A gas dryer can tumble normally while the burner fails to light, lights only once, or shuts down after the machine warms up. The key is watching the ignition sequence rather than guessing at a single part.
The control calls for heat, the igniter heats, the flame sensor confirms the condition, the gas valves open and the burner lights. A problem with the igniter, flame sensor, gas-valve coils, thermal protection, gas supply, wiring or controls can interrupt that sequence.
What a normal ignition sequence looks like
On many gas dryers, the igniter glows first. When the system reaches the correct condition, the gas valve opens and the burner establishes a stable flame. The burner then cycles on and off as the dryer regulates temperature.
Gas-valve coils
Valve coils are a common intermittent failure. A dryer may ignite correctly when cold, then stop reopening the gas valve after the coils heat up. That creates a classic complaint: the first part of the cycle heats, but later the dryer tumbles with no flame.
Igniter
An igniter can crack, fail open or become too weak to complete the sequence. If it never glows, the circuit has to be tested rather than assuming the igniter itself is the only possible cause.
Flame sensor
The flame sensor is part of the safety sequence. A sensor or wiring problem can prevent the valve from opening even when other components appear normal.
Thermal protection and airflow
Gas dryers still depend on proper airflow. A thermal fuse or other safety device can interrupt heat, and restricted airflow can contribute to elevated temperature and repeat failures.
Gas-safety boundary
Turn the dryer off, avoid creating sparks or flames, leave the area if the odor is strong, and follow the gas utility or emergency guidance for your location. Burner and gas-valve work is not a place to bypass safety controls.
What we test
We observe the ignition sequence, confirm airflow and thermal protection, test the igniter and sensor path, check gas-valve coil behavior and verify that the burner cycles normally after the repair.