Speed Queen Dryer That Won’t Start: A Troubleshooting Guide

A non-starting Speed Queen dryer can disrupt your day, but the good news is you can often resolve the issue on your own. With a few tools and a bit of know-how, you can get your dryer back in action without calling a technician. Let’s walk you through the steps.

Common Reasons a Dryer Won’t Start

When a speed queen dryer refuses to turn on, it’s often caused by one of the following:

• Power Supply Issues: A blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker, or loose power cord can prevent the dryer from receiving power.
• Door Switch Failure: If the door switch is faulty, the dryer may think the door is open and will not start.
• Thermal Fuse Damage: A blown thermal fuse can interrupt power to the dryer as a safety measure to prevent overheating.
• Faulty Start Switch: If the start button doesn’t send a signal to the motor, the dryer won’t run.
• Motor or Timer Issues: A defective motor or timer may also cause startup problems.

Tools You’ll Need

• 1/4-inch nut driver
• 5/16-inch nut driver
• Multimeter

Safety Precautions

Safety should be your top priority before starting any repairs. Follow these guidelines to stay safe and avoid further damage to your appliance:

1. Always unplug the dryer or switch off the circuit breaker before performing any repairs. This eliminates the risk of electric shock.
2. If the dryer was recently used, wait for it to cool down completely before working on it.
3. Turn off the gas supply to prevent leaks while making repairs.
4. Work in a clean, well-lit area.
5. Keep tools and parts organized to avoid accidents.
6. Keep pets and children away from the work zone.
7. Never work with wet hands or in damp areas when handling electrical components.
8. Check your dryer’s manual for any specific instructions related to safety, installation, or replacement parts.
9. Apply gentle pressure when removing or installing components to avoid breaking parts or injuring yourself.
10. Wear insulated work gloves to guard against sharp edges and safety glasses or a dust mask if working in dusty conditions.
11. Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals with your hands. Use non-conductive tools or insulated gloves when handling wires.
12. Take photos or notes of wire placements before disconnecting anything to make reassembly easier.
13. If you’re unfamiliar with live voltage testing, avoid doing so to prevent short circuits or injuries.
14. Rushing increases the chance of mistakes or accidents. Move carefully and methodically.

How to Troubleshoot a Speed Queen Dryer That Won’t Start

1. Check the Voltage

• Unplug the dryer and remove the terminal block cover on the back.
• Plug the dryer back in and set the multimeter to AC voltage mode.
• Use the multimeter probes to test the voltage between the red and black wires on the terminal block.
• The reading should be 240 volts AC.
• If the voltage is correct, continue to the next step.

2. Test the Timer

• Unplug the dryer from the power supply.
• Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws securing the console to the top panel.
• Rotate the console forward to access the timer.
• Locate the terminal labeled “M” and remove the wire connected to it.
• Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
• Test for continuity between the “L1” terminal and the “M” terminal.
• If there is no continuity, replace the timer.
• If continuity is present, reconnect the wire and move to the next step.

3. Test the Door Switch

• Use a 5/16-inch nut driver to remove the two screws at the bottom of the front access panel.
• Remove the two screws in the upper corners of the front panel.
• Rotate the bottom of the front panel outward about 45 degrees, then lower it to access the door switch.
• Take a photo of the door switch wiring for reference.
• Disconnect the door switch wires while keeping the door closed.
• Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
• Test for continuity between the common terminal (bent at 90 degrees) and the terminal farthest away.
• If there is no continuity, replace the door switch.
• If continuity is present, remove all the door switch wires and set the front panel aside.

4. Test the Motor

• Remove the four screws securing the front bulkhead to the frame.
• Lift the bulkhead slightly to clear the tabs, then move it downward and set it aside.
• Remove the belt from the motor.
• Use the belt to help pull the drum out and set it aside.
• Disconnect the motor wire harness.
• Set the multimeter to resistance mode (Ω).
• Test the resistance between terminal 3 and the copper wire on the back of the centrifugal switch; the reading should be 1-2 Ohms.
• Test the resistance between terminal 5 and the copper wire on the back of the centrifugal switch; it should also read 1-2 Ohms.
• Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
• Test for continuity between terminal 4 and the copper wire.
• If the motor fails any of these tests, replace the motor.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

To keep your Speed Queen dryer running smoothly and prevent startup issues in the future, follow these tips:

• Clean the Lint Filter Regularly: After every cycle, clean the lint filter to maintain airflow and avoid overheating.
• Inspect the Vent System: Check the dryer vent and exhaust duct for lint buildup or blockages every few months. Blocked vents can cause overheating and damage components.
• Check Electrical Connections: Periodically inspect the power cord and outlet for wear, fraying, or damage. Replace faulty parts immediately.
• Monitor Load Size: Avoid overloading the dryer, as heavy loads can strain the motor and other internal parts.
• Schedule Regular Inspections: Consider having your dryer serviced annually to catch minor problems before they escalate.

Wrapping up, dealing with a Speed Queen dryer that won’t start doesn’t have to throw your whole day off. With a little patience and the right tools, you can troubleshoot and often fix the problem yourself. From checking the power supply to testing switches and motors, each step brings you closer to getting your dryer back up and running smoothly.

Keeping up with regular maintenance, like cleaning the lint filter and inspecting vents, can save you from future headaches. So next time your dryer acts up, you’ll know exactly what to do.