If your Speed Queen dryer isn’t producing heat, it can quickly become a hassle, leaving you with damp laundry and frustration. Before reaching out to a repair technician, there are a few steps you can follow to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue yourself. Let’s walk through the process to get your dryer back in working order.
Tools You’ll Need
- 1/4-inch nut driver
- 5/16-inch nut driver
- Multimeter
Important Precautions
Whenever you’re working on a Speed Queen Dryer, safety should be your top priority. Follow these tips to stay safe:
- Disconnect Power: Always unplug the dryer or turn off the circuit breaker before starting any maintenance or repairs. This step eliminates the risk of electric shock.
- Cool Down the Appliance: If the dryer was recently used, allow it to cool down completely before handling any parts.
- Gas Dryers: For gas models, turn off the gas supply to avoid leaks while you work.
- Work Slowly and Carefully: Take your time to avoid accidents or damage. Precision is key.
- Proper Lighting: Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can see and access all parts easily.
- Clear the Work Area: Keep the area tidy and free of clutter. Make sure children and pets are kept away.
- Dry Conditions: Work in a dry space and avoid handling internal parts with wet hands.
- Check the Manual: Review your dryer’s user manual for any specific installation or safety notes related to your appliance.
- Handle Parts Gently: When removing or handling components, avoid using excessive force to prevent damage or injury.
- Protect Your Hands: Wear insulated work gloves to protect against sharp edges or debris inside the dryer.
- Wiring Safety: Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If necessary, use non-conductive tools or insulating gloves.
- Document Connections: Before disconnecting wires or terminals, take photos or notes of their placement to simplify reassembly.
- Multimeter Use: If you’re unfamiliar with checking live voltage, avoid doing so to prevent short-circuiting or further risks.
How to Troubleshoot a Speed Queen Dryer That Won’t Heat
Step 1: Check the Power Supply
- Make sure the dryer is plugged into a working power outlet.
- Set a multimeter to Volts AC.
- With the dryer powered on, test for 240 Volts AC between the red and black wires at the terminal block.
- If the reading is not 240 Volts AC, check the home’s circuit breakers or fuses. Contact a licensed electrician if needed.
- If the reading is correct, move to the next step.
Step 2: Test the Timer
- Unplug the dryer.
- Remove the screws securing the console and rotate it forward to access the timer.
- Locate the wire on terminal “H” and disconnect it.
- Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
- Test for continuity between terminal “L2” and the disconnected “H” terminal.
- If there is no continuity, replace the timer.
- If continuity is present, reconnect the wire and continue.
Step 3: Test the Fabric Selector Switch
- Set the fabric selector switch to the normal heat position.
- Disconnect the wire from terminal “2” on the switch.
- Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
- Test for continuity between terminal “2” and terminal “L1.”
- If there is no continuity, replace the fabric selector switch.
- If continuity is present, reconnect the wire and move to the next step.
Step 4: Test the Cycling Thermostat
- Remove the front access panel by unscrewing the two bottom screws.
- Locate the cycling thermostat and disconnect one of its wires.
- Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
- Test the thermostat for continuity.
- If there is no continuity, replace the cycling thermostat.
- If continuity is present, reconnect the wire and proceed.
Step 5: Test the High-Limit Thermostat
- Remove the two screws at the bottom of the upper front panel.
- Rotate and lower the panel to access the dryer’s interior.
- Take a photo of the door switch wires, then disconnect them.
- Remove the four screws securing the front bulkhead, lift it, and set it aside.
- Locate the high-limit thermostat on the left side of the heating element.
- Disconnect one wire from the thermostat.
- Set the multimeter to continuity mode and test for continuity.
- If there is no continuity, replace the high-limit thermostat.
- If continuity is present, reconnect the wire and continue troubleshooting.
Step 6: Test the Thermal Fuse
- Locate the thermal fuse on the right side of the heating element.
- Disconnect one wire from the thermal fuse.
- Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
- Test for continuity.
- If there is no continuity, replace the thermal fuse.
- If continuity is present, reconnect the wire and move on to the next step.
Step 7: Test the Heating Element
- Set the multimeter to measure resistance in Ohms (Ω).
- Disconnect one wire from the heating element.
- Place the multimeter probes on the element terminals and check the resistance.
- The reading should be between 8-10 Ohms.
- If the resistance is not within range, replace the heating element.
- If the resistance is correct, reconnect the wire and proceed.
Step 8: Test the Motor
- Disconnect the wire harness from the motor.
- Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
- Place the probes on the two outer motor terminals while activating the centrifugal switch.
- If there is no continuity, replace the motor.
Regular Maintenance Tips to Avoid Heating Issues
Preventing problems is often easier than fixing them. Here are some maintenance tips to keep your Speed Queen Dryer working efficiently:
- Clean the Lint Filter: After every load, clean the lint screen to improve airflow and heating efficiency.
- Inspect and Clean the Vent Hose: Regularly check for lint buildup in the vent hose to prevent blockages and overheating.
- Check the Exhaust Vent: Make sure the exhaust vent outside your home is clear of obstructions for optimal airflow.
- Deep Clean the Dryer: Periodically clean inside the dryer cabinet to remove lint and debris that can affect performance.
Following these steps can often pinpoint why your Speed Queen dryer isn’t heating and even fix the issue yourself. Whether it’s testing the heating element, checking the thermostats, or inspecting the power supply, troubleshooting becomes a lot more manageable when broken down into smaller steps.
If you’re ever unsure or uncomfortable during any part of the process, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. And remember, regular maintenance—like cleaning the lint filter and vent hose—goes a long way in preventing future problems.