You test the gas valve solenoid coils by unplugging the dryer, safely accessing the burner assembly, and using an ohm meter to measure resistance on each coil while watching whether the igniter lights the gas flame. Weak coils prevent ignition and cause heat loss.
Gas dryers rely on solenoid coils to open the gas valve so fuel can ignite in the burner assembly. When these coils fail, the dryer tumbles but doesn’t heat properly. This guide explains how the burner assembly functions, how to observe coil failure symptoms, and how to test them accurately using a meter.
How Do Solenoid Coils Help Heat a Gas Dryer?
Gas dryers use solenoid coils to control gas flow to the burner assembly. When energized, these coils open the gas valve so the igniter can light the flame, which heats the air circulating through the drum to dry your laundry efficiently.
Unlike an electric dryer that relies on a heating element, a gas dryer depends on a complete burner assembly. This assembly includes the igniter, gas valve solenoids, and burner tube. When the cycle begins, 120 volts of alternating current travels through safety components such as the cycling thermostat, high-limit thermostat, and thermal fuse before reaching the burner.
Once voltage arrives, it passes through a flame sensor and the first solenoid coil to energize the igniter. As the igniter glows hot, the flame sensor detects the heat and reroutes power to the other gas valve coils. These coils lift plungers in the valve, releasing gas into the burner where the igniter flame ignites it instantly.
A cycling thermostat maintains consistent air temperature, usually between 120°F and 160°F, by cycling power on and off to the burner assembly. As air cools, the thermostat resets, sending voltage again to the coils to reignite the flame and resume heating.
Why Do Gas Valve Solenoid Coils Fail During a Cycle?
Gas valve solenoid coils can weaken over time, functioning briefly at startup but failing once they heat internally. After a few minutes, the dryer may stop heating even though it still tumbles, resulting in longer drying times and uneven temperatures.
How Can You Observe Coil Failure While the Dryer Is Running?
Some dryers include a peephole or small cover near the bottom panel so you can view the burner. If the igniter glows, then shuts off without a flame appearing, the solenoid coils are likely defective. Replace all coils together to restore heating.
If you prefer to test the components directly, follow the ohm-meter process below to confirm electrical continuity and decide whether replacement is needed.
How Do You Test a Gas Dryer Solenoid Coil with a Meter?
You test a gas valve solenoid coil by removing the dryer’s front or access panel, isolating each coil, and measuring electrical resistance with an analog or digital ohm meter. Normal readings should fall between 300 and 2,000 ohms, depending on coil type.
Both analog and digital meters can be used. For analog, set the range to 1K (1,000 ohms) and calibrate by pinching the leads together until the needle reads zero. For digital, select the 2,000-ohm range to measure coil resistance accurately.
H3: What Are the Ten Steps to Test Gas Valve Solenoid Coils?
Follow these steps carefully to test your dryer’s solenoid coils and confirm whether they’re working properly:
- Unplug the dryer to eliminate electrical shock risk.
- Remove the front or lower access panel to reach the burner assembly.
- For easier access, remove the drum by releasing belt tension from the idler pulley.
- Detach the wire connector from the coil and, if possible, remove the coil from the valve.
- Identify whether the coil has two or three terminals.
- For a two-terminal coil, touch one meter lead to each terminal.
- A normal two-terminal reading is between 1,000 and 2,000 ohms.
- For a three-terminal coil, connect the black lead to the common terminal and the red lead to another terminal.
- Each combination should read between 300 and 2,000 ohms.
- If any coil shows resistance outside these ranges, replace it.
Use an analog meter for coarse checks and a digital meter for precision. Always combine electrical testing with a live flame observation test for confirmation.
What Do the Test Results Mean?
If your readings fall below or above the expected range, the coil is faulty and should be replaced. Because coils often weaken together, replacing the full set is best practice.
Testing alone can be misleading, observe the burner as well. If you install new coils and the igniter still glows then shuts off without ignition, the entire gas valve assembly is likely bad and needs replacement.
Where Can You Find Free Guidance to Fix a Broken Dryer?
Repair Clinic provides free repair guides, videos, and schematics to help you replace gas valve solenoid coils, igniters, thermostats, and more. Enter your appliance’s model number to find step-by-step procedures that match your specific gas dryer.
Whether you’re replacing solenoid coils on a Whirlpool WGD49STBW2 or an igniter on a GE GRDN510GM1WS, Repair Clinic’s “Videos & Articles” section walks you through every step of the process.
Why Does Repair Clinic Recommend Genuine OEM Dryer Parts?
Repair Clinic recommends using genuine OEM parts because they fit perfectly, last longer, and ensure safe operation. OEM components are manufactured to match your dryer’s brand specifications and reduce the risk of premature failure or poor heating performance.
When replacing solenoid coil sets, igniters, or complete gas valve assemblies, always choose parts from trusted brands like Bosch, Electrolux, GE, Kenmore, LG, Maytag, Samsung, Speed Queen, and Whirlpool. To see compatible parts, enter your model number in the Repair Clinic search bar.
Repair Clinic makes DIY repair simple, helping you restore proper heat, save money, and extend the life of your gas dryer.