How to Replace 338906 Dryer Radiant Flame Sensor on Whirlpool Maytag Kenmore — Step-by-Step

Your Whirlpool dryer tumbles just fine, but there's no heat. You've checked the door switch, the thermal fuse looks good, yet your clothes come out damp after a full cycle. Nine times out of ten on gas dryers like the WED5000DW2 or 1CWGD5100VQ1, you're looking at a failed radiant flame sensor — the tiny metal rod that tells your dryer it's safe to keep the gas valve open.

The 338906 flame sensor is a safety device that detects whether the igniter has successfully lit the gas burner. When it fails, your dryer won't risk running gas without flame verification. The fix costs about $34 and takes less than 30 minutes if you've got basic tools.

What You Need Before Starting

• Phillips screwdriver
• 1/4" or 5/16" nut driver
• Needle-nose pliers (optional)
• Work gloves
• Flashlight or headlamp

Repair Time: 20-30 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate — requires accessing burner assembly

Safety First

Warning: Disconnect power at the breaker and shut off the gas supply valve before starting any work on a gas dryer. Even though you're working on a low-voltage component, you'll be near the gas burner assembly. Give the dryer at least 10 minutes to cool down if it's been running recently. Natural gas and electricity don't mix with guesswork.

Step 1: Access the Burner Assembly

Pull the dryer away from the wall so you've got room to work. The flame sensor sits inside the burner housing on the lower front or lower rear of your dryer, depending on your model. On most Whirlpool and Maytag dryers like the WGD5300SQ0, you'll remove the lower front panel by taking out 2-4 screws along the bottom edge. Some Kenmore models have rear-access panels instead. Either way, you're looking for the rectangular metal box where the gas burner lives.

Step 2: Locate and Disconnect the Flame Sensor

Shine your flashlight into the burner assembly. The flame sensor is a thin metal probe about 3 inches long, positioned right next to where the flame appears. It'll have two wire connections on the mounting bracket. Snap a quick photo with your phone before disconnecting anything — you'll thank yourself during reassembly. Gently pull the wire connectors straight off. They're friction-fit, no tools needed.

Step 3: Remove the Mounting Hardware

The sensor typically mounts with a single screw or a small bracket held by one or two screws. Use your nut driver or Phillips screwdriver to remove the fastener. On the WED7400XW0 and similar models, there's a metal tab you'll need to bend slightly to slide the sensor out of its holder. Don't force it — if it's not coming free easily, check for a second screw you might've missed.

Step 4: Install the New 338906 Sensor

Position the new sensor exactly where the old one sat. The sensing end needs to be in the flame path, usually about 1/2 inch from the burner ports. Secure it with the original mounting screw, but don't overtighten — you're threading into sheet metal, and it strips easily. Push the wire connectors firmly onto the terminals until you feel them click. Give each wire a gentle tug to confirm they're seated properly.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Replace the access panel and drive the screws back in. Turn the gas valve back on. Restore power at the breaker. Run a timed dry cycle on high heat with nothing inside the drum. Within 2-3 minutes, you should hear the igniter click, followed by the whoosh of gas igniting. If your dryer now heats normally, you've nailed it.

Testing After Installation

Let the dryer run for a full 10 minutes on the first test cycle. You're checking that the flame stays lit consistently and the dryer reaches proper temperature. Open the door mid-cycle — you should feel strong heat coming from inside. If the burner lights but shuts off after 15-20 seconds, double-check your wire connections. A loose connection on the flame sensor will cause the same safety shutdown as a bad sensor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this sensor work on Samsung or LG dryers?

No. The 338906 is specifically engineered for Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, and Amana gas dryers. Samsung uses part DC32-00008A, which looks similar but has different mounting dimensions. Always match the part number stamped on your original sensor, or check your dryer's model number against the compatibility list.

How do I know if it's the flame sensor and not the igniter?

Watch the burner assembly during a heat cycle. If you see the igniter glowing orange for 30-45 seconds but the gas never lights, you've likely got an igniter problem. If the gas lights briefly then shuts off, or if the igniter glows but nothing happens at all, the flame sensor is the more likely culprit. On dryers like the WGD9450WW2, both parts often fail within a year of each other after 8-10 years of use.

Can I clean the old sensor instead of replacing it?

You can try, but it rarely works long-term. Flame sensors fail because the metal rod develops a non-conductive coating from combustion byproducts, or the internal element breaks down from years of thermal cycling. Light cleaning with fine steel wool might buy you a few days, but if your dryer's already showing the not-heating symptom, you're better off replacing it now rather than doing this job twice.