Kitchen Gas Appliances - GE gas dryer

model#DDG7688MBLAD....dryer doesn't seem to heat hot enough. Not blocked.Igniter goes on, gas comes on for a minute, goes out, igniter stays on for a minute,gas ignites, stays on for a minute,goes out, igniter stays on the same as before. Doesn't get hot enough to me. Any suggestions? Will be appreciated, thanks

Hello gears2723. Welcome to my Gas Appliances topic and the Do-It-Yourself Web Site.

Likely the one of the two solenoids on top of the gas control valve is defective. Nothing uncommon and nothing that you cannot do as a do it yourself project.

Remove the burner compartment access panel, turn the dryer on and note if the glow ignitor glows. If it does, it will begin glowing after you hear that first click, which is one of the two solenoids opening.

The solenoid coils are mounted directly on top of the gas valve. Each has a wire harness assembly with a plastic quick disconnect attached. The coils must be removed and replaced.

There are two solenoids...both are on top of the gas valve. Solenoids also supply voltage to the glow coil and are part of the electrical loop.

All terminals on both solenoids must have continuity. If not, you'll need to remove them from the top of the gas valve by removing the entire gas valve assembly first.

To accomplish this task, the entire burner and gas valve must be removed. Then the solenoid coils can be removed from the top of the gas valve and replaced.

The gas inlet pipe to the right side of the gas valve has a tiny on/off gas shutoff valve. Turn it off, lever opposite it's current on position. The nut on the gas supply pipe near the gas valve is counter threaded, which means it turns opposite the norm to loosen it.

There will be other sheet metal screws securing the gas valve and burner assembly to the dryers base. Once the entire gas valve is removed, take it and the make, model and serial numbers of the appliance to the local appliance retail parts store.

Remove both solenoids off the gas valve body by removing the hold down cover plate and replace them both if defective. They are sold only in pairs.

Or take the entire gas valve unit to your local appliance parts store and have the entire assembly and all the parts tested individually and as an assembly.

Once at the store, the salesperson can be sure the replacement parts are the correct ones. Replacing the solenoids is simple and the parts come with full instructions inclosed in the packages.

Should you or any other topic readers be concerned with doing volt and ohm tests, etc. I do not recommend them. The parts wear out, are not costly, are relatively easy to replace and the practice doing it yourself is rewarding....:)

There are several other possibilities. All of which are covered in detail in prior postings on the same topic of dryers that do not heat, etc. Reading those topics will disclose the potential problems and the solutions.

Defective Gas Valve could be the problem. Remove entire unit as an assembly. Take the entire assembly to your local appliance parts store for testing. Gas valves are not repairable. Replacement is the only option if defective.

CAUTION: Do Not attempt to repair the gas valve! This is a non repairable item!

Flame Sensor could be the problem. This part is located on the burner housing. If it's defective, it will cause the glow coil to not function or cause the problem you're describing. You can test this part with a continuity tester or an ohm meter.

Gas Dryer Help Link:
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?threadid=159481

Additional Suggestions:
Read the manufacturers online web site for product information, problem possibilities, causes, solving methods, part locations, disassembly, reassembly methods, repair procedures, pictorials, schematics, downloadable repair and or owners manuals which may be available online.

Retail appliance parts dealers can also help determine what the most likely possible problem may be. They will need the make, model and serial numbers. Appliance parts dealers are an excellent source for original replacement parts and problem resolving matters. Dealers are listed in the phone book under appliances.

Be sure the electrical power to the appliance is turned off, before attempting any repairs. Always check for gas leaks whenever moving the appliance and/or a repair includes any connection of a gas part.

Use the reply button to add additional information or ask additional questions. Doing so will automatically move or keep your question to the top of the forums list of questions.

Regards & Good Luck.
Web Site Host, Forums Monitor, Gas Appliances Topic Moderator & Multiple Forums Moderator. Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician. Utility Workers Union of America. UWUA (AFL-CIO)

Personal Safety Reminder:
Buckle Up & Drive Safely.
"The Life You Save, May Be Your Own."

DRYER SERVICE TIP:
It's always adviseable to clean the entire exhaust venting system every 2 years. Or during any dryer maintenance, connection, servicing and or repairs.

thanks for the advice.the gas does ignite....just doesn't get hot enough, with the gas going on and then off.On one of the threads with a similar problem, it was the flame sensor.Will still check it all out. On this flame sensor , disconnected, will it have a reading on RX1? Thanks again

Hello: gears2723

Flame sensor can be a cause but so can a restricted venting system and or solenoids. The objective is to find the problem instead of changing parts until the dryer works correctly, in my opinion. Thus I advise starting with the most likely cause and or least expensive part(s)

Since you checked the venting, not likely the cause but still a possible cause. I cannot rule that out 100 percent without being there to visualize the flame charactoristics, etc. Just be sure the exhaust hoods flapper door opens and close easily and opens fully.

Solenoids are not that expensive either and are more likely a cause. Only problem with them is removal of the entire gas valve has to be done first.

Check the flame sensor anyway, since the entire gas vavle is likely to have to be removed anyway. And as a do it yourself project, I might suggest double checking the venting system and cleaning the inside of the cabinet too. Lint is extremely flammable. Check the belt and glider/slider pads also while you are in there also. May as well do it all now.

put in 2 coils and a new ignitor.....heats like it should. Thanks for the advice on things to look for. Very good site for info. Sharp Advice, thanks