- Plug the dryer back in, run a heat cycle, and verify that the igniter glows and the burner lights within about 30 to 60 seconds.
The Part You Need
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Maytag gas dryer igniter | Amazon | Common Maytag igniter part numbers include WP37001308 and WP31001556. Check the model and serial plate inside the dryer door or on the frame for your exact model number, then cross-reference the igniter part number on the Maytag parts site or your parts supplier. |
Related Error Codes
If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:
- Maytag Dryer Err error code
- Maytag Dryer F01 error code
- Maytag Dryer F02 error code
- Maytag Dryer F1E1 error code
- Maytag Dryer F1E3 error code
- Maytag Dryer F1E4 error code
- Maytag Dryer F1E5 error code
- Maytag Dryer F20 error code
- Maytag Dryer F22 error code
- Maytag Dryer F23 error code
When to Call a Pro
Gas appliance work requires shutting off the gas supply, disconnecting and reconnecting gas fittings, and leak-testing the connections after the repair. If you are not comfortable working with natural gas or LP gas lines, or if the igniter replacement does not restore normal burner operation, call a qualified appliance technician or gas-appliance service company. A pro can also diagnose related issues such as failed gas valve coils, flame sensor problems, bad wiring, or gas supply restrictions that prevent ignition even after igniter replacement. For gas line, burner, or igniter work, or if you ever smell gas, stop and call a licensed technician.