American Dryer Error Code IGNITION FAULT: No Flame Proven
IGNITION FAULT on a gas Phase 7 American Dryer means the gas valve did not stay open after the trial for ignition because no flame was detected, so the control closed the valve. Check that the gas shut-off valve is open, clean the lint screen, restart once, and call us if it returns.
Medium: the dryer runs without heat and the valve is closed for safety, but nothing is overheating.
- Code
- IGNITION 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) IGNITION FAULT mean?
When a gas American Dryer asks for heat, the Phase 7 control opens the gas valve and fires the igniter for a short trial for ignition. It then needs proof that a flame exists, and it gets that proof from the flame sensing circuit. If no flame is proven by the end of the trial, the control closes the valve for safety, because gas must never keep flowing into a burner that is not lit. It stops the heat call and shows IGNITION FAULT. What an operator sees is a dryer that turns but stays cold, with wet loads at the end of the cycle. The manual lists a closed gas shut-off valve or an interrupted gas supply, an igniter or flame sensor that fails to prove flame, a gas valve that closes soon after the trial, and venting or airflow that blows the flame off the burner. The first group is about whether gas arrives, the second about whether the flame is detected, and the last about whether the flame can stay on the burner.
Affected models and control systems
This applies to American Dryer tumblers with the Phase 7 OPL microprocessor controller, such as the AD-115, AD-120 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 the air stays cold
- IGNITION FAULT appears on the display
- A few clicks or a brief glow near the burner, then silence
- Loads come out wet at the end of the cycle
Possible causes
Listed in American Dryer (ADC)'s documentation
- A closed gas shut-off valve or interrupted gas supply
- An igniter or flame sensor that fails to prove flame
- A gas valve that closes soon after the trial for ignition
- Venting or airflow that blows the flame off the burner
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind IGNITION FAULT on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A utility gas supply that was shut off or interrupted for building work, leaving air in the line at the dryer
- An igniter that glows weakly after years of heating cycles and cannot light the gas reliably
- A gusty exhaust or a crushed duct that pushes the flame away from the sensor
Safe checks before calling for service
- Switch the dryer off and let it rest.
- Make sure the gas shut-off valve to the dryer is open.
- If you smell gas, leave the building and call the gas utility from outside.
- Clean the lint screen, restart once and watch whether heat begins.
- If the message returns, note whether you heard clicking, and call us.
How a technician diagnoses IGNITION FAULT
- Read the message and watch a heat call from start to lockout.
- Confirm gas supply pressure reaches the valve.
- Test the igniter by current draw or resistance and check the flame sensor signal.
- Check that the valve opens and stays open through the trial.
- Inspect venting and burner airflow for anything that blows the flame off.
- Replace only the part the readings name.
- Igniter, flame sensor and gas valve checks are made on live gas equipment and need meter readings.
- A missing flame signal looks the same whether the cause is gas supply, the igniter or the sensor.
- Gas train parts are only for a gas-trained technician.
How IGNITION FAULT differs from similar codes
FLAME FAULT on this control is different: there flame was seen and then lost, while IGNITION FAULT means flame was never proven after ignition.
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 the dryer run without heat?
It tumbles, but nothing dries, so we would stop and have it checked.
Will a restart fix IGNITION FAULT?
Sometimes, if the gas supply had just been interrupted. A message that returns means the igniter, sensor or valve needs testing.
Is this a gas leak?
No, the control closes the valve when no flame is proven. Any gas odor still means leave and call the utility.
Need help with American Dryer (ADC) IGNITION FAULT?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.