LG Gas Dryer Igniter Replacement — The Glow Bar That Lights Your Gas

The igniter in an LG gas dryer is a hot surface igniter (HSI) — a silicon carbide glow bar that heats to over 2,500F to ignite the gas flowing from the valve. When the igniter weakens or fails, the gas valve never opens because it relies on the igniter drawing enough current to prove ignition capability before releasing gas. This safety design means a weak igniter causes no heat — not a gas leak.

This guide applies only to LG gas dryers (WGD prefix and DLG prefix models). Electric LG dryers use a heating element instead.

How the LG Gas Ignition Sequence Works

Understanding the sequence helps pinpoint which component has failed:

1. The control board sends voltage to the igniter
2. The igniter glows orange-hot (visible through the gas valve housing slot)
3. As the igniter reaches operating temperature, its resistance drops and it draws 3-4 amps
4. The gas valve coils detect this current draw and open the gas valve
5. Gas flows past the glowing igniter and ignites
6. The flame sensor detects the flame and the system stays running

When the igniter weakens with age, it still glows but does not draw enough current to trigger the gas valve coils. You see a glow but get no flame and no heat.

Symptoms of Igniter Failure

• Igniter glows orange for 60-90 seconds then shuts off, repeating endlessly — the igniter is too weak to draw enough current for the gas valve
• No glow at all when the dryer is running — the igniter element has cracked or the wiring is broken
• Intermittent heating — the igniter works sometimes but is borderline, affected by ambient temperature
• Gas smell without ignition — rare but dangerous. Shut off gas immediately. This indicates the gas valve opened but the igniter failed to light the gas (possible valve coil issue, not igniter)

Part Numbers and Pricing

The igniter is inexpensive and fails far more often than the gas valve or its coils. Replace the igniter first before investigating valve coils.

Tools Required

• Phillips #2 — for front and rear panel access
• 1/4 inch nut driver — for igniter mounting bracket
• Multimeter — to test igniter resistance and gas valve coil resistance
• Caution — do not touch the new igniter's silicon carbide element with bare hands. Skin oils create hot spots that cause premature cracking. Handle by the ceramic base only.

Testing the Igniter

Disconnect power and gas supply. Access the igniter from the front of the dryer — remove top panel, front panel, and drum. The igniter is mounted near the gas burner assembly.

Disconnect the igniter wires. Set your multimeter to resistance. Touch the probes to the igniter terminals. Expected reading: 50-400 ohms (varies by model). If infinite (open), the igniter is cracked. If within range but the igniter glows without igniting gas, the igniter is weak — replace it.

Replacement Steps

With the drum removed and the gas burner assembly exposed, the igniter is held by a single mounting screw on a metal bracket. Remove the screw, disconnect the wire connector, and slide the old igniter out.

Handle the new igniter by its ceramic base only. Slide it into position, secure the mounting screw, and connect the wire harness. Reassemble the dryer.

Turn on the gas supply. Restore power. Run a timed dry cycle and observe through the burner housing slot — the igniter should glow and gas should ignite within 60-90 seconds. Steady blue flame with yellow tips indicates proper combustion.

Gas Valve Coils — The Other Common Failure

If the new igniter glows bright but gas still does not flow, the gas valve coils may have failed. LG gas dryers typically use two or three coils on the gas valve. These coils can be replaced individually without replacing the entire gas valve assembly. The coil set (5221EL2002A) costs $10-$30 — much cheaper than a new gas valve.

Test each coil with a multimeter — expected resistance is 1,000-2,000 ohms per coil. Open coil = replace.

Frequently Asked Questions

My LG gas dryer igniter glows but gas never lights. Is the igniter bad?

Probably — a weak igniter glows but does not draw enough current to trigger the gas valve. Replace the igniter first ($20-$65). If the new igniter still does not trigger gas flow, the gas valve coils are the next suspect ($10-$30).

Can I use an electric dryer igniter in an LG gas dryer?

Electric dryers do not have igniters — they use heating elements. These are completely different components. LG gas dryer igniters are specific to gas models.

Is it safe to replace the LG gas dryer igniter myself?

Yes, with proper precautions. Turn off the gas supply at the shutoff valve before starting. Do not touch the silicon carbide element with bare hands. Verify the gas connection is leak-free after reassembly using a soap bubble test on all fittings.

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