How to Repair Your Dryer
- Thermal fuse. Replacing the thermal fuse is one of the easier DIY repairs you can make to your dryer. ...
- Drum belt. The belt wraps around the dryer drum and the motor pulley, which rotates the belt, which then rotates the drum.
- Step-by-step drum belt repairs. If your dryer has a lint screen, make sure to remove that first. ...
- Heating element. ...
Full Answer
Is it easy to repair a dryer?
Repairing your dryer may seem like a daunting repair, but with our help it’s actually pretty easy! Select your symptom from the list below to get started on your repair. Noisy dryers can indicate a problem with the drum glides, bearings, or support rollers, among other parts.
What to do when your dryer breaks down?
Tip: The first step in any appliance repair is to make sure it’s getting electricity. Unplugged cords and tripped breakers are a leading cause of appliance “breakdowns.” Most dryer repairs require some disassembly of the outer cabinet so you can get at the parts inside and you might not even need a dryer repairman.
What is the dryer troubleshooting guide?
Our dryer troubleshooting guide walks you through the repair steps from diagnosis to part selection to fixing the problem. We even have videos to help you along the way. Think of it as a pathway to perma-press success.
How to fix a dryer that won’t start?
Find out how to fix a dryer that will not start, by checking a few key components, such as the heating element, high limit thermostat, or cycling thermostat. When your dryer is not producing any heat or not enough heat to dry clothes, inspect common parts like heating elements or fuses.
How long does it take to fix a dryer?
How to remove front panel of dryer?
How to access thermal fuse on dryer?
Why is my dryer dead?
What to do if your dryer thermal fuse is out?
How to test a gas dryer?
How to test continuity of electric dryer?
See more
About this website
Can I fix my dryer myself?
You can solve most problems yourself—no experience necessary! Most dryer problems can be fixed in an hour with a few basic tools and a continuity tester or multimeter—and you can do the work yourself with these simple instructions.
Is it worth it to fix a dryer?
Is it worth repairing a dryer? Dryer repairs are worth it if the appliance is less than 4 years old and the cost is less than $400. For older dryers and/or costly repairs, replacing your appliance is more cost effective.
How do I fix my dryer if it's not working?
Unplug the dryer and check the thermal fuse for continuity. Replace the thermal fuse if the multimeter measures no continuity. Check the exhaust vent because a clog in the vent likely caused the thermal fuse to blow. For dryers with a dial timer, a broken push-to-start switch can prevent the motor from running.
What are the most common dryer problems?
6 Common Dryer Problems That Require a Service Call6 Common Dryer Problems That Require a Service Call. ... The Dryer Won't Turn On. ... Excessive Noise is One of the Most Common Dryer Problems. ... Clothing is Still Wrinkled When It Comes Out of the Dryer. ... The Dryer Won't Tumble Correctly. ... The Dryer Isn't Producing Heat.More items...•
How do I know if my dryer fuse is blown?
1:042:10Dryer Not Heating? Thermal Fuse Testing, Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the needle does not move or the digital display does not change significantly. There is noMoreIf the needle does not move or the digital display does not change significantly. There is no continuity. Which means the fuse has blown out and will need to be replaced.
How long do dryers usually last?
seven to 12 yearsClothes Dryer Dryers tend to last longer than washing machines, typically seven to 12 years. Make It Last: Although it's tempting to skip cleaning the lint trap between loads, a clogged trap is the top reason for stress on your dryer. Clean it every time.
When I push the start button on my dryer nothing happens?
If the dryer start switch does not have continuity when it is activated, it will need to be replaced. The door switch is located near the dryer door and is activated when the door is closed. If the door switch fails, the dryer won't start at all. Most door switches will make an audible click when they are activated.
Where is the dryer reset button?
Often, dryers are equipped with a reset button on the control panel. If the motor won't run, let the dryer cool for about ten minutes. Then press this reset button.
What causes a dryer to not turn on?
If it's obstruction-free, the motor is probably defective and needs replacing. If your dryer motor turns on but the drum isn't turning, you'll want to check the drive belt. However, some dryers have a switch that turns it off if the belt is broken. Either way, you'll want to replace the drive belt.
Why is my dryer not getting hot?
Common reasons for an electric or gas dryer not heating are a tripped circuit breaker, clogged vent, and no gas flow. Other potential reasons include a faulty thermal fuse and broken heating element.
Why is dryer not drying?
Check the Air Vent and Duct Clogged air vents are a common cause for poor airflow in clothes dryer systems. One way to see if your dryer's air vent is clogged is by turning on your dryer and going outside to feel the flow of air leaving the vent. If it's slow and not very warm, your vent may be due for a good cleaning.
Is there a fuse on a dryer?
Electric dryers use two household fuses or circuit breakers. The drum can still turn if just one fuse is blown, but there will be no heat. You may need to replace both fuses or reset both circuit breakers. If the dryer's thermal fuse has blown due to a power surge or other mechanical problem, the dryer won't heat.
Is better to fix old dryer or buy new one?
You can generally repair a dryer for $125 vs replacing it for $350. Since there's little difference in life expectancy between the two options, it's generally cheaper and more practical to repair a dryer than to replace it.
How much does it cost to fix a dryer that won't heat?
Dryer Not Heating Repair Cost Fixing a dryer that does not heat averages $100 to $350. The price for this repair depends on the problem because it could be something wrong with the heating element or with the thermostat or igniter when using a gas dryer.
When should you replace a dryer?
Most dryers typically last somewhere between 10-13 years, according to consumer reports. If your dryer is approaching the 10 year mark, it may be a good idea to consider replacing it even if you haven't experienced any major performance issues yet.
Is it worth replacing the heating element in a dryer?
If your dryer's heating element burns out more than once within a year or two, the thermal fuse, which is supposed to protect it, is probably defective, so it's a good idea to replace it. The temperature in the heating chamber may also be too high, and that may be caused by poor venting.
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How to Fix a Dryer: Dryer Troubleshooting & Help | Repair Clinic
Dryer problems may be among the worst of all appliance let-downs because you literally wear those problems on your sleeve. When you show up to work in wet clothes, there's no hiding the fact you have dryer issues at home.
Noisy
Noisy dryers can indicate a problem with the drum glides, bearings, or support rollers, among other parts. Use our troubleshooting guide to test each part.
Will not start
Learn how to troubleshoot a dryer that will not start with our repair guide. The source of the issue could be the door switch, thermal fuse, or rotary/push start switch.
No heat or not enough heat
If your dryer won't achieve a high enough temperature to dry clothes, the heating element or high limit thermostat may need replacing. Learn how to test each part here.
Will not tumble
Learn how to fix a dryer that won't tumble with our troubleshooting guide. The source of the issue could be worn parts such as the belt or idler pulley assembly.
Timer will not advance
If your dryer's timer will not advance, it could be a problem with the timer motor or cycling thermostat. Learn how to repair these parts using our troubleshooting guide.
Takes too long to dry
To find out why your dryer is taking too long to dry clothes, start by checking common parts such as the lint filter, blower wheel, coils, and seals.
Too hot
Find out why your dryer is getting too hot with our repair guide. We'll show you how to check the thermostats, thermistor, and exhaust vent for common issues.
How long does it take to fix a dryer?
Most dryer problems can be fixed in an hour with a few basic tools and a continuity tester or multimeter—and you can do the work yourself with these simple instructions.
How to remove front panel of dryer?
With the bottom panel open, you can remove the front panel by removing two screws at the top and two at the bottom. If your filter slides into the top of the dryer, remove the screws alongside the filter slot. Using a putty knife, release the two spring catches located under the top panel at the front.
How to access thermal fuse on dryer?
If you have a gas dryer with the lint filter in the door, access the thermal fuse by opening the bottom panel. If the filter slides into the top of the machine, remove the entire front panel. On an electric dryer, remove the rear service panel.
Why is my dryer dead?
If your dryer seems absolutely dead when you turn it on, chances are the door switch is bad or the plunger is broken or bent. Door switches wear out from normal use, but repeatedly slamming the door can speed up their demise. Start by checking the plunger located on the door for dryer troubleshooting. If it’s missing or bent, replace it. If the plunger checks out, the next step of dryer troubleshooting is to remove the top cabinet panel to gain access to the door switch. See the disassembly instructions.
What to do if your dryer thermal fuse is out?
If the thermal fuse on your electric dryer checks out, test the heater element for continuity. Replace the element if you don’t get continuity (Photos 2 and 3).
How to test a gas dryer?
On a gas dryer, test the radiant sensor, igniter and thermal fuse by disconnecting the wires and checking for continuity. Replace them if they fail the continuity test.
How to test continuity of electric dryer?
Disconnect the wires to the heating element of an electric dryer and test it for continuity. Replace the element if you don’t get a continuity reading.
How to reset a dryer that won't work?
Many dryers are equipped with a reset button on the control panel. If the motor won't run, let the dryer cool for about ten minutes. Then push the reset button. If there are no problems with the motor, switches, or electrical system, this should restart the dryer. Caution: Before doing any work on the dryer, make sure it's unplugged. Disconnect the grounding wire. If it is a gas-fueled dryer, close the gas-supply valve to shut off the unit's gas supply.
Why is my dryer not drying clothes?
Besides drying clothes, dryers also remove lint. This fine, fuzzy material can cause trouble because it blocks dryer lint traps, clogs vents, and fills blowers. Lint can also gather around and in the tracks of the drum rollers, or in and under the pulleys and the drive belt. The result is poor clothes drying or -- sometimes -- no drying. To avoid lint problems, clean out the dryer's lint trap system every time you use the dryer.
Why is my dryer not running?
The door switch is critical to the dryer's operation. If the switch is not working, the dryer will not run. If the dryer has a door latch, make sure the latch is free of dirt or lint and properly adjusted before you make any switch tests or replacements.
Why is the door of a dryer sealed?
The door of the dryer is sealed with one or more gaskets to keep the hot air in the dryer from escaping and prevent the cool air in the laundry area from being sucked into the dryer. A deteriorated or damaged gasket greatly lowers the efficiency of the dryer.
What is dryer drum?
A dryer consists of a large drum into which wet laundry is loaded. A motor with pulleys turns the drum, and heated air is blown through the drum. ©2006 Publications International, Ltd. Except for the power cord and the exhaust vent, the components that make up the dryer are contained in a sheet metal box.
How to check if a switch is working?
To check the start switch, remove the control panel and test the switch with a VOM set to the RX1 scale. Disconnect the leads from the switch terminals and clip one VOM probe to each terminal. Press the switch button. If the meter reads zero, the switch is working.
What is a dryer?
A dryer is simply a large drum into which wet laundry is loaded. A motor with pulleys -- connected by a series of belts -- turns the drum. Air heated by a gas heater or electric heating element is blown through the drum to dry the laundry.
Why is my dryer taking so long to dry?
If your dryer is taking too long to dry your clothes, troubleshoot common problem parts like coils, thermostats and heating elements.
Why won't my dryer turn?
When your dryer won't tumble or turn, looking at common parts to see if they may be worn or defective, like switches or belts.
What to do if playback doesn't begin?
If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
How long does it take to fix a dryer?
Most dryer problems can be fixed in an hour with a few basic tools and a continuity tester or multimeter—and you can do the work yourself with these simple instructions.
How to remove front panel of dryer?
With the bottom panel open, you can remove the front panel by removing two screws at the top and two at the bottom. If your filter slides into the top of the dryer, remove the screws alongside the filter slot. Using a putty knife, release the two spring catches located under the top panel at the front.
How to access thermal fuse on dryer?
If you have a gas dryer with the lint filter in the door, access the thermal fuse by opening the bottom panel. If the filter slides into the top of the machine, remove the entire front panel. On an electric dryer, remove the rear service panel.
Why is my dryer dead?
If your dryer seems absolutely dead when you turn it on, chances are the door switch is bad or the plunger is broken or bent. Door switches wear out from normal use, but repeatedly slamming the door can speed up their demise. Start by checking the plunger located on the door for dryer troubleshooting. If it’s missing or bent, replace it. If the plunger checks out, the next step of dryer troubleshooting is to remove the top cabinet panel to gain access to the door switch. See the disassembly instructions.
What to do if your dryer thermal fuse is out?
If the thermal fuse on your electric dryer checks out, test the heater element for continuity. Replace the element if you don’t get continuity (Photos 2 and 3).
How to test a gas dryer?
On a gas dryer, test the radiant sensor, igniter and thermal fuse by disconnecting the wires and checking for continuity. Replace them if they fail the continuity test.
How to test continuity of electric dryer?
Disconnect the wires to the heating element of an electric dryer and test it for continuity. Replace the element if you don’t get a continuity reading.
