Maytag Dryer Error Code FLAME FAULT

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.