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

The igniter is the most commonly replaced part in Kenmore gas dryers. It is a fragile silicon carbide element that glows white-hot to ignite the gas flowing from the burner assembly. Whirlpool-built Kenmore gas dryers (110-prefix) use a flat-style igniter that sits next to the gas valve burner tube. This igniter is notoriously fragile — even a light bump during handling can crack it. LG-built Kenmore Elite gas dryers (796-prefix) use a similar silicon carbide igniter but with a different mounting bracket.

This guide applies only to gas dryers. If your Kenmore dryer plugs into a 240V outlet (large 3 or 4-prong plug), it is electric and does not have an igniter — see the heating element guide instead.

Decode Your Model Number

• 110 — Whirlpool: Flat silicon carbide igniter, mounted adjacent to the burner tube in the lower burner compartment.
• 796 — LG (Kenmore Elite gas): Silicon carbide igniter with LG-specific bracket.
• 417 — Frigidaire: Similar igniter design.

Signs Your Kenmore Gas Dryer Igniter Needs Replacement

• Dryer tumbles but produces no heat — the most common symptom. The motor runs, the blower works, but no gas ignites.
• You hear the gas valve click but smell no gas ignition — the igniter is not reaching temperature, so the gas valve safety circuit does not open fully.
• The dryer heats intermittently — the igniter glows but is too weak to consistently ignite gas. Works on some cycles, fails on others.
• Visible crack or break in the igniter element — if you access the burner compartment and see a broken igniter, that is definitive.

How the gas ignition sequence works: The control board sends power to the igniter. The igniter draws current and heats up (it should glow bright orange-white). When the igniter reaches approximately 1800°F, its resistance drops, which allows enough current to flow through the gas valve coils to open the valve. Gas flows, contacts the hot igniter, and ignites. If the igniter is cracked (broken circuit), the entire sequence fails at step one — no glow, no valve opening, no gas, no heat.

Before replacing the igniter, also check:

• Gas supply valve is open (check the shutoff behind the dryer)
• Thermal fuse is intact (a blown thermal fuse also causes no-heat symptoms)
• Gas valve coils (solenoids on the gas valve) — these can fail and prevent gas flow even with a good igniter. If the igniter glows brightly but gas does not flow, the valve coils are suspect.

Igniter Cost Breakdown

The igniter is cheap and the replacement is straightforward, making this the most cost-effective gas dryer repair.

How to Replace the Igniter

Whirlpool-based models (110-prefix):

1. Unplug the dryer and turn off the gas shutoff valve behind or below the unit
2. Remove the lower front access panel (typically 2 screws at the bottom)
3. The burner assembly is visible at the bottom. The igniter is the flat element mounted next to the burner tube, connected by 2 wires.
4. Disconnect the igniter wire connector (push-tab release or spade connectors)
5. Remove the single mounting screw holding the igniter bracket
6. Handle the new igniter with extreme care — do not touch the silicon carbide element with your fingers. Even finger oils can create a hot spot that causes premature failure. Hold it only by the mounting bracket and wire leads.
7. Mount the new igniter in the same position and orientation as the old one — the element should be positioned adjacent to the gas burner port
8. Reconnect the wire connector, replace the access panel
9. Turn on the gas, plug in the dryer, and run a timed cycle. You should see the igniter glow bright orange-white through the access panel opening within 30–60 seconds, followed by gas ignition.

LG-based models (796-prefix Kenmore Elite):

1. Unplug and turn off gas
2. Access the burner compartment (may require removing the lower front panel or the bottom panel)
3. The igniter mounting and replacement is similar — different bracket style but same principle
4. Handle with care, mount, reconnect, test

Tools required: Phillips #2, 1/4-inch nut driver. Total time: 20–30 minutes.

Critical safety notes:

• Always turn off the gas supply before working on any gas dryer component
• If you smell gas at any point during the repair, stop immediately, leave the area, and call your gas utility
• After reassembly, check all gas connections with soapy water — bubbles indicate a leak
• Never use a match or lighter to test for gas leaks

When to DIY vs. Call a Professional

• DIY-friendly: The igniter replacement is straightforward and the burner compartment is easily accessible. 20–30 minutes. The main caution is handling the fragile igniter without cracking it.
• Call a professional if: You smell gas after reassembly, the igniter replacement does not resolve the no-heat issue (gas valve coils may need replacement), or you are not comfortable working with gas appliances.

How Long Does a Kenmore Gas Dryer Igniter Last?

• Whirlpool-built (110-prefix): 3–8 years. Igniters have the shortest lifespan of any dryer component because they operate at extreme temperatures every cycle.
• LG-built (796-prefix): 4–8 years.

Heavy dryer use (multiple loads daily) shortens igniter life. Each ignition cycle stresses the silicon carbide element with a rapid thermal shock from room temperature to 1800°F.

Maintenance Tips

• There is no maintenance that significantly extends igniter life — it is a wear component that degrades with each use
• When the dryer starts taking slightly longer to heat (the first sign of an aging igniter), order a replacement proactively
• Keep a spare igniter on hand — they are cheap ($15–25) and having one avoids a cold-dryer emergency
• Ensure adequate gas supply pressure — low gas pressure forces the igniter to glow longer before the valve opens, increasing thermal stress

FAQ

How much does it cost to replace a Kenmore Gas Dryer Igniter?

DIY: $15–$50. Professional: $95–$250. One of the cheapest and most common gas dryer repairs.

How do I know if the igniter or the gas valve coils need replacement?

Watch the igniter through the lower access panel. If it does not glow at all, the igniter is bad. If it glows bright orange-white but gas does not flow (no flame), the gas valve coils are likely at fault.

Is it safe to replace a gas dryer igniter myself?

Yes, if you follow safety procedures: turn off gas supply, do not touch the igniter element with bare fingers, check for gas leaks with soapy water after reassembly. The repair does not involve opening any gas connections.

Why does my Kenmore gas dryer igniter keep burning out?

Frequent burnout (under 2 years) usually indicates low gas supply pressure or excessive cycling. Check that the gas supply valve is fully open and that the vent is not clogged (restricted airflow causes longer run times and more ignition cycles per load).

---

Need help replacing your Kenmore Gas Dryer Igniter? Our certified technicians handle Igniter replacements daily with same-day service and a 90-day warranty. Book a technician →