Trouble-shooting a Maytag dryer, model DG409?

[tom]

Could anyone assist me in trouble-shooting a Maytag dryer, model DG409?

This has been a great machine. I don't recall ever having to replace anything except the belt. It seems as though at some point mid cycle I stopped getting heat. I've observed through the inspection door that the igniter does not glow (I assume that I should see it glowing with the machine running on a setting calling for heat). I've observed it in all the different cycles - auto dry, timed, etc. and on both Low and Regular temperature settings. Does it seem reasonable to begin by testing the igniter itself? If so, will a bad igniter simply appear as an open cicuit? Or will it be necessary to read the resistance of the circuit? (this appears to use a cylindrical igniter)

Thanks for any advice or information that you can share.

 

[coldspot66]

Round dryer ignitors are very fragile...a slight crack will cause it not to glow. It could also be the flame sensor that is attached to the left side of the combustion cone. When cold you should have continuity on the 2 terminals. If no continuity, then the ignitor will not glow. If both those parts have continuity, you could have a bad solenoid coils.

 

[tom]

Thanks, Coldspot. I'll check continuity of the flame sensor and igniter.

 

[moparwash]

high limit thermostat

Try replacing the high limit thermostat...it fixed my problem on the DG106 when the heat would quit during the cycle...it was a quick job and repairclinic.com has the part and advice as well

 

[revvinkevin]

 

 

Tom: you probably already know this, but the igniter will not glow the entire time the dryer is running.   It only glows for about 20 seconds +/- prior to the gas valve opening.   Once the flame lites the igniter turns off.   Also, the flame cycles on and off during the drying process.  

I know I'm stating the obvious here, but you never know what a person knows and does not know.

 

Kevin