XPARTCO 338906 Gas Dryer Flame Sensor Replaces WP338906
The XPARTCO 338906 is an aftermarket replacement gas dryer flame sensor compatible with a wide range of Whirlpool-family gas dryers including Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Admiral, Roper, Inglis, Crosley, Estate, Caloric, Magic Chef, Norge, and Speed Queen. The flame sensor is a radiant sensor located in the burner assembly directly across from the gas igniter. It monitors heat output from the igniter and signals the gas valve to open once the igniter reaches ignition temperature. This is a critical safety mechanism — the gas valve will not open until the sensor confirms the igniter is hot enough to light the gas, preventing dangerous unburned gas buildup inside the dryer.
When the flame sensor fails, the igniter may glow but the gas valve will never open — resulting in a dryer that tumbles but produces no heat. The sensor should show closed continuity (near-zero resistance) at room temperature when tested with a multimeter — an open reading confirms the sensor has failed. This part directly replaces WP338906 and a large number of older cross-reference numbers including DC32-00008A, Y303377, 14205529, and 3-3377. Installs in 20–30 minutes with basic hand tools.
Quick Answer
The XPARTCO 338906 Gas Dryer Flame Sensor fixes gas dryers that tumble but produce no heat, where the igniter glows but the burner never lights. Located in the burner assembly across from the igniter. Should show closed continuity at room temperature — test with a multimeter before replacing. Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid, and many more. Replaces WP338906, DC32-00008A, Y303377, 14205529, and more.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
Gas dryer tumbles but produces no heat — igniter glows but burner never lights
Dryer takes multiple cycles or extremely long time to dry clothes
Igniter glows and shuts off repeatedly without the burner ever firing
Burner lights on first cycle but fails to relight during subsequent heat cycles
Dryer shuts off heat mid-cycle — clothes still damp after a full cycle
No heat even though the igniter, gas valve coils, and thermal fuse all test good
Replaces Part Numbers
This flame sensor directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:
WP338906, 338906, 14205529, 14210083, 14218928, 3-3377, 303377, 35001096, 56231, 63-5013, DE353, ER338906, K35-194, R0611503, TJ90DE353, WP338906VP, Y303377, Y56231, AWP47560, PD00002361, AP6008294, PS11741429, DC32-00008A, AP4201717, PS4204985, 6501EL3001A, EBD62566701, ALG52234, EAP3529181, PD00007476, AP4443773, PS3529181, 5303281135, 00635993, AFR17080, EAP459818, PD00007469, AP2142636, PS459818.
If your part number is not listed above, contact our support team before ordering and we will verify compatibility.
Compatibility
This flame sensor is compatible with select gas dryers only from the following brands:
Whirlpool gas dryers
Kenmore / Sears gas dryers (Whirlpool-built models)
Maytag gas dryers
Amana gas dryers
KitchenAid gas dryers
Jenn-Air gas dryers
Admiral gas dryers
Roper gas dryers
Inglis gas dryers
Crosley gas dryers
Estate gas dryers
Caloric, Magic Chef, Norge, and Speed Queen gas dryers
Note: This part is for gas dryers only. Electric dryers do not use a flame sensor or gas valve system.
Key Features
Radiant flame sensor — monitors igniter heat and signals the gas valve to open once ignition temperature is reached
Critical safety device — prevents the gas valve from opening until it is safe to ignite, protecting against unburned gas buildup
Located in the burner assembly directly across from the gas igniter
Should show closed continuity (near-zero resistance) at room temperature — test with a multimeter before replacing
Replaces WP338906 and over 20 older cross-reference part numbers across multiple brand families
Compatible with over a dozen major appliance brands on the Whirlpool platform
Often replaced together with the gas valve coils (279834) and igniter (279311) for a complete burner repair
Aftermarket replacement built to OEM-equivalent quality standards
DIY repair — installs in 20–30 minutes with basic hand tools
Product Specifications
Part Number
338906
OEM Part Number
WP338906
Part Type
Gas Dryer Flame Sensor (Radiant Sensor)
Condition
Aftermarket Replacement
Application
Gas Dryers Only
Location
Burner assembly, across from the gas igniter
Normal Behavior
Closed continuity (near-zero resistance) at room temperature
Failed Behavior
Open circuit (infinite resistance) — gas valve will not open
Sold As
Single flame sensor
Compatible Brands
Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Admiral, Roper, Inglis, Crosley, Estate, Caloric, Magic Chef, Norge, Speed Queen
Often Replaced With
279834 Gas Valve Coils, 279311 Gas Igniter
Installation Notes
⚠️ Gas Appliance Safety Warning This part is used in gas dryers. Always unplug the dryer and shut off the gas supply at the shutoff valve before beginning any repair. If you smell gas at any point during or after installation, leave the area immediately and contact your gas utility provider. If you are not comfortable working on gas appliances, have this part installed by a qualified appliance technician.
⚠️ Test Before Replacing — Verify the Sensor Has Failed Before replacing the flame sensor, test it with a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the continuity or resistance setting, disconnect the sensor from the wiring harness, and probe both terminals. A working sensor reads near-zero resistance (closed) at room temperature. An open circuit (infinite resistance) confirms the sensor has failed. If the sensor tests good, check the igniter, gas valve coils (279834), and thermal fuse before replacing this part. To install: unplug the dryer and shut off the gas. Remove the top panel and front panel to access the burner assembly. The flame sensor is a small bracket-mounted component located directly across from the igniter. Disconnect the sensor leads, unscrew the mounting screw, and install the new 338906 sensor in the same orientation. Reconnect the leads, reassemble the panels, restore gas and power, and run a test cycle to confirm heat. Tip: While the burner assembly is accessible, inspect and replace the gas valve coils (279834) and igniter (279311) if worn. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, 1/4" nut driver, multimeter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the dryer flame sensor do?
The flame sensor is a radiant sensor located in the burner assembly across from the igniter. It monitors the heat being generated by the igniter and sends a signal to open the gas valve once the igniter is hot enough to safely ignite the gas. This is a critical safety mechanism — if the sensor does not confirm that the igniter is at ignition temperature, the gas valve will remain closed, preventing unburned gas from building up inside the dryer. A failed sensor means the gas valve never opens, so the igniter glows but the burner never fires.
How do I test the 338906 flame sensor with a multimeter?
Unplug the dryer and disconnect the flame sensor from the wiring harness. Set your multimeter to the continuity or ohms setting and probe both sensor terminals. At room temperature, a working 338906 flame sensor should show closed continuity — near-zero resistance. If your multimeter reads OL (open loop) or infinite resistance, the sensor has failed and needs to be replaced. Note: heat exposure can temporarily change the sensor reading, so always test at room temperature.
My igniter glows but the burner never lights — is the flame sensor the cause?
It often is. When the igniter glows repeatedly but the burner never fires, the most common causes are a failed flame sensor, failed gas valve coils (279834), or — less commonly — a failed gas valve. The flame sensor is the first part to test because it is inexpensive and easy to access. If the sensor tests open (no continuity), replace it. If it tests good, test the gas valve coils next. The igniter itself is less likely to be the cause if it is visibly glowing, but it can also weaken over time.
Should I also replace the gas valve coils and igniter at the same time?
It is highly recommended — especially if your dryer is older. The flame sensor, gas valve coils (279834), and igniter (279311) all work together in the burner system and wear at similar rates. Since the dryer is already disassembled, replacing all three together in a single repair (often sold as a gas dryer repair kit) is more cost-effective than replacing them one at a time over successive repair sessions.
Is this an OEM or aftermarket part?
This is an aftermarket replacement part built to OEM-equivalent quality standards. It is not a genuine Whirlpool OEM part, but is manufactured to match the specifications and performance of the original WP338906 flame sensor.
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