[bjaspud]

My Frigidaire Gas Dryer starts up fine and warms to 140 degrees (I have a digital temp gague). After about 3-5 minutes it stops producing significant heat. I can see the glow from the pilot light cycling on for 18 seconds and then off for 35 seconds but the temp never gets above 95 degrees. The vent is disconnected and all lint on the in coming air suppy has been cleared. It is NOT an airflow or blocked exhaust problem. The timer works, the gas supply valve opens and closes it just will not continue producing heat. Do I need to replace the gas coil valves?

Spud

[ApplianceJunk]

Hi,

Do I need to replace the gas coil valves?

Maybe, you have a meter to check them with?

[bjaspud]

Yes I have a meter but I'm not sure how to test the coil. Can you give me some directions? I assume I need to take the belt off so that the unsupported drum does not turn. There where do I probe for voltage?

[kayakcrzy]

Spud, when the dryer comes on, and the ignitor lights up, and then the gas comes out, then it will cycle off. Now this is the important part of the diagnosis, when the ignitor comes on the second time, does it click, and the shut off without any gas coming out, or does the gas come on for a short while. I could be reached at my web site at ApplianceEducator.com Tom

[bjaspud]

Tom, On the second and third cycles the gas came back on for 18-20 seconds and then shut off again.

What does that tell you?

Spud

[kayakcrzy]

Spud, like you said the vent is clear. So that rules it out. It can only be the high limit thermostat that is mounted on the burner assembly, or the holding coils on the valve. Tom ApplianceEducator.com

[rt1355]

Sounds like you need a new solinoid gas valve

[bjaspud]

Bingo - replace the coil gas valves and the dryer now runs fine.

Time to trouble shoot via the internet -hours.
Time to do the repair - 10 minutes - Open the front, two screws & two electrical connectors.
Total cost - $24

And I got to learn how a dryer works.
Very cool.
The money I saved will be spent on my vacation next week!

Thanks guys

[kayakcrzy]

Good job my good man. Now you will have clean clothes for your vacation. We all will be expecting a post card. Hopefully you are going to Hawaii. Tom ApplianceEducator.com