Frigidaire Dryer Igniter Replacement Guide — Cost, Signs & DIY Tips

Frigidaire gas dryers (FFRG prefix) use a silicon carbide hot-surface igniter — the same igniter design used by Electrolux across both brands. The igniter sits next to the gas valve burner assembly at the rear-bottom of the dryer. When the control board calls for heat, it energizes the igniter. The igniter glows white-hot (approximately 1,800°F), and when it reaches the correct temperature, the gas valve opens and the gas ignites from the glowing igniter surface.

This is a gas model-only component. Electric Frigidaire dryers (FFRE, EFME, FPRE) use a heating element coil — see the heating element guide.

How the Frigidaire Gas Ignition System Works

The ignition sequence on a Frigidaire gas dryer:

1. Control board energizes the igniter (silicon carbide bar)
2. Igniter draws 3–4 amps and glows orange/white over 30–60 seconds
3. A flame sensor (part of the gas valve coil circuit) monitors the igniter current. When current drops to a specific threshold (indicating the igniter is hot enough), the gas valve coil energizes
4. Gas flows through the burner tube, passes over the glowing igniter, and ignites
5. Once the flame sensor detects flame presence, the igniter de-energizes (it is only needed for ignition, not to sustain the flame)
6. The flame heats air that is drawn through the drum by the blower

If any step fails — igniter does not glow, sensor does not detect correct current, gas valve coil does not energize — there is no heat.

Why Frigidaire Gas Igniters Fail

• Thermal fatigue — every heating cycle stresses the silicon carbide element. After thousands of ignition cycles, micro-cracks develop, and the element either breaks completely or develops high resistance (it glows dimly but never reaches ignition temperature)
• Physical damage — silicon carbide is extremely brittle. Touching the igniter element with bare hands leaves oils that create hot spots and premature cracking. Dropping it or bumping it during another repair breaks it instantly
• Moisture exposure — if the dryer is in a humid environment, moisture can corrode the igniter terminals, increasing resistance

Symptoms of Igniter Failure

• Gas dryer runs but no heat — the blower and drum operate (motor works) but no flame ignites. Open the bottom front panel while running — you should see the igniter glow. If no glow, the igniter is failed or has no power
• Igniter glows but gas does not ignite — two possible causes: (1) the igniter is glowing but not reaching sufficient temperature (high resistance from cracking), so the gas valve sensor does not detect the correct current draw; (2) the gas valve coils themselves have failed. Distinguish by testing igniter amperage
• Dryer heats intermittently — the igniter has developed a partial crack. It works when cold (crack closed) but fails as it heats up (crack opens slightly, increasing resistance)
• Clicking from the gas valve area without flame — the gas valve coils are energizing (clicking) but the igniter is not hot enough to ignite the gas. The valve opens, gas flows briefly, sensor detects no flame, valve closes — this creates a clicking pattern. This is a dangerous condition — stop using the dryer and repair immediately

Testing the Igniter

1. Turn off gas supply and unplug the dryer.
2. Remove the lower front panel (1 screw each side or snap clips).
3. Locate the igniter — it is a flat bar (approximately 3 inches long) mounted next to the burner tube opening, held by 2 screws.
4. Disconnect the wire connector from the igniter.
5. Multimeter on resistance: touch probes to the igniter terminals. A good silicon carbide igniter reads 40–400 ohms (varies by model). Infinite = broken element. Very high resistance (>400 ohms) = degraded element that may glow dimly but not reach ignition temperature.

Igniter Cost

Gas dryer igniters cross-reference directly between Frigidaire and Electrolux brands — the gas valve and igniter platform is shared.

Replacement Procedure

1. Turn off gas at the supply valve behind the dryer. Unplug the dryer.
2. Remove the lower front panel to expose the burner assembly.
3. Locate the igniter next to the burner tube.
4. Disconnect the wire connector from the igniter. Note: the connector may be in a junction box nearby.
5. Remove the 2 mounting screws holding the igniter bracket to the burner housing.
6. Lift the old igniter out carefully. Even a broken igniter has sharp silicon carbide edges.
7. Install the new igniter — handle it ONLY by the metal bracket, NEVER touch the silicon carbide element. Skin oils cause hot spots and premature failure.
8. Secure with the 2 mounting screws. Reconnect the wire connector.
9. Reinstall the lower panel. Reconnect gas supply. Plug in the dryer.
10. Run a timed dry cycle. Look through the lower panel viewing port (some models have one) or remove the lower panel and observe: the igniter should glow, gas should ignite within 60 seconds, and a stable flame should be visible.

Tools: Phillips #2 or 1/4-inch nut driver, multimeter. Time: 15–25 minutes.

Gas Valve Coils vs. Igniter

If the igniter glows properly but gas does not ignite, the gas valve coils are the likely failure — not the igniter. Gas dryer valve coils (a set of 2 coils on the valve body) are a separate, common repair. Test by monitoring igniter amperage: if the igniter draws the correct current (3–4 amps) and glows brightly, but the gas valve does not click open, replace the valve coils. Coils are $15–$30 for the set.

Safety Warning

Never bypass, jumper, or modify the igniter circuit. The flame sensor and gas valve coil sequence exists to prevent unburned gas from accumulating in the dryer — a potential explosion hazard. If the igniter does not function properly, the gas valve should not open. If you smell gas during operation, turn off the gas supply immediately and call a professional.

FAQ

Why does my Frigidaire gas dryer not heat?

Check in order: (1) igniter glow — if no glow, replace igniter; (2) igniter glows but no flame — replace gas valve coils; (3) thermal fuse blown — test for continuity.

Can I touch the Frigidaire dryer igniter element?

Never touch the silicon carbide element with bare hands. Skin oils cause hot spots that crack the element. Handle only by the metal mounting bracket.

Are Frigidaire and Electrolux gas dryer igniters the same?

Yes. The gas valve and igniter platform is shared between brands. The parts are identical and cross-reference directly.

What is the clicking sound from my Frigidaire gas dryer?

Gas valve coils energizing without successful ignition. The valve opens, no flame is detected, valve closes — repeat. This indicates a failing igniter or gas valve coils. Stop using the dryer until repaired.

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