Gas dryer runs and tumbles but stops heating after a few minutes
Gas dryers often start out heating normally before the flame cuts out and the air goes cold while the drum keeps tumbling. This leaves clothes damp or completely wet even after running for a very long time.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Hiring a professional to clean the dryer vent
- 2Disassembling the front of the unit to clean out accumulated lint
- 3Using the Timed Dry setting to bypass sensor modes
- 4Replacing internal parts such as the thermostat or gas valve coils
- 5cleaning the duct and checking airflow
- 6running the dryer multiple times to finish drying clothes
- 7testing continuity of elements and sensors
- 8cleaning the moisture sensor with IPA
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I have a GE gas dryer (GTDS820GDOWS) and it produces heat for a few minutes and then it goes cold.”source ↗
“The unit appeared to work when the cleaner left but it's not working again.”source ↗
“The dryer stays powered on and the drum roller continues rolling but after opening the door it's cold with no heat.”source ↗
“Last night I ran my dryer and noticed that it was running for a really long time. When I went to check my clothes I noticed that they were all still pretty damp.”source ↗
“The last few times I ran my dryer I noticed that my clothes weren't fully dry, but running it again fixed the issue. It's definitely gotten way worse where now they simply stay damp.”source ↗
“The flame stays burning for about 4 minutes, and then it goes out. The loopty thing (what is it called?) will turn on for about ten seconds every minute or so. The drum is spinning, air is blowing outside, but no heat.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 2Why does my air fryer heater keep clicking off?
- 2Dryer won't start after a loud bang
- 3Why does my dryer keep blowing new thermal fuses?
- 12Washing machine light goes straight from sense to done
- 2Why does my appliance stop mid-cycle unexpectedly?
- 3GE dishwasher starts for a second and then stops with blinking lights