Dyna Glo Heater Won’t Stay Lit [Full Fix Guide]

The main reasons why your Dyna Glo heater won’t stay lit are:

• Issues with the pilot light.
• Sparking problems with the igniter.
• The temperature inside the heater is too high.
• The heater has gotten dirty.
• The control valve has malfunctioned.

Besides them, other issues like low gas pressure or thermocouple issues can also cause this problem. I’ll talk about all these problems and solutions in detail. So, let’s dive in!

Dyna Glo Heater Won’t Stay Lit [Full Fix Guide]

I’ll talk about the most common reasons why your Dyno Glo heater won’t light properly and how to fix this issue.

1. Pilot Won’t Stay Lit

Most Dyna Glo heaters are equipped with a pilot light. So, you’d have to light it first to start the heat. But a common problem that arises in these heaters is that the pilot light shuts down when you try to light the main burner.

One of the main culprits behind this issue is an internal part of the heater. It’s a switch that’s supposed to shut off the flame if the heater falls over. Here’s a picture of how it looks:

This limit switch is designed as a safety mechanism to keep the heater from operating in case of an emergency to prevent accidents. But sometimes, it gets set off without any proper reason.

Another common issue that keeps the pilot from working properly is the build-up of dust. I’ve seen this issue in many Dyna Glo wall heaters. You’ll know when this happens as the pilot light will be flickering.

Solution:

Before getting into how you can fix the issues I talked about, I want to make sure that you know how to light the heater correctly. If you’re following the startup sequence correctly, only then you can be sure that something is wrong with your heater.

How To Light Dyna Glo Heater

Follow these instructions to make sure that you’re doing everything correctly when it comes to lighting the heater.

1. Make sure the propane tank is turned if you’re using an LP heater. The regulator of the gas tank should be facing downwards.
2. Turn the knob at the top of the heater to the one that sets “PILOT” and push it down for at least five to ten seconds. Then, press the button.
3. The pilot light should be lit at this stage. Then, you should wait for about a minute so that the pilot has had enough time to engage the thermocouple.
4. Then, turn the knob to ignite the main burner and you should get a steady flame from your heater.

That’s all you have to light your Dyna Glo heater. The process is really simple and the only way you can mess it up is if you’re impatient. So, make sure you give each component enough time to kick in and do its job.

If you’re doing everything right, it means that something is wrong with the pilot light. It’s most likely one of the issues I talked about. So, let’s look at how you can fix each of them in detail.

You’d have to replace the limit switch if it has started to malfunction. However, it’ll surely take time for you to get the replacement part. And having lived in the Wisconsin cold myself, I know about the importance of getting your heater to work right away.

So, while you’re waiting for the replacement part to arrive, I suggest that you bypass the limit switch for the time being. At least, that’s what I do when I’m in such a pickle.

But keep in mind that it’s only meant to be a temporary solution, and it’s not something I recommend in the long run. You should 100% get the replacement done as soon as you can.

To bypass the limit switch, you’d have to unplug the two white wires at first. Then, you have to connect the two wires with a small piece of metal. That’s all you have to bypass it. Now, hopefully, the pilot will stay on and ignite the main burner when you need the heat.

Secondly, you need to be on the lookout for the build-up of dust in the pilot housing. Open up your heater and get a good look at the area around the pilot. If you see a decent build-up of dirt and dust, you can clean it with canned air.

Cleaning a dirty heater is one of the easiest maintenance jobs you could’ve asked for. So, there’s no reason to panic if this is the issue. Just be patient during the cleanup and get as much dirt out as you can. Hopefully, doing all these things will get your pilot light to work properly.

2. Sparking Issues

If your Dyna glo Delux heater won’t light, another possible issue behind it is problems with the igniter. If the igniter fails to produce a spark, the heater won’t ignite and catch on fire.

Furthermore, the gap between the spark plug can also be too much. In that case, there won’t be enough room for the heater to ignite. Finally, the electrode of the spark plug could be bad. Therefore, a faulty spark plug will never cause the heater to be lit.

Solution:

Start by checking the igniter wire as that’s the easiest thing to check. It can get loose or disconnected during the movement of the heater from one place to the other. If that’s what’s happened, you can easily connect it and tighten it so that it works properly once again.

Next, check the spark plug gap. According to the Dyna Glo instruction manual, the recommended gap is 0.08 inches or 2 millimeters. If that fixes the issue, you’re good to go.

Finally, the other possibility is that the spark plug is bad. In that case, you have to replace the spark plug. They’re relatively cheap components, and you can easily replace them on your own. Make sure the spark module is okay and replace that as well if needed.

3. Internal Temperature Too High

Another common reason why the Dyna Glo Delux heater won’t stay lit is the limit switch making it shut down. I’ve already talked about how you can bypass the limit switch. But in that particular case, I was talking about a limit switch that’s malfunctioning.

However, the limit switch can work correctly and keep the heater from staying lit when the internal temperature goes beyond the safety limit. That’s a normal part of the operation of the heater and is meant to protect you from accidents.

The most obvious reason behind it is that there are other objects around the heater. As you know, these heaters tend to eat up oxygen as they operate. If they’re surrounded by objects, the heat won’t dissipate properly and the temperature of the heater will get really high.

Solution:

Luckily for you, the fix to this problem is as easy as it gets. You just have to place the heater in an environment where it’s free from obstructions. Make sure that nothing is surrounding within at least a few feet on all sides. I’m pretty sure that doing that will solve this issue.

4. Dirty Heater

As you use your heater, it continues to collect dirt, which is only natural. Unfortunately, the buildup of dirt can lead to unwanted issues in your heater. For example, if your Dyna Glo propane heater won’t stay lit, it could be due to the fact that it hasn’t been cleaned in a long time.

I already talked about cleaning the pilot housing when there’s too much dirt in it. However, the other parts of the heater can get dirty as well. Especially the burner orifice and the other internal components of the heater. All of these things will prevent the heater from lighting or staying lit.

Solution:

You’ll need to thoroughly clean your heater to fix this issue. It’s not as hard as it sounds. Most Dyna Glo heaters are easy to take apart and you can do it by removing a few screws.

Then, you can use canned air, a vacuum cleaner, or a piece of cloth to clean the heater. Use the right tool depending on the type of area you’re cleaning. Once you’re happy, put the heater back to its original shape. If you’ve done a good job and there are no other issues with the heater, it should run okay.

5. Faulty Control Valve

The control valve is one of the most important parts of a Dyna Glo heater. It regulates the flow of propane or kerosene into the burner. Furthermore, it plays a key role in adjusting the heat by increasing or decreasing the fuel supply to the burner when you change the temperature settings.

It helps you operate the heater at the temperature you want and also maintains efficiency. However, when a control valve goes bad, it can mess up the entire operation of the heater.

If it fails to supply the fuel to the burner, the heater won’t ignite. If it doesn’t regulate the flow of fuel when the heater is ignited, it won’t stay lit. There may even be unwanted fluctuations in the temperature due to a bad control valve.

Solution:

You’d have to replace the control valve to fix this issue. Again, doing a replacement job in any of these Dyna Glo heaters is relatively easier as they’re simple devices.

All you need to do is disconnect the heater, give it time to cool down, access the old valve, and replace it with the new one. You’d also have to disconnect the fuel line to the valve when you remove it. That’s all there’s to it. I hope you’ll be able to replace it easily and run your heater smoothly again.

6. Low Gas Pressure

Still wondering Why won’t your dyna glo heater stay lit? If you’re using a natural gas heater, low gas pressure is often a common culprit behind this issue. The most obvious sign of this problem is that the main burner won’t light.

Solution:

Check the gas supply pressure. A device called a manometer is used to check the pressure of the gas. Once you call in an expert who can check it for you, compare it with the recommended pressure in your owner’s manual. Then, correct the pressure according to that and the problem will be solved.

7. Thermocouple Issues

The thermocouple is a crucial component of the heater as it senses when the pilot is lit. It’s a key safety device as it doesn’t let the main burner ignite until it senses a flame from the pilot. When the thermocouple is functioning properly, it’s all well and good.

But things can go wrong with the thermocouple. For example, it can move out of position and be a little too far from the pilot light. In that case, it won’t be able to sense the heat from the pilot.

On top of that, the thermocouple can be covered with dust over time. It won’t be able to sense the pilot flame because of all the dirt and grime around it. So, it’ll stop the main burner from igniting.

Finally, there’s the possibility that the Dyna Glo thermocouple has completely malfunctioned. These things are usually what go wrong with the thermocouple and that prevents the heater from lighting.

Solution:

The fix depends on the nature of the problem – if the thermocouple is out of position, it can be readjusted to the right position. Make sure that it’s close enough to the pilot so that it can easily sense the flame.

Secondly, if the thermocouple is dirty, it can be cleaned with fine-grit sandpaper. Once it’s fully exposed to the pilot flame, it should not get in the way of igniting the main burner.

Finally, if the thermocouple is damaged, your only option is to replace it. Make sure you get the right part for your heater. Replacing the thermocouple is really easy. All you have to do is remove it from the pilot housing and put the new one in its place. Hopefully, doing that will solve your problem.

Why Wont My Dyna Glo Wall Heater Stay Lit?

I’ve talked about the general reasons that keep the Dyna Glo heaters from lighting, no matter which type of heater you’re using. However, it’s time to get a bit more specific depending on the type of heater you’re using.

If you’re using a wall heater, there are some additional troubleshooting tips you should follow. Just like the last section, sparking issues are common in these gas wall heaters as well.

However, some of these heaters have a battery and a dead battery can cause this issue. Moreover, the ignitor cable could be pinched or wet. These are extra parts that are connected to the heater.

Make sure you troubleshoot these additional things so that you leave no stone unturned in finding out what’s wrong with your heater. Then, you’ll be able to fix it easily. With that said, let’s look at some more things you should keep in mind when you have a Dyna Glo wall heater:

1. Pilot Light But Flame Goes Out When Control Knob Is Released

If the ODS/pilot light comes on but the flame goes out when you release the control knob, there could be several potential causes. First, the control knob might not be fully pressed in, so ensure it’s pressed down completely.

Another possibility is that the knob hasn’t been held down long enough after lighting the ODS/pilot. So, keep the control knob pressed in for 30-60 seconds to allow the flame to stabilize. Additionally, check if the equipment shutoff valve is fully open. If it’s partially closed, open it fully to ensure proper gas flow.

A loose thermocouple connection could also cause the issue, so hand-tighten the connection until snug and then give it another quarter turn. If the thermocouple itself is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

In the case of a damaged control valve, you should contact customer service for assistance. Lastly, ensure you are using the correct gas setting. If the gas type or pressure is incorrect, contact your gas supplier to verify and make the necessary adjustments.

2. Burner Doesn’t Light After Pilot Is Lit

If the burner does not light after the pilot is already lit, the first thing you should check is if the thermostat setting is too low. Try turning the thermostat knob to a higher setting to allow the burner to ignite.

Another possibility is that the burner orifice is clogged, which can block the gas flow. In this case, you should clean the burner orifice. If you don’t know how to do it, you can reach out to customer service for help.

If the problem persists, it could be that the burner orifice diameter is too small, which would also require contacting customer service for assistance. Also, low inlet gas pressure might be the issue. If you suspect this, get in touch with your gas supplier to check and adjust the pressure if needed.

3. Heater Shuts Off After Running For A Few Minutes

Several factors could be causing this issue. One possibility is that the gas supply is turned off or the equipment shutoff valve is closed. To fix this, make sure the gas supply is turned on or open the shutoff valve.

Another common cause is that the control knob may not be fully pressed in while using the Piezo Ignitor. Ensure you press the control knob completely when trying to ignite the unit.

If the unit was just installed, there could be air in the gas lines, which can cause the unit to shut off. Continue holding down the control knob and repeat the ignition process until the air is removed. A clogged pilot can also cause the unit to turn off. In this case, clean the pilot or replace the assembly.

Incorrect gas regulator settings could also be to blame. If you suspect this, the gas regulator may need to be replaced. Additionally, ensure that the control knob is set to the PILOT position for proper operation.

If you’re using propane gas, a depleted supply could also be the issue, in which case you should contact your local propane or LP gas provider. Lastly, if the problem lies with the gas setting regulator or selector valve, you should contact a qualified service technician for further assistance.

Why Wont The Dyna Glo Kerosene Heater Stay Lit?

Portable kerosene heaters work differently compared to propane heaters. So, the reasons behind the heater not lighting up will be different for them. That’s why I’m creating a separate section for the kerosene heaters. Now, let’s look at why they won’t light up along with the necessary fixes.

1. No Fuel Or Low-Quality Fuel

The most obvious reason behind your Dyna Glo kerosene heater not lighting is running out of fuel. Simply check the fuel tank and see if there’s fuel inside of it. If there’s little or no fuel, you’ve found the issue. Otherwise, you should keep on diagnosing this problem.

Secondly, poor-quality fuel can also make the heater shut off. By poor fuel, I mean the presence of water in kerosene. A common sign of having bad fuel is that the flame will flicker and die down.

Solution:

If you’ve run out of fuel, the solution is as simple as it gets – you just have to refill the kerosene and you’re done. However, if there’s water in the tank, it’s going to take a lot more work to fix it.

First of all, you’re gonna have to completely drain the tank. Then, remove the wick assembly and reinstall it. Then, refill the tank with fuel. I recommend using water-clear 1-K kerosene or red-dyed 1-K kerosene as they’re ideal for use in such heaters.

If you use them, you’ll no longer have to worry about the quality of the fuel. It’s also very easy to detect any problems with the fuel when you use them.

2. Igniter Issues

As the igniter produces the spark, any problems with it will also keep the heater from lighting. The most common problems with the igniter are dying batteries, worn-out igniter plugs, or the wire being disconnected.

On top of that, the igniter making contact with the side of the wick will also prevent the heater from lighting. It can block the fuel from being vaporized, create bad ignition sparks, and lead to insufficient oxygen supply. 

Solution:

If the igniter plug doesn’t glow, start by replacing the batteries. Then, check the wiring connection and see if it has gotten loose. Look for wiring damage as well. If the wiring connection has been lost, then you need to attach and tighten it. If the wiring is broken or damaged, you must replace it.

In the event that doing all of these things doesn’t solve the issue, it’s a good idea to replace the igniter plug entirely. If the igniter makes contact with the side of the wick, you need to lower the wick with the wick adjuster knob.

Make sure that the igniter touches the top of the wick. That’s the only correct position for the igniter and the wick. Anything else wouldn’t make the heater work properly.

3. Build-Up Of Carbon Or Tar In The Wick

A common reason why Dyna Glo kerosene heaters won’t stay lit is the build-up of carbon or tar in the wick. The main problem that arises due to it is incomplete combustion.

When carbon or tar deposits are present, the heater may burn fuel improperly. It can cause smoke, odor, and increased carbon monoxide emissions. It’s known to be hazardous to health and also reduces the heater’s efficiency.

The buildup of carbon or tar also blocks the wick’s ability to absorb fuel properly. This results in reducing the fuel supply to the burner, and leading to inefficient combustion or failure to light.

Solution:

You’d have to remove the carbon from the wick to make sure that your heater works properly again. This process is also called doing a dry burn on the wick.

How To Remove Carbon From A Dyna Glo Kerosene Heater Wick

Before you get started, I must warn you – dry burning your heater can create a strong smell. For this reason, I suggest carrying out this process on a calm, windless day.

If it’s too windy, you can do it on a porch, breezeway, or another room with the windows wide open to help get rid of the smell. Don’t worry, this is a very simple process. You can just follow these steps to do it:

Step 01 – Almost Empty Your Fuel Tank

When your fuel tank is almost empty, run your heater without adding more fuel until the flame starts to go out. Then, raise the wick as high as possible and let it burn completely.

Step 02 – Perform One More Full Burn

Wait for an hour. Then, relight the wick with a match if needed and let it burn out one more time. Once the heater cools down, take off the outer cover and use an old toothbrush or a stiff brush to remove any ash from the top of the wick. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to help remove the ash.

Step 03 – Repeat Step 01

The first step should make the wick feel softer. If any part of the wick still feels hard, you can use small pliers to gently break up the hard spots. After that, put the cover back on, add a little fuel, wait at least an hour, and repeat everything you did in the first step. Then, you can continue to use the heater.

You may be wondering how often you need to do this to keep your heater working properly. I suggest you do this carbon removal or dry burning within the first 7 days of using your new heater to prevent carbon buildup.

After that, dry burn your heater every time you use two tanks of fuel, or once a week during the heating season. Also, dry burn the wick any time it feels hard, and make sure to do this at the end of the heating season, once all the fuel is gone from the heater.

Performing a dry burn on the wick should take care of the problem in most cases. However, if the issue remains, you’ll have to replace the wick entirely so that your heater stays lit.

How To Replace Dyna Glo Kerosene Heater Wick

Replacing a Dyna Glo wick is also an easy but lengthy process. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you on how to do it every step of the way. Before getting started, keep in mind that the heater must be completely cooled down.

The cartridge tank should be removed and all the residual fuel should be burnt off. Only use the genuine replacement parts and then you can get started with the replacement process. Follow these steps to do it:

Step 01 – Disassembling the Heater

First, you need to safely take apart the heater to access the wick. Begin by opening the tank cover and removing the cartridge tank. Then, remove the batteries to avoid burns. Open the front grill and take out the chimney.

Remove the wick adjusting knob by pulling it straight out. Unscrew these 5 screws: 2 from the back, 1 from the right side, and 2 from the left side of the heater’s cabinet. Pull the cabinet straight up to remove it.

Unscrew and remove the wind cover. Remove the automatic ignition assembly by unscrewing the 2 screws holding it in place. Unscrew the 4 wing nuts to loosen the wick adjuster assembly and take it out.

Step 02 – Replacing the Wick

Now, it’s time to remove the old wick and install the new one. Take the old wick out of the holder by folding it toward the center to loosen it from the sharp metal teeth on the holder.

Then, slide it out. Take the new wick (which has a black line) and fold it before sliding it into the holder. Make sure the black line on the wick lines up with the top edge of the holder. Press it against the teeth inside the holder for a secure grip. Place the wick and holder back into the burner tank.

Rotate it 90 degrees left and right, as well as up and down, until the wick moves smoothly. Ensure the gasket is still in place on the burner tank. Reinstall the wick adjusting knob to make the next steps easier.

Insert the pinion on the wick control shaft into the top portion of the wick holder’s rack. It’s easiest to do this if you raise the wick holder. Slide the wick adjuster assembly down the draft tube and position the adjuster shaft at the front of the heater.

Step 03 – Reassembling And Testing

Once the new wick is in place, reassemble the heater and ensure everything works correctly. Tighten the 4 wing nuts on the mounting studs, but don’t fully tighten them yet. Raise the wick to the full “up” position, then tighten the wing nuts evenly in multiple steps.

Check the wick height, which should be about 5/16 of an inch above the collar. Make sure there’s an even clearance all around between the wick holder and the draft tube. Test the safety shut-off mechanism by pushing the extinguishing button to see if the pendulum reacts.

Reinstall the automatic ignition assembly and the wind cover. If you reinstalled the wick adjusting knob earlier, remove it again. Put the cabinet back on and tighten the 5 screws. Finally, reinstall the chimney, the cartridge tank, and the wick adjusting knob. Close the front grille.

And that concludes the process of replacing the wick. Put the batteries back in the case and refill the fuel tank with clean kerosene. Give the heater about an hour so that the new wick becomes saturated with the kerosene. Then, you can continue using your heater as you normally would.

What To Do When Your Dyna Glo Kerosene Heater Displays Error Code 1

Some Dyna Glo forced air kerosene heaters are smarter than others. They can display the error code E1 and fail to light. When you see this code, there’ll be instances when the heater will ignite but the main PCB will shut off the heater after a short while.

You may also see this code when the motor will run for a short period but the heater won’t ignite. In both scenarios, the indicator lamp will flick and display the code E1.

I’ve solved a similar issue like this in another guide on torpedo heaters. Check out my guide on fixing torpedo heater issues to learn more about it. A lot of issues are similar and I believe you’ll greatly benefit from reading it.

FAQs:

Conclusion

Now, you know why your Dyna Glo heater won’t stay lit. There could be a lot of reasons for it depending on the type of heater you own. But hopefully, it’ll be easy for you to figure out and the fix will be simple.

Look for common issues with your heater depending on your specific type of heater. For example, the pilot light issue is very common with the general Dyna Glo heaters mostly used.