Dealing with a dryer that won’t start can be frustrating, especially when you have a load of laundry waiting to be dried.
There can be numerous reasons why your dryer is not starting, from a defective door switch to a malfunctioning thermostat. As a homeowner, you can take certain steps to troubleshoot and fix the problem before calling in a professional technician.
In this guide, we’ll discuss common problems and step-by-step troubleshooting solutions for dryer won’t start issues so that you can get your dryer up and running again in no time. Read on to keep yourself updated with the new tricks!
Problems and Solutions for Dryer That Won’t Start
By identifying the root cause of the issue, you can determine which part of your dryer needs to be fixed or replaced. Here are the common gas and electric dryers that won’t work properly:
Tools and Parts Needed
- Screwdriver
- Socket or ratchet set
- Multimeter or continuity tester
- Wire cutter or crimp connector
- Needle nose pliers
- Vacuum
Defective Door Switch
One of the most common reasons a dryer won’t start is a defective door switch. This switch is responsible for preventing the dryer from starting if the door is open. If the switch is faulty, the dryer won’t start even if the dryer door itself is closed.
To fix this you need to follow this guide:
- Step 1: Unplug the dryer from the wall.
- Step 2: Open the door and locate the switch. It is usually located near the door hinge or latch.
- Step 3: Disconnect power to the switch (usually a wire connector).
- Step 4: Test for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, then it needs to be replaced.
- Step 5: Install a new switch and reconnect the power.
- Step 6: Plug the dryer back in and test to see if it starts.
Thermal Fuse Blows
The thermal fuse is a safety device that stops the dryer’s control panel from overheating. If it blows, the dryer won’t start.
To check if the thermal fuse or circuit breaker or gas dryer has any signs of damage or wear causing your dryer not to work, here is a simple step-by-step solution for that:
- Step 1: Unplug the dryer from the wall.
- Step 2: Take off the back panel of the dryer and locate the thermal fuse. It is usually located near the heating element or blower wheel.
- Step 3: Disconnect power to the thermal fuse (usually a wire connector).
- Step 4: Test for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, then it needs to be replaced.
- Step 5: Install a new thermal fuse and reconnect the power.
- Step 6: Plug the dryer back in and test to see if it starts.
Start Switch Failures
The start switch is responsible for sending a signal to start switch for the dryer’s motor to start. If it fails, the dryer motor won’t start.
If you think this is the reason why your dryer is not working, then follow this step-by-step dryer repair guide:
- Step1: Unplug the dryer from the wall.
- Step 2: Open the door and locate the start switch. It is usually located near the door latch or handle.
- Step 3: Disconnect power to the switch (usually a wire connector).
- Step 4: Test for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, then it needs to be replaced.
- Step 5: Install a new switch and reconnect the power.
- Step 6: Plug the dryer back in and test to see if it starts.
Dryer Timer Issues
The timer controls the various operations of the dryer, such as the length of the dryer vent and drying cycle. If it malfunctions, the dryer won’t start.
If this happens, all you need to do is to follow this guide:
- Step 1: Unplug the dryer from the wall.
- Step 2: Locate and remove the timer knob.
- Step 3: Disconnect power to the timer (usually a wire connector).
- Step 4: Test for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, then it needs to be replaced.
- Step 5: Install a new timer and reconnect the power.
- Step 6: Plug the dryer back in and test to see if it starts.
If your clothes aren’t as dry after a full drying cycle, you may have an issue with the timer. Check if it has changed from its initial setting or is stuck in one position. If this is the case, then it won’t be able to go through the entire process and needs to be replaced promptly.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
The thermostat is responsible for regulating the dryer function and the temperature inside the dryer. If it malfunctions, the dryer won’t start.
To check if the thermostat is causing your problem, here’s what you need to do:
- Step 1: Unplug the dryer from the wall.
- Step 2: Remove the back panel and locate the thermostat. It is usually located near the heating element or blower wheel.
- Step 3: Disconnect power to the thermostat (usually a wire connector).
- Step 4: Test for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, then it needs to be replaced.
- Step 5: Install a new thermostat and reconnect the power.
- Step 6: Plug the dryer back in and test to see if it starts.
An indication of a malfunctioning thermostat is the inability to regulate temperature appropriately. This can translate into your dryer running with hot air and even radiating burning odors of heated air, making it hard—if not impossible—to touch your clothing when the cycle completes.
Terminal Block Fails
The terminal block connects the dryer’s front power supply power cord back to the internal wiring. If it fails, the dryer won’t start.
To ascertain whether the terminal block is your source of difficulty, you’ll need to take these steps:
- Step 1: Unplug the dryer from the wall.
- Step 2: Remove the back panel and locate the terminal block. It is usually located near the power cord connection point.
- Step 3: Disconnect power to the terminal block (usually a wire connector).
- Step 4: Test for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, then it needs to be replaced.
- Step 5: Install a new terminal block and reconnect the power.
- Step 6: Plug the dryer back in and test to see if it starts.
If your terminal block has failed, it may be because of frayed wires or a broken connection. If the wires in electric dryers are not making contact with each other, then this could mean the dryer won’t start. Replacing it should resolve this issue.
Drive Motor Not Working Properly
The drive motor is responsible for the cool air and turning the drum inside the dryer’s drum turn. If it’s not working properly, the dryer won’t start.
To determine if your issue is due to the drive motor, here’s what you have to do:
- Step 1: Unplug the dryer from the wall.
- Step 2: Locate and remove the access panel on the back side of the dryer.
- Step 3: Disconnect power to the drive motor (usually a wire connector).
- Step 4: Remove the drive belt from the motor.
- Step 5: Test the motor using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, then it needs to be replaced.
- Step 6: Install a new motor and reconnect the power.
- Step 7: Plug the dryer back in and test to see if it starts.
If your dryer problems, your drive motor isn’t working properly, it could be due to a bad capacitor or other electrical components. Replacing the motor should get your dryer running again.
If you’re still having difficulty getting your clothes through electric dryer, then it may be time to call in a professional technician. They can diagnose and repair any issues you may have with your electric dryer quickly and efficiently.
Broken Dryer Drive Belt
The drive belt is responsible for turning the drum bearing the dryer drum around inside the dryer. If it’s broken or loose, the dryer won’t start.
To determine if the drive belt is your problem, you should follow these steps:
- Step 1: Unplug the dryer from the wall.
- Step 2: Locate and remove the access panel on the back side of the dryer.
- Step 3: Remove the drive belt from its pulley on the motor.
- Step 4: Check the belt for signs of wear or fraying. If it’s damaged, then it needs to be replaced.
- Step 5: Install a new drive belt and reconnect the power.
- Step 6: Plug the dryer back in and test to see if it starts.
If your the dryer cabinet drive belt is broken or the worn belt is spotted, then it needs to be replaced. A new drive drum belt, will ensure that your dryer is turning the drum properly and allowing you to get your clothing dry in a timely manner.
Broken Belt Switch
Some dryers have a belt switch that prevents the dryer from starting if the dryer belt is broken. If the switch is faulty, the dryer won’t start.
Here is a simple guide to help you out in checking whether there is something wrong with your belt switch or not:
- Step 1: Unplug the dryer from the wall.
- Step 2: Locate and remove the access panel on the back side of the dryer.
- Step 3: Remove power to the belt switch (usually a wire connector).
- Step 4: Test the switch using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, then it needs to be replaced.
- Step 5: Install a new belt switch and reconnect the power.
- Step 6: Plug the dryer back in and test to see if it starts.
If your dryer’s belt or switch is faulty, then replacing it should get your dryer running again. Make sure that you install the correct type of switch for all dryer models and your model of dryer.
Main Control Board Failure
In most cases, the main control board of gas dryer is not at fault if your dryer isn’t starting. After ruling out all other potential causes, however, it may be necessary to replace appliance repair the main control board with assistance from a professional technician.
If you have experienced any odd issues with your dryer, like it randomly stopping and starting or not heating properly, the main control panel or the circuit board may be to blame. Such damage can occur from moving the appliance, a sudden electrical surge, or water exposure.
All of which can cause major malfunctions in the board itself. By identifying if there is an issue with this component, you will be able appliance repair it to get your dryer running as expected once again.
Conclusion
Dealing with a dryer that won’t start can be a time-consuming, annoying and costly ordeal. However, taking the necessary steps to troubleshoot and fix the problem can make all the difference in solving it quickly and effectively.
From testing door switches to checking thermostats, there are many different techniques you can try at home to identify and remedy the issue with your dryer. It’s also important to remember that if all else fails or none of your own efforts bear fruit, contacting an experienced appliance repair technician is always an option.
At Nationwide Appliance Repairs, we specialize in resolving various washer and dryer issues all throughout Australia. If you need help getting your laundry appliances running properly again, let our team of experts assist you!
