ADC Dryer Error Code BURNER IGNITION CONTROL FAULT: No Valve Signal
BURNER IGNITION CONTROL FAULT means the direct spark ignition module sent no signal to the gas valve during the trial for ignition, so the burner never lit. Confirm the gas shut-off valve is open, try one restart after a few minutes, and call us if the message comes back.
Medium: the dryer runs without heat and loads do not dry, but it is not an overheating stop.
- Code
- BURNER IGNITION CONTROL FAULT
- Maker
- American Dryer (ADC)
- Equipment
- Dryers
- Applies to
- Phase 7 OPL microprocessor controller (also Phase 6 on ML-175/190)
What does American Dryer (ADC) BURNER IGNITION CONTROL FAULT mean?
On a gas American Dryer with the Phase 7 controller, every heat call follows the same sequence. The control asks the direct spark ignition module to light the burner, and the module is supposed to send a signal to the gas valve so gas can flow while the spark fires. That window is called the trial for ignition. The control looks for that valve signal. When it never arrives, there is nothing for the burner to light from, and the control stops and displays BURNER IGNITION CONTROL FAULT. This message is about the signal path rather than the flame itself, so it points toward the ignition module, the wiring between the module and the valve, the valve coil, or the control signal feeding the module. In practice the drum may keep tumbling with no heat, and wet loads come out at the end of the cycle. The message is different from a flame message, because here no valve signal was seen at all, not a flame that started and then dropped out.
Affected models and control systems
This applies to gas American Dryer tumblers with the Phase 7 OPL microprocessor controller, such as the AD-115 and AD-170, and the Phase 6 control on ML-175 and ML-190 models. Other controller generations use different messages.
Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.
What you may notice
- The drum turns but no heat comes into the basket
- Loads finish cold and wet after a normal-length cycle
- No click of the gas valve and no burner glow at the start of a heat call
Possible causes
Listed in American Dryer (ADC)'s documentation
- Direct spark ignition module not sending its output
- Wiring between the module and the gas valve open or damaged
- Gas valve coil failed
- Control signal to the module missing
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind BURNER IGNITION CONTROL FAULT on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- An ignition module that powers up but never energizes its valve output on a heat call
- A loose or heat-darkened connector between the module and the gas valve coil
- A gas valve coil that has opened internally so the module's output has nowhere to go
Safe checks before calling for service
- Turn the dryer off at the control and wait a few minutes.
- Confirm the gas shut-off valve to the dryer is fully open.
- If you smell gas, go outside first and call the gas utility from there.
- Try one restart only, and watch whether heat begins.
- Note whether the message returned right away or after a full cycle, and tell us.
How a technician diagnoses BURNER IGNITION CONTROL FAULT
- Read the message and start a heat call while watching the ignition module's sequence.
- Check supply power and the control signal arriving at the module.
- Measure the module's output to the gas valve during the trial for ignition.
- Test the valve coil and inspect the wiring and connectors for heat damage and confirm gas supply pressure.
- Testing the ignition module output means taking live voltage readings inside the burner compartment of a gas appliance.
- The module, valve coil and gas valve are gas train parts that only a gas-trained technician should handle.
- Swapping parts without the readings will not bring heat back.
How BURNER IGNITION CONTROL FAULT differs from similar codes
A FLAME FAULT message on the same control is different: there the flame lit and then was lost, while this message means no valve signal appeared at all.
Technical reference
- Document
- AD-115/120/170 ML-120/130/145/170 Service Manual, Phase 7 Microprocessor Controls (part 451102 R2), Diagnostic messages pp.43-44
- Maker documentation
- American Dryer (ADC) owner support
- Edition
- Part 451102 R2
- Models / control
- Phase 7 OPL microprocessor controller (also Phase 6 on ML-175/190)
- Section
- Diagnostic messages pp.43-44
- Checked
- October 2026
We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.
Related American Dryer (ADC) dryer error codes
Can I keep running the dryer without heat?
It will tumble, but the loads will not dry and the cycle wastes power. We would stop and have it checked.
Will it clear itself after a restart?
One restart is worth trying, since a brief interruption can clear a stalled trial. A message that returns means a part needs testing.
Is this the same as a flame problem?
No. This one means the valve never got its signal, so the burner never had gas to light.
Need help with American Dryer (ADC) BURNER IGNITION CONTROL FAULT?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.