For a gas dryer, confirm the cycle, gas shutoff and ignition behavior. Repeated clicking, no ignition or gas odor requires a qualified gas-appliance technician. Check that the household gas valve to the dryer is open and that other gas appliances have gas.
What this covers
- Dryers · gas heat
What it does not cover
Differential
Likely causes of “Gas dryer runs but does not heat”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The gas valve to the dryer is closed
What separates it The drum tumbles but the air is cold, and there is no sound of ignition and no flame.
How to confirm Check that the household gas valve to the dryer is open and that other gas appliances have gas.
- 2
A cycle or setting is set to no heat
What separates it Air Dry or a No-Heat option is selected, or the temperature is set to the lowest setting.
How to confirm Select a normal heat timed cycle and check the display for a heat indicator.
- 3
The igniter is failing to glow or light the burner
What separates it You see the igniter glow briefly but no flame, or hear repeated clicking, or there is no glow at all.
How to confirm Note what you see and hear without opening any panel and report it to service.
- 4
Restricted exhaust causes the heat to shut off on a safety thermostat
What separates it The dryer heats briefly and then stops heating, the clothes stay damp and the vent airflow is weak.
How to confirm Check the airflow at the outside hood and clean the lint screen before the next attempt.
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the igniter glows, a flame appears briefly, or there is no ignition sound.
- Whether the gas valve to the dryer is fully open and other gas appliances work.
- Whether the dryer heated at first and stopped, or never heated.
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedObserve before changing anything
ReversibleNote whether the igniter glows, flame appears briefly, or there is no ignition sound—without opening panels.
Isolate the failing boundary
ReversibleVerify the household gas valve is open and that other gas service is available.
Apply the narrow correction
ReversibleCorrect only the external supply or cycle setting; ignition valves, coils and sensors require service.
Verify the result and stop at the boundary
ReversibleLeave the area and contact the gas utility or emergency services for a strong gas odor.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Leave the area and contact the gas utility or emergency services for a strong gas odor.
- !Ignition valves, coils and sensors are service items for a qualified gas-appliance technician.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does a gas dryer need to make heat?+
An open gas supply valve, a glowing igniter and gas valve coils that open. An igniter that glows but never lets gas flow points at weak valve coils rather than the burner.
Is a gas smell a stop sign?+
Yes. Turn off the gas valve, ventilate the room and call the gas utility. Do not attempt a repair.
What if I smell gas?+
Leave, shut off gas and call the gas company.
Does a gas dryer need power too?+
Yes. It needs electricity for the ignition.
What should I check before service?+
The gas valve and vent.