XPARTCO 17438200000160 Gas Dryer Flame Switch
The XPARTCO 17438200000160 is an aftermarket replacement gas dryer flame switch compatible with select Midea, Insignia gas dryers, including the MLG45N1BWW, MLG45N3BMG, MLG45N3BWW, MLG52S7AWW, CDG41N1AW/CDG45N1AW series, NSDRE67WH8A, NSFDRG67WH8A, NSDRE67WH8AC, NSTDRG75W1. The flame switch is a safety component mounted on the burner assembly that confirms a flame is actually present after the gas valve opens and the igniter lights the burner. If the switch does not detect a flame within the expected window, it signals the control board to shut off the gas valve, preventing unburned gas from continuing to flow into the dryer cabinet.
When the flame switch fails, the dryer may not heat at all, may shut off the burner shortly after ignition (short-cycling the flame), may trip a no-heat fault code on models with digital displays, or — in rarer failure modes — may fail to shut off gas flow appropriately, which is a safety-relevant failure. It directly replaces 17438200000160 (Midea OEM). Installs in 30–45 minutes with basic hand tools.
Quick Answer
The XPARTCO 17438200000160 Gas Dryer Flame Switch fixes Midea gas dryers that won't heat, where the burner lights and then shuts off shortly after ignition, or where a no-heat fault is displayed. Mounted on the burner assembly — confirms flame presence after ignition and signals the control board to keep the gas valve open. Genuine Midea OEM part number. Compatible with Midea MLG45N1BWW, MLG45N3BMG, MLG45N3BWW, MLG52S7AWW, CDG41N1AW, and CDG45N1AW gas dryers.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
- Gas dryer not heating — flame switch not confirming flame presence to the control board
- Burner lights briefly and then shuts off — flame switch failing to maintain the "flame confirmed" signal
- No-heat fault code displayed on models with digital control panels
- Dryer runs and tumbles normally but produces no heat
- Burner repeatedly cycling on and off rapidly during a heat cycle
- Visible damage, corrosion, or carbon buildup on the flame switch near the burner
Replaces Part Numbers
This flame switch directly replaces the following part number:
17438200000160, AP7153000, PS18188577.
This is the Midea, Insignia manufacturer part number used across multiple Midea gas dryer models. Contact our support team with your model number if you need confirmation before ordering.
Compatibility
This flame switch is compatible with select Midea, Insignia gas dryers, including:
- Midea MLG45N1BWW gas dryer
- Midea MLG45N3BMG gas dryer
- Midea MLG45N3BWW gas dryer
- Midea MLG52S7AWW gas dryer (8.0 cu. ft. front load)
- Midea CDG41N1AW gas dryer (Criterion, air vent)
- Midea CDG45N1AW gas dryer (Criterion, air vent)
Always verify your appliance model number before ordering. Contact our support team if you're unsure.
Key Features
- Confirms flame presence at the burner after ignition and signals the control board accordingly
- Safety component — helps ensure the gas valve closes promptly if a flame is not detected
- Mounts directly to the burner assembly in the same position as the original switch
- Genuine Midea manufacturer part number — designed as a direct fit for compatible models
- Compatible with Midea MLG45N1BWW, MLG45N3BMG, MLG45N3BWW, MLG52S7AWW, CDG41N1AW, and CDG45N1AW gas dryers
- Installs in 30–45 minutes with basic hand tools
Product Specifications
| Part Number |
XP17438200000160 |
| Part Type |
Gas Dryer Flame Switch |
| Condition |
Aftermarket Replacement |
| Application |
Gas Dryers (Midea platform) |
| Location |
Mounted on the burner assembly |
| Compatible Brands |
Midea |
Installation Notes
⚠️ Gas Appliance Safety Warning This part is installed in a gas dryer. 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. Do not restore power or gas until the repair is fully complete and all connections are confirmed secure. If you are not comfortable working on gas appliances or safety-relevant flame-detection components, have this part installed by a qualified technician.
⚠️ Wear Work Gloves — Access Requires Cabinet Disassembly Disconnect power and shut off gas before beginning. Wear work gloves throughout — there are sharp metal edges inside the dryer cabinet. Remove the lint filter and the screws securing the lint filter housing. Release the top panel locking clips with a putty knife and lift the top panel. Disconnect the door switch harness and remove the front panel to access the drum and burner assembly. Locate the flame switch mounted on the burner assembly — it is positioned to detect the flame produced once the igniter lights the gas. Photograph the wire connections before disconnecting. Disconnect the wires from the old flame switch, remove the mounting screw, and pull the switch free. Install the new 17438200000160 flame switch in the same position, secure the mounting screw, and reconnect the wires. Reassemble the front panel, drum, and top panel in reverse order. Restore gas and power, and run a test heat cycle to confirm the burner ignites and stays lit normally. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, putty knife, work gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the flame switch do, and how is it different from an igniter?
The igniter is the component that heats up and ignites the gas at the burner. The flame switch is a separate safety component that confirms a flame is actually present after the igniter has done its job and the gas valve has opened. If the flame switch does not detect the expected flame condition, it signals the control system to close the gas valve, stopping gas flow. This two-part system — ignition plus flame confirmation — is a standard safety design in gas dryers and gas appliances generally, ensuring gas does not continue flowing if combustion isn't actually occurring.
My burner lights and then shuts off after a few seconds — is this the flame switch?
Yes, this is a common symptom of a failing flame switch. If the switch is not reliably maintaining its "flame detected" signal to the control board even though the burner is genuinely lit, the system may interpret this as a flame failure and shut the gas valve as a safety precaution — causing the burner to repeatedly light and then extinguish. This short-cycling pattern during what should be a continuous heat cycle is a strong indicator that the flame switch needs replacement.
Why is this called a "flame switch" rather than a "flame sensor"?
Different manufacturers use different terminology for similar flame-detection safety components. On Whirlpool-family gas dryers, this type of part is typically called a "flame sensor" — a bimetal-style sensor near the igniter that closes a circuit when it senses sufficient heat. Midea's parts catalog labels this specific component the "flame switch," and it serves an analogous safety role within the Midea gas burner system: confirming the presence of a flame after ignition. The terminology differs by manufacturer, but the safety function is similar in concept.
Why does this repair require opening the whole dryer cabinet?
On Midea gas dryers, the flame switch is mounted directly on the burner assembly inside the dryer cabinet, which is only accessible after removing the lint filter housing, releasing the top panel, and removing the front panel. This is a more involved repair than swapping an externally accessible part, but it follows the same general gas dryer disassembly procedure used for replacing igniters, thermal fuses, and other burner-area components. Since the cabinet must be opened, it can be a good opportunity to inspect other burner components (igniter, gas valve coils) for wear at the same time.
Is this an OEM or aftermarket part?
This is an aftermarket replacement part built to OEM-equivalent quality standards. It is manufactured to match the dimensions, mounting configuration, and function of the original 17438200000160 Midea flame switch.
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