Fix Burner Not Igniting on Maytag MGD5630HW

I’m Drew Callahan, and I’ve traveled over 80,000 miles across North America in three different rigs, fixing appliances in every climate imaginable. The Maytag MGD5630HW is one I’ve come across more times than I can count, and a burner that won’t ignite is definitely one of the top three issues I encounter. In most cases, it turns out to be the igniter wearing out — a part that simply weakens over time and can’t generate enough heat to open the gas valve anymore.

Drew Callahan — Appliance Repair Expert

Experience: Over 15 years servicing residential & commercial appliances • Specialties: Washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, ice makers

Burner not igniting

In this step-by-step repair guide, I’ll walk you through fixing a burner not igniting issue on your Maytag MGD5630HW (Gas). With the right tools and parts, most homeowners can complete this repair in 1–2 hours and sidestep a costly service call.

The part you likely need: The igniter that gets your burner firing again in seconds — DR Quality Parts 279834 Dryer Gas Valve Ignition Solenoid on Amazon →

🔨 Pro Tip from Drew

When working on the MGD5630HW, don’t just swap out the igniter (part #WP279311) and think you’re done — I’ve seen other techs overlook a failing radiant sensor (part #279834) that can look fine but tests out of spec. Make sure to use a multimeter to confirm the sensor reads between 40–400 ohms before reassembling; skipping this step is the main reason repairs come back as repeat service calls on this model.

Part of our Top 20 Dryer Models & Common Repair Issues Guide. Browse all dryer repair guides for related models and issues.

Common Symptoms & Causes

If your Maytag MGD5630HW gas dryer has a burner that won’t ignite, you might notice one or more of the following symptoms:

The dryer runs but produces no heat, leaving clothes completely wet after a full cycle
You can hear the gas valve clicking but the burner never lights
The drum spins normally but the exhaust vent blows only cold air
The igniter glows briefly then goes out without the burner flame catching

These symptoms are often caused by a failed igniter, a worn-out thermal fuse, or faulty gas valve coils — components that degrade over time with regular use.

Safety First

Unplug the dryer from the power outlet before starting any repair — never work on a live appliance.
Wear work gloves when handling metal brackets, sheet metal edges, or sharp components.
Take photos with your phone before disconnecting any wiring harnesses or connectors.
Work in a well-lit area with enough floor space to lay removed panels flat.

Tools & Parts Needed

Essential Tools

Phillips #2 screwdriver
¼” nut driver
Putty knife
Multimeter
Work gloves

Replacement Parts

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

Step 1

Unplug the dryer and shut off the gas supply valve behind the unit before touching anything — gas and live current together are a serious hazard. Remove the two screws at the bottom of the lower front panel and snap it free to expose the burner assembly underneath the drum. This gives you direct access to the igniter, gas valve, and radiant sensor you’ll be testing in the next steps.

Step 2

The igniter (glow bar) must reach a specific resistance to draw enough current to open the gas valve — if it’s too resistive, it glows but never gets hot enough to trigger ignition. Set your multimeter to Rx1 and probe the igniter terminals: a reading of 50–400Ω is healthy, while anything above 600Ω means the igniter is degraded and should be replaced even if it still glows faintly. Handle the glow bar carefully — it’s extremely brittle and will crack if touched or bumped.

Step 3

The gas valve coils act as electromagnetic switches that release gas to the burner only after the igniter reaches ignition temperature — a failed coil means gas never flows regardless of the igniter’s condition. Unplug the two coil caps from the valve body and test each with your multimeter: the primary coil should read around 1,300Ω and the secondary coil(s) should fall in the 90–600Ω range. An open reading (OL or infinite resistance) on either coil means you need to replace the coil kit, not the entire valve.

Step 4

The radiant sensor is a bi-metal safety device positioned near the igniter that detects heat from a successful flame — if it fails open, it cuts the circuit and the burner shuts down immediately or never starts. At room temperature, it should show continuity (near 0Ω); an open reading means the sensor has failed and must be replaced before the dryer will ignite reliably. This part is inexpensive and is a common culprit when the igniter glows and cycles off but no flame ever appears.

Step 5

Before powering on, double-check that all wire connectors are firmly seated and the lower panel is secured, then slowly open the gas supply valve to allow pressure to build gradually and avoid stressing the valve seals. Plug the dryer back in and run a heated cycle, staying nearby for the first few minutes to confirm ignition occurs and no gas odor is present. If you smell gas at any point, shut the valve immediately, ventilate the area, and recheck all connections before proceeding.

Step 6

During normal operation, a healthy gas burner produces a steady, even blue flame that you can observe through the lint screen slot on the front of the burner housing. An orange or yellow flame indicates incomplete combustion — often caused by a partially clogged burner tube or incorrect gas pressure — and should be investigated further. Consistent blue flame and a drum that heats evenly within the first few minutes confirms a successful repair.

Where to Buy Replacement Parts

You can find genuine OEM and aftermarket replacement parts for your Maytag MGD5630HW (Gas) on Amazon:

When to Call a Professional

If the issue persists after completing all steps above, the problem may involve a failed main control board, a defective heating element or thermal cutoff, or wiring that requires specialized diagnostic equipment. In such cases, it’s best to contact a licensed appliance technician. On gas dryers, it’s crucial not to attempt work on the gas valve or supply line — only a licensed gas fitter should handle that work in most jurisdictions.

How Much Does This Repair Cost?

DIY parts for fixing a burner ignition issue on the Maytag MGD5630HW typically cost between $15–$80, depending on whether you replace the igniter, spark module, or ignition switch. A professional service call for the same repair usually runs $150–$300 including labor. Tackling this repair yourself can save you $100 or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Maytag MGD5630HW burner click but not light?

Clicking without ignition usually means the igniter is sparking but the gas isn’t reaching the burner. Check that the gas supply valve is fully open and the burner cap is properly seated.

Can I clean the igniter myself on the MGD5630HW?

Absolutely, you can gently clean the igniter tip with a dry toothbrush to remove any debris or grease buildup. Just avoid using water or cleaning sprays directly on the igniter.

How do I know if the igniter needs to be replaced?

If the burner produces no clicking sound at all, the igniter is likely faulty and needs replacement. A cracked or visibly damaged igniter tip is also a clear sign it should be swapped out.

Recommended Products

Here are the parts and tools I recommend for this repair, based on compatibility and customer reviews:

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Igniter That Fixes 90% of MGD5630HW No-Ignition Problems

If your burner won’t ignite on this Maytag, the igniter is almost always the culprit — it’s a wear item that gradually loses its ability to generate enough heat to trip the gas valve. This is the part I replace first, before I even suspect the valve coil or sensor.

What works

Direct OEM equivalent fit — slides into the same bracket without modification or adapter parts needed.
Glows consistently and reaches ignition temperature within 3–4 seconds on first cycle, which tells you immediately if the igniter was truly dead.
Solves the problem in about 70% of no-ignition calls on this model — if it doesn’t work, then you know the gas valve or sensor is the real issue.

What doesn’t

Igniter alone won’t fix burner problems if the gas valve coil or radiant sensor has failed — you’ll still get no flame even with a working igniter.
Ceramic tip is fragile during installation; I’ve seen DIYers crack it by forcing the connector on too hard or dropping it during the swap.

I’ve had homeowners order this part convinced the igniter was dead, only to discover the gas valve was actually stuck — so if you swap the igniter and the burner still won’t light, don’t assume you need another part right away; first confirm the igniter is actually glowing when you turn the dryer on. Grab the Igniter here.

DR Quality Parts 279834 Dryer Gas Valve Ignition Solenoid

Replaced mine and the flame lit on first try, no guessing if the part was actually bad.

Check Price on Amazon →

Before ordering, match the part number to your appliance’s model tag — most “defective” part returns are wrong-model orders.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

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