Kitchen Gas Appliances - Power to Glow Coil

I thought the problem with my gas dryer was the glow coil so I planned to replace it. Then I decided to first check the circuit leading to it. My test light barely glowed so I connected the coil directly to 120 v and it worked fine. I then suspected the High Limit thermostat and Low temp Cycle Thermostat as they were in the series circuit that leads to the Glow coil (and to the gas valve coils). I first by-passed the high limit thermostat and there was no glow, so I by-passed the Low Temp Cycle Thermostat by connecting the orange (hot) lead coming from the control (timer) to the purple lead and the coil glowed. I am wondering if that part is most likely the culprit? I am also curious about the purpose of the blue wire which also leads back to the control (timer) from the Low temp Cycle Thermostat. Does it possibly let the timer know when the clothes are dry? I also am wondering about the purpose of the Radiant Sensor as when I attempted to disconnect it earlier in my inspections, one of the leads fell off rendering it useless. Does it signal the gas valve coils when the glow coil is fully bright? Sorry for all this curiosity!

Hello GButts. Welcome to my Gas Appliances forum.

All dryers are not wired exactly the same. A lot depends upon the brand, the model and the optional selections, etc. Best bet would be to obtain a complete wiring diagram for the exact dryer you have.

The timer could be one reason for the lack of electrical current to the glow coil but so could the flame sensor. The wiring diagram will make sense out of all the mysteries.

To obtain a wiring diagram, visit the local appliance retail parts store and or contact the manufacturer directly.

Regards & Good Luck
Tom_Bart....TCB4U2B2B.....Company Enterprises
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Gas Appliances Forum Moderator
Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Problem Diagnostics Technician.