Dealing with a dryer that refuses to start can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you have piles of wet laundry waiting to be dried. Before you call a repairperson and pay for an expensive service visit, try troubleshooting the issue yourself. With a few simple checks and tests, you can often get your dryer running again without professional help.
This comprehensive DIY dryer repair guide will walk you through all the steps needed to diagnose and fix a dryer that won’t start.
Check Power Supply and Electrical Connections
The first thing to check with any appliance that refuses to turn on is its power supply. Here’s what you need to investigate regarding your dryer electrical connections:
- Plug Connection – Make sure the dryer’s power cord is firmly plugged into a working outlet. Plug something else into the outlet like a lamp to verify power.
- Circuit Breaker – Check if the circuit breaker controlling the dryer outlet has tripped. If it has, flip it fully to the Off position and then back to On.
- Fuses – If your home’s electrical system uses fuses instead of circuit breakers, check for a blown fuse. Replace it if needed.
- Wiring – Check the dryer’s power wiring for any loose, damaged, or disconnected wires. This may require removing the back service panel.
If the dryer’s power supply checks out, move on to inspecting components within the machine itself.
Inspect the Door Switch
Dryers have a safety door switch that prevents the machine from operating when the door is open. If this door switch fails, it can stop the dryer from starting. Here’s how to test and replace it if needed:
- Inspect Wire Connection – Disconnect power first! Then remove the dryer’s front service panel and locate the door switch. Check that the switch’s connecting wire is securely fastened.
- Check Continuity – Using a multi-meter, test continuity across the door switch contacts both with the door open and closed. You should only have continuity when the door is shut.
- Replace Switch – If the switch has any damage or fails the continuity test, replace it. Door switches are inexpensive and easy to change.
Note: Some dryers have an electronic sensor instead of a mechanical door switch. Troubleshoot this sensor the same way by checking the wire connection and sensor signal continuity.
Check the Start Button and Control Panel
If the dryer’s door switch checks out fine, next inspect the dryer’s start button and control panel:
- Press Start Button – Try pressing the start button firmly for 5 full seconds to ensure the dryer recognizes the command.
- Check Control Lock – Make sure the dryer control lock feature is not enabled. This will disable all buttons. Press and hold the control lock button for 5 seconds to unlock.
- Inspect Control Panel – Verify that all control panel buttons are functioning properly and activating indicator lights as expected. Test cycle selection buttons, temp buttons, option buttons, etc.
- Check Control Board – If the buttons don’t seem to be sending the proper electrical control signals, the problem may lie in the dryer’s computerized control board. Professional dryer repair is recommended here.
Test the Motor
The motor is responsible for spinning the dryer drum to tumble clothes. Without proper motor operation, the dryer won’t start a cycle. Here’s how to test motor function:
- Inspect Wiring – Unplug dryer and remove back panel to access motor wiring. Check for loose plugs or damaged wires. Make sure wiring terminals are clean and tight.
- Check Resistance – Using a multi-meter on the Ohms setting, test resistance across motor windings. Refer to dryer repair manual for exact terminal locations and resistance values. There should be very low resistance.
- Test Voltage – Reconnect power to dryer. Use voltmeter probes on motor terminals checking both 120V circuits. Have assistant press Start. Voltage should be at line level.
- Replace – If wire inspection reveals no issues yet voltage or resistance readings are abnormal, the internal motor winding may be damaged or worn out. Replace the motor.
Inspect the Drive Belt
The drive belt transfers power from the dryer motor to turn the drum. A broken or loose belt could prevent dryer operation with no motor startup. Here are the steps to inspect and replace a bad drive belt:
- Remove Front Panel – Unplug dryer power and remove several screws to take off the dryer’s front lower access panel. This exposes the belt and pulleys.
- Check Belt – Visually inspect belt across pulleys for cracking, excessive wear, frayed fabric, burn marks, or oblong shape. Check that belt is tight across pulleys without slipping.
- Replace Belt – If damage or loosening found, slip belt off pulleys and replace with exact replacement belt for dryer model. Consult repair guide for proper dryer belt routing.
- Verify Operation – Run dryer through full cycle to verify new belt functions properly before reinstalling panels.
Check the Drum Rollers and Idler Pulley
The rear drum support rollers allow the drum to turn smoothly. Seized rollers or a bad idler pulley can stress the drive belt and motor. Here is how to inspect them:
- Remove Front/Rear Panels – Access is needed to both drum ends to check rollers so panels must be taken off. Use proper disconnect procedures first.
- Check Wheels – Manually spin drum and watch movement across support rollers at rear. Wheels should turn freely without wobbling.
- Lubricate – If squeaking or sticking, apply dry lubricant to wheel axles and spin again. Multi-purpose WD-40 works well.
- Replace – If a roller seizes and won’t spin or wobbles excessively, it likely needs replacement. Match original roller diameter exactly.
- Inspect Idler Pulley – Side pulley keeps tension on drive belt. Check for binding in bearings by spinning and verify it moves freely in bracket slots for proper tensioning.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Restricted airflow through dryer vents can cause overheating which may trigger thermal safety devices to interrupt cycle startup. Here is how to inspect venting:
- Disconnect Vent Hose – Unplug dryer and pull vent hose completely off dryer exhaust port. Inspect inside dryer hole for lint buildup.
- Check Vent Hood – Verify exterior vent hood opens freely and has unobstructed airflow. Brush built-up lint deposits away if found.
- Inspect Vent Tubing – Carefully run hand along entire length of flexible metal vent tube checking for kinks or crush spots. Straighten any bends found.
- Clear Lint – Disconnect vent tube from dryer tie-in as needed. Use vent brush tool to pull out lint clumps restricting internal tube diameter.
- Reconnect – Reattach all venting securely. Support vent tube to prevent kinks. Verify vent airflow by running dryer empty on high heat setting and holding tissue/streamers over outside vent hood.
Reset Circuit Breaker and Fuses
Even if the electrical power connection checks out initially, a weak breaker or fuse may fail under full dryer load. Here’s how to fully reset or replace these protective devices:
- Reset Breaker – If the dryer is on a dedicated circuit, flip breaker to Off and back On even if it doesn’t look tripped. Sometimes they can partially fail without the switch appearing triggered.
- Replace Fuse – If your home has fuses instead of breakers, completely remove and replace the dryer fuse even if filament looks intact. Use replacement fuse with identical amp rating to original.
- Alerting Lights – If the dryer has an alert light indicating a power supply problem, the circuit may not be providing proper voltage. An electrician should diagnose and upgrade wiring.
Replace Thermal Fuse
All dryers have a thermal fuse safety device designed to blow and cut power if overheating is detected in order to prevent fires. A blown thermal fuse must be replaced for dryer operation to resume. Here is how it’s done:
- Locate Fuse – Thermal fuses have wire leads and are normally mounted to vents behind or below the dryer drum. The fuse itself looks like a quarter-inch plastic cylinder with a rating number printed on it.
- Test Continuity – Unplug dryer and use multi-meter to check fuse continuity across wire leads. If “Open” indicates on meter, that means it’s blown.
- Install Replacement – Obtain an identical thermal fuse rating-wise and connect replacement fuse with same Thermal/Limiter label using wire nuts to existing lead wires.
- Verify Heating – Once replaced carefully monitor a test heating cycle to ensure proper temperature regulation without overheating.
Test Cycling Thermostat
Electric dryer heating elements have a cycling thermostat control. If it fails, the heat turns off prematurely preventing proper drying. To test it:
- Locate Thermostat – Remove back service panel to access venting hardware. The cycling ‘stat is nearby, often with blue/red heat element wires mounted to it.
- Check Operation – Power on dryer and use multi-meter to verify continuity across thermostat terminals during heat cycle. The ‘stat contact points should open/close as temp rises/falls – like a relay.
- Replace – If the thermostat component fails to open/close continuity properly as temperatures change, the part is defective and needs replacement. Installing a new cycling thermostat should restore heat operation.
Check Motor Controller Board
Many modern electric dryers utilize motor controller boards with solid-state components instead of electro-mechanical relays and switches. Failures here can mimic motor problems:
- Inspect Wiring – With power disconnected remove back panel and locate motor controller wiring connections. Verify wires are fully plugged in and not damaged.
- Check Voltages – Power up dryer and use AC voltmeter to check power supply inputs to board. Also verify voltage outputs activating drive motor windings during start sequence.
- Replace Board – If 240V power input to board checks good but voltage to motor windings is low/missing, the controller board likely needs replacement. Motor controller boards often cannot be repaired.
Replace Start Capacitor
Electric motors require high initial torque generated from start windings and capacitor to overcome inertia and begin spinning. Weakened capacitors may allow motor to run but not start. To test:
- Locate Capacitor – The oval-shaped start capacitor is connected to motor windings with large gauge wires, often mounted to motor housing.
- Check Capacitance – With power disconnected use a multi-meter to check microfarad values across capacitor terminals. Refer to spec plate or service manual for proper capacitance.
- Replace – If capacitor readings are more than 20% below spec plate rating, replace with a new start capacitor identical uF value to original.
Caution: Capacitors hold dangerous electric charge. Discharge before testing.
Replace Start Switch
Some dryer models utilize a separate mechanical centrifugal start switch to disengage starting windings once motor reaches operating RPM speed:
- Identify Start Switch – It’s mounted to front of motor and connects with thick red wires coming off starting windings.
- Check Operation – Use voltmeter to check switch electrical operation on start windings during dryer start sequence. If voltage not switching OFF once dryer motor is running repair or replace this part.
Also Read: DIY Dryer Troubleshooting: What Is Causing Slow Drying Times?
When to Call a Dryer Repair Professional
While the steps above cover all common DIY-fixable issues causing a dryer not to start, there are few parts that require professional service:
- Control Board – If dryer electronics like the timer, temperature selector, or display aren’t functioning properly, specialized troubleshooting and soldering repairs are needed.
- Heating Elements – Faulty heating coils often need continuity testing. It’s difficult accessing these parts without proper training.
- Motor Windings – If motor windings become damaged or shorted they require significant disassembly to access windings needing delicate dryer repair work best left to seasoned appliance technicians.
We hope these comprehensive troubleshooting steps empower you to tackle that broken dryer yourself and save money on service calls for common repair issues. However please use proper safety precautions when working with electrical appliances. Power should be fully disconnected via unplugging cord or shutting off home breaker/fuse before conducting any diagnostic tests inside your dryer. Happy DIY fixing!