Is your dryer refusing to start? This common household problem can be frustrating. Dryers often won’t start due to simple issues like a loose power cord, tripped circuit breaker, or faulty door switch. These problems are easy to fix at home. Many common problems, like a blown thermal fuse or a faulty door switch, can be easily fixed with a bit of DIY effort. Remember to prioritize safety and disconnect the power before attempting any repairs. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s always best to consult a professional.
Sometimes the cause is more complex, like a worn drive belt can also prevent a dryer from starting. These issues may need expert help.
Don’t let a non-starting dryer ruin your day. With some basic troubleshooting steps, you can often get your machine running again quickly. If not, a repair pro can diagnose and fix the problem.
Dryer Troubles? Let’s Get It Running Again
Check the Basics First
- Power Source: Ensure the dryer is plugged in securely and the outlet has power. Check your breaker box if needed.
- Door Latch: The dryer won’t start if the door isn’t fully closed and latched. Make sure nothing is obstructing the door.
- Start Button: The start button or knob might be faulty. Try pressing it firmly or turning it to see if it initiates a cycle.
Common Culprits
- Thermal Fuse: This safety device blows if the dryer overheats. It’s usually located on the back panel or near the exhaust vent. You’ll need a multimeter to test it for continuity. If it’s blown, replace it.
- Door Switch: The door switch prevents the dryer from running when the door is open. It can wear out over time. Test it with a multimeter and replace it if faulty.
- Timer or Control Board: If the dryer has a mechanical timer, it could be worn out or have a bad contact. Electronic control boards can also fail. These usually require professional repair or replacement.
- Motor or Belt: If you hear the dryer running but the drum isn’t spinning, the motor or belt might be the issue. Check the belt for wear and tear and the motor for any signs of damage.
Less Common Issues
- Start Switch: This switch can fail, preventing the dryer from starting. Test it with a multimeter and replace it if needed.
- Other Safety Switches: Some dryers have additional safety switches, like a high-limit thermostat or a moisture sensor. These can also cause the dryer to stop working if they malfunction.
Troubleshooting Table
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dryer won’t start at all | No power, faulty door switch, blown thermal fuse, bad timer or control board | Check power source, test/replace door switch, test/replace thermal fuse, check timer/control board |
| Dryer runs but drum doesn’t spin | Broken belt, faulty motor, idler pulley issue | Check/replace belt, check motor, check idler pulley |
| Dryer starts then stops abruptly | Blown thermal fuse, overheating issue, faulty motor | Test/replace thermal fuse, clean lint trap and vent, check motor |
Safety First: Always unplug the dryer before working on it. If you’re not comfortable with electrical repairs, call a qualified technician.
Key Takeaways
- Check power connections and circuit breakers first
- Inspect the door switch and start button for faults
- Call a pro if basic checks don’t solve the issue
Troubleshooting Basics
When a dryer won’t start, several common issues can be the cause. Checking the power source, door switch, and start switch are key steps to find the problem.
Inspecting the Power Source
First, make sure the dryer is plugged in. Check if other appliances in the outlet work. For electric dryers, look at the circuit breaker. If it’s tripped, reset it.
For gas dryers, check if the gas valve is open. Make sure the power cord isn’t damaged. Loose wires at the terminal block can also cause issues.
Use a multimeter to test the outlet voltage. It should read 240 volts for electric dryers and 120 volts for gas dryers. If there’s no power, call an electrician.
Checking the Door Switch
A faulty door switch can prevent the dryer from starting. Open and close the door a few times. Listen for a click when the door shuts. This sound means the switch is working.
Look for clothes stuck in the door. They can stop the door from closing fully. Clean around the door area to remove lint or debris.
To test the switch, use a multimeter. Unplug the dryer first. Find the switch near the door frame. Check for continuity when the door is closed. No continuity means the switch needs replacing.
Examining the Start Switch
The start switch tells the dryer to begin its cycle. If it’s broken, the dryer won’t start. Push the start button. It should feel firm and snap back quickly.
Use a multimeter to test the switch. Unplug the dryer and remove the control panel. Locate the start switch and disconnect its wires.
Check for continuity when the button is pressed. If there’s no continuity, replace the switch. Make sure to reconnect all wires correctly after testing or replacing the switch.
Common Mechanical Failures
Dryers can stop working due to several key parts breaking down. These parts include the drive motor, dryer belt, and blower wheel. When they fail, your dryer may not start at all.
Drive Motor Issues
The drive motor is the heart of your dryer. It turns the drum and powers the blower wheel. If it fails, your dryer won’t run. Signs of a bad motor include:
- Humming noise when you try to start the dryer
- Burning smell
- Motor that’s hot to touch
To check the motor, unplug the dryer and remove the back panel. Look for signs of damage or burning. Try turning the motor shaft by hand. If it’s stuck, you’ll need to replace the motor.
Problems with the Dryer Belt
The dryer belt wraps around the drum and motor pulley. It spins the drum to tumble your clothes. A broken belt will stop the drum from turning. You might hear the motor running, but the drum won’t move.
To check the belt:
- Unplug the dryer
- Remove the top or front panel
- Try to turn the drum by hand
If the drum spins freely, the belt is likely broken. Replace it with a new one that fits your dryer model.
Blower Wheel Complications
The blower wheel moves hot air through the dryer. If it’s clogged or broken, your dryer might not start. A squeaking noise when the dryer runs can mean a problem with the blower wheel.
To fix blower wheel issues:
- Unplug the dryer
- Remove the back panel
- Check for lint buildup or damage
- Clean or replace the wheel as needed
If you’re not sure how to do these checks, it’s best to call a repair person. They can safely diagnose and fix the problem.
Electrical and Electronic Components
Several key electrical parts can stop a dryer from starting. These include the thermal fuse, thermostats, and control board. When these parts fail, they cut power to vital systems.
Testing the Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is a safety device that prevents overheating. It’s often located on the blower housing or heating element. A blown fuse means no power to the motor.
To test the fuse:
- Unplug the dryer
- Find the fuse using the manual
- Remove the fuse
- Use a multimeter to check for continuity
A working fuse shows continuity. No continuity means it needs replacement. Clogged vents often cause fuses to blow. Always clean vents when replacing a fuse.
Checking the Thermostats
Thermostats control the dryer’s temperature. Bad thermostats can prevent the dryer from starting. There are usually multiple thermostats in a dryer.
Steps to check thermostats:
- Unplug the dryer
- Locate thermostats (often near heating element)
- Remove wires from thermostat
- Test for continuity with a multimeter
Replace any thermostat without continuity. Some thermostats only work when hot. Let the dryer cool before testing these.
Diagnosing the Control Board
The control board is the dryer’s brain. It manages all functions. A faulty board can cause starting issues.
Signs of a bad control board:
- No response to buttons
- Incorrect cycle times
- Erratic behavior
Testing a control board is complex. Look for signs of damage like burns or swollen parts. If other parts check out, the board may need replacement.
Replacing a control board:
- Order the exact model replacement
- Unplug the dryer
- Remove the old board
- Transfer wires to new board carefully
- Install new board
- Test the dryer
Always consult a pro if unsure about electrical repairs.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes dryer problems are too complex to fix on your own. Here are signs it’s time to call an expert:
• You smell burning or see smoke
• The dryer makes loud noises
• Repairs involve electrical work
• The heating element needs replacing
• Multiple parts have failed
• You lack proper tools or skills
Appliance repair experts can diagnose tricky issues fast. They have special tools and parts on hand. This saves time and prevents mistakes.
For electrical problems, always call a licensed electrician. Working with wiring is dangerous without training.
Don’t wait if your dryer won’t start at all. A pro can find the cause quickly. This prevents damage and safety risks from faulty parts.
Trying complex repairs yourself often costs more in the long run. Pros can fix things right the first time. They also give work guarantees for peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dryers can stop working for various reasons. Power issues, faulty parts, and improper use are common causes. Here are some key things to check when your dryer won’t start.
Why is my dryer not responding when I press the start button?
A dryer might not respond due to a tripped circuit breaker. Check your electrical panel for any switches in the “off” position. Reset any tripped breakers by switching them to “on”.
Another reason could be a faulty start switch. This part tells the dryer to begin its cycle. If it’s broken, the dryer won’t start.
How can I determine if the thermal fuse in my dryer is blown?
A blown thermal fuse can stop a dryer from starting. To check it:
- Unplug the dryer.
- Find the thermal fuse. It’s often on the blower housing or exhaust duct.
- Use a multimeter to test for continuity.
If there’s no continuity, the fuse is blown and needs replacement.
What are the common reasons a dryer fails to turn on despite having power?
Several issues can prevent a dryer from starting even with power:
- Door switch problems: The dryer won’t run if it thinks the door is open.
- Start switch failure: This switch signals the dryer to begin.
- Broken drive belt: Some dryers won’t start if the belt is broken.
- Timer or control board issues: These parts control the dryer’s functions.
Is there a reset button on dryers, and if so, where can I find it?
Most dryers don’t have a specific reset button. To reset a dryer:
- Unplug it for 1-2 minutes.
- Plug it back in.
- Press the start button.
Some models may have a reset function. Check your user manual for details.
How should I troubleshoot a dryer that won’t start after a heavy load?
After a heavy load, try these steps:
- Check the door latch: Ensure it’s closed properly.
- Remove some items: A too-heavy load can prevent starting.
- Clean the lint filter: Excess lint can cause issues.
- Let the dryer cool: It may have overheated.
What steps should I take if my dryer suddenly stops working?
If your dryer stops working:
- Check the power: Ensure it’s plugged in and the circuit breaker isn’t tripped.
- Inspect the door switch: Make sure it’s engaging properly.
- Test the start button: Hold it down for a few seconds.
- Look for visible damage: Check the power cord and control panel.
If these steps don’t work, it may need professional repair.
FAQs
Why won’t my dryer start all of a sudden?
Several reasons could cause your dryer to suddenly stop working. Common culprits include a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse, a faulty door switch, a clogged vent, a malfunctioning motor, or a broken belt. It’s also possible that the start button itself is defective or the dryer is simply overheating and needs to cool down.
How do you reset your dryer?
Resetting your dryer can sometimes help resolve minor issues. Some dryers have a dedicated reset button on the control panel. If yours does, locate it and press it after allowing the dryer to cool down for about 10 minutes. If there’s no reset button, you can try unplugging the dryer for 60 seconds and then plugging it back in.
Why won’t my whirlpool dryer start when I push the start button? / What to do if your dryer just stops working?
If your Whirlpool dryer won’t start even after pressing the start button, consider the following:
- Door Latch: Ensure the door is fully closed and latched properly.
- Child Lock: Check if the control lock or child lock feature is accidentally enabled.
- Start Button: The start button itself might be faulty. Try pressing it firmly a few times.
- Power Issues: Check the circuit breaker or fuse connected to the dryer.
- Internal Components: If the above checks don’t work, the issue could lie with internal components like the thermal fuse, motor, or control board. You might need professional help to diagnose and repair these.
Can I fix my dryer myself?
Yes, you can fix some dryer issues yourself, especially those related to power, door switches, or clogged vents. However, if the problem involves electrical components or complex repairs, it’s best to call a qualified technician.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a dryer?
The decision to repair or replace your dryer depends on the age of the appliance, the extent of the damage, and the cost of repairs. If your dryer is relatively new and the repair cost is reasonable, fixing it is usually more cost-effective. However, if your dryer is old or the repairs are extensive and expensive, it might be more economical to invest in a new one.
