mypros+
Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code FLAME FAULT

Flame was detected during trial for ignition but failed sometime after; this condition must reoccur for five…

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Flame was detected during trial for ignition but failed sometime after; this condition must reoccur for five retries before fault occurs.

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for FLAME FAULT.

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What FLAME FAULT means on a Maytag dryer

The FLAME FAULT error on a Maytag gas dryer indicates that the burner ignited successfully during a trial for ignition but then lost flame at some point during the drying cycle. The control board monitors the flame sensor throughout operation, and if the flame drops out unexpectedly, the system logs the event. Critically, this fault code does not trigger after a single incident. The control requires this condition to repeat across five consecutive retry attempts before officially setting the fault. This means the dryer is actively trying to recover on its own before alerting you to a persistent problem.

The gas burner system in these dryers involves several interdependent components: the igniter, the gas valve coils (radiant sensor coils and holding coils), the flame sensor or radiant sensor, and the gas supply itself. A flame that lights but then extinguishes typically points to a failure in the valve coil circuit. The radiant sensor coils hold the secondary gas valve open once the igniter proves the flame, and if those coils weaken or fail, the valve closes prematurely and the flame dies out.

Other contributors include a weak or intermittent gas supply, a failing radiant sensor that cannot correctly detect the established flame, or a partially clogged exhaust system causing combustion instability. Because the fault requires five failed retries, by the time the code appears the dryer has already cycled through multiple ignition attempts, making a straightforward component failure the most likely culprit rather than a one-time fluke in gas pressure.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of FLAME FAULT

  1. 01

    Failed Gas Valve Coils

    Part replacement

    The radiant sensor coils hold the secondary gas valve open after ignition. When these coils weaken or fail, the valve closes shortly after the flame lights, causing the flame to extinguish. This is the most frequent cause of a flame that lights and then drops out.

  2. 02

    Faulty Radiant Sensor

    Part replacement

    The radiant sensor detects the presence of the established flame and signals the valve coils to stay open. A failing sensor may not correctly read the flame, causing the control to cut gas prematurely. Check the sensor for physical damage and verify its continuity.

  3. 03

    Weak or Intermittent Gas Supply

    Wiring / connection

    Insufficient gas pressure can allow a flame to ignite but fail to sustain itself through the cycle. Verify that the gas shutoff valve is fully open and confirm adequate supply pressure at the appliance.

  4. 04

    Restricted Exhaust Venting

    Wiring / connection

    A blocked or heavily restricted exhaust duct can disrupt airflow through the burner, destabilizing the flame and causing it to go out. Inspect the full length of the vent duct for lint buildup, kinks, or blockages.

  5. 05

    Weakening Igniter

    Part replacement

    An igniter that is degrading may light the gas but not sustain enough heat to properly open the valve coil circuit, leading to inconsistent valve operation and flame loss shortly after ignition. Measure igniter resistance to assess its condition.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about FLAME FAULT

What does FLAME FAULT mean on a Maytag dryer?
FLAME FAULT means the burner successfully ignited during a trial for ignition but then lost the flame before the cycle could complete. The dryer does not set this fault after just one incident. It must detect this failure across five consecutive retry attempts before locking out and displaying the code. This points to a persistent problem in the gas burner system rather than a temporary hiccup.
Can I fix a FLAME FAULT on my Maytag dryer myself?
Some causes, such as a fully restricted vent duct or a partially closed gas shutoff valve, can be corrected without replacing parts. However, the most common cause involves the gas valve coils or the radiant sensor, which do require part replacement. Technicians with experience in gas appliance repair can often handle this repair, but working on gas components carries safety risks and should only be attempted by those comfortable with the work.
Is it safe to keep using my Maytag dryer when FLAME FAULT is showing?
You should not continue running the dryer until the fault is diagnosed and resolved. A burner that repeatedly lights and extinguishes means the gas valve is opening and closing abnormally, which is not a safe operating condition. Stop using the dryer and arrange for inspection before the next use.
Will resetting the dryer clear the FLAME FAULT code?
A power reset may clear the displayed code temporarily, but if the underlying component has failed, the fault will return once the dryer goes through another heating cycle and the ignition sequence fails again five times. Resetting does not repair the faulty part, so the code will reappear until the actual cause is corrected.
How much does it cost to repair a FLAME FAULT on a Maytag dryer?
Repair costs depend on which component has failed. Gas valve coil kits typically range from $15 to $50 in parts, while a radiant sensor is usually in the $10 to $30 range. If you hire a technician, expect to add a service call fee and labor, bringing the total repair cost to somewhere between $100 and $250 in most cases. Venting cleanout or gas supply corrections are generally on the lower end of that range.

Related Maytag dryer codes

All Maytag dryer codes
View all 251 Maytag dryer codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass