How to replace LG gas dryer igniter sensor 6501EL3001A


Steven E / Thursday March 7, 2024


Is the igniter on your LG gas dryer glowing, but the burner won’t light? The igniter sensor may be the culprit.

Swapping out the igniter sensor is an easy DIY repair that can save you time and money. If you need a replacement igniter sensor 6501EL3001A for your LG dryer, you can use your model number to find what you need at AppliancePartsPros.com. We also have thousands of free DIY troubleshooting and repair guides to help you fix your dryer yourself.

You can also watch the full repair here.

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

How the igniter sensor works

The ignitor sensor on a gas dryer helps monitor the temperature of the igniter so it’s hot enough to light the gas burner. The igniter sensor is mounted next to the igniter on the burner funnel and consists of a metal rod and a ceramic tip, which is connected to an electrical circuit. While the dryer is running, the flame sensor detects heat from the igniter. When the flame sensor opens, it reverts power to the gas valves. This action triggers the gas valve, causing it to ignite the burner.

In the absence of a detected flame, the control board will deactivate the gas valve, which prevents the dryer from working for safety reasons.

What you need

Keep safety first

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair.

  • Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
  • If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
  • Shut off the gas supply to prevent any gas leaks while you work.
  • Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
  • Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
  • Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
  • Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
  • Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
  • Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.

Read more: Gas Dryer Isn’t Heating: Top 5 Reasons and Fixes

How to replace the igniter sensor

Step 1 – Remove the top panel and steam drawer

  1. Turn off the dryer and unplug it from the power supply.
  2. Switch off the gas supply.
  3. Take out the 3 back panel screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
  4. Slide the top panel back and lift it off.
  5. Remove the steam drawer by inserting a flat flat-blade screwdriver to release the locking pin. Lift out the drawer and container.

Step 2 – Disconnect the control panel wiring

  1. Use a Phillips screwdriver to detach the control board power plug. Press the tab and pull.
  2. Disconnect 2 wire harness plugs.
  3. Unscrew the screw that’s holding the control panel.
  4. Lift the panel up and off.
  5. Unplug the harness and set the panel aside.

Step 3 – Detach the front panel

  1. From the front of the dryer, remove the 2 screws from the bottom of the panel.
  2. Disconnect the plug for the door switch by pulling it off.
  3. Tilt the front panel forward and pull the bottom to release it from the hinges.
  4. Use pliers to remove the 2 clips holding the harness to the bracket.

Read more: Dryer Settings: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding, Using, and Maintaining Your Appliance

Step 4 – Remove the front bracket and disconnect the wiring

  1. Take out the 5 screws to remove the front bracket: 3 from the top, 2 from the front area.
  2. Disconnect the light plug by pulling it straight out.

Step 5 – Remove the bulkhead

  1. Unscrew the 4 bulkhead screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
  2. Remove the screw at the bottom.
  3. Detach the moisture sensor plug by pressing the tab and pulling it.
  4. Lift the bulkhead and disengage the hooks in the hinges.
  5. Support and tilt the drum as needed to remove it.

Step 6 – Access the igniter sensor

  1. Reach inside and push down on the pulley and slide it off the belt.
  2. Remove the belt.
  3. Lift out the drum.
  4. Find the igniter sensor on the outside of the burner funnel.
  5. Remove the 2 terminals with a flat-blade screwdriver.
  6. Unscrew the Phillips screw to detach the old igniter sensor.

Read more: How to Clean a Dryer Vent

Step 7 – Install the new igniter sensor

  1. Place the new igniter sensor into the slot on the funnel and flip it up to lock it in place.
  2. Replace the Phillips screw on the top.
  3. Reconnect the 2 wire terminals. Double-check connections to make sure they’re secure.

Step 8 – Reassemble the dryer

  1. Install the drum by reattaching the pulley and threading the belt back into place around it.
  2. Turn the drum fully to make sure it rotates smoothly.
  3. Position the front bulkhead over the drum and lift it into place while engaging the hinges and hooks. Make sure the seals are set correctly.
  4. Reconnect the moisture sensor plug.
  5. Reinstall the front bulkhead screws.
  6. Reinstall the front panel by driving the screws into the bottom of the panel.
  7. Plug in the door switch plug.
  8. Reinstall the control panel by driving in the screw that holds it into place. Plug in the appropriate wiring.
  9. Reinstall the 5 screws on the front bracket: 3 from the top, 2 from the front area.
  10. Reinstall the steam drawer and top panel by driving in the three screws. Make sure the steam drawer clicks back into the locking pin.
  11. Plug the dryer back in.
  12. Turn on the gas supply.
  13. Run a short test cycle to make sure the dryer is working correctly.

Read more: How does a gas dryer work?

More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your LG dryer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more. We can also help you troubleshoot common dryer problems here.

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