Your dryer won’t start? Here’s how to fix it.

Having a dryer that won’t start can be an inconvenience. In most households dryer is used a few times a week, so it is very important to have a good working dryer. When your dryer won’t start, the most likely causes are a lack of power, a defective door switch or a bad start switch.

Follow these simple tips to get your dryer working properly:

  • Check the power supply

Whether your dryer is electric or gas, the first thing to check is the power supply. Make sure that your dryer is plugged in. If the power cord is frayed, burned or otherwise damaged, it will need to be replaced.  Open the dryer door and check if the light inside the dryer turns on. If it doesn’t turn on, check the house circuit breaker. Try resetting the breaker to make sure it is not tripped. If that doesn’t work, check your power cord and make sure your socket works.

  • Check the door switch

Check the door switch with a multi-meter. For safety always make sure the power is disconnected before you check continuity. To access the door switch, pull out the lint screen. Remove the screws that secure the lint screen housing to the top panel. Release the clips and lift the top panel to access the door switch. Unplug the door switch from the wire harness. With the dryer door closed, put your meter leads on the door switch wires that connect to the blue and white wires on the other end of the plug. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance. If you measure no continuity, on this meter that is an “OL”, then the door switch is broken and needs to be replaced.

  • Check the start switch

Reassemble the dryer and then plug it back in. Open the door and push the door switch in. while holding the door switch in, push the start switch. You should hear a click as the relay engages. Then release the door switch and you should hear a click as the relay disengages. If you heard the clicks, the start switch is probably okay. If you did not hear the clicks, check continuity on it. With dryer unplugged, remove the console back panel. Unplug the wires from the start switch. Have someone hold the start switch in and check resistance on the spades for the light blue wires. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance with the start button pressed in. If you measure no continuity, then you will need to replace the push-to-start switch.

If all the components have checked out ok then the motor windings or internal centrifugal switch could be defective. You should get a qualified technician to check this out. We are always happy to help you! Call us (818) 600-2559 to schedule an appointment.

Things that might be causing the issue with dryer:

  • Blown thermal fuse

The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to protect the dryer from overheating. The fuse is normally located on the blower housing, although some dryer models have an additional views on the burner assembly. If the dryer overheats, the fuse will blow and cut off the power to the dryer. You can use a multi-meter to determine if there is a continuous electrical path present in the part. If not, the fuse has blown and will need to be replaced. Be aware that the failure of the thermal fuse is often caused by the venting system being clogged with lint. To improve air flow we recommend cleaning out the vent at least once a year.

  • Malfunctioning drive motor

The drive motor drives the belt and operates the blower wheel. If there are no obstructions preventing the blower wheel from turning, and the motor makes a humming sound, it is likely that the motor has failed and will need to be replaced.

  • Broken drive belt

Some dryers have a belt switch that will prevent the dryer from starting if the drive belt has broken.  Replace the broken belt with a new one and your dryer should be ready for use.

 

 

 

 

Clothes dryers became essential appliances in most American households. According to statistic research, the total unit shipments of electric dryers is expected to reach 6.11 million units and gas one to 1.43 million units. So, you should have your dryer working properly.

If you do not feel confident repairing dryer, which won’t start by yourself, you can have it repaired at your home by our qualified technician. Do not hesitate to contact us (818) 600-2559

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