Why is My Dryer Not Turning On?

Dryers are a part of nearly every household’s appliances, so when they cease functioning, it creates a hassle in your daily schedule. Fortunately, most common problems with the dryer can be solved by applying some patience and elementary knowledge. First, check if the dryer is receiving power. You may also need to deal with a blown fuse, a tripped circuit breaker, or a disconnection in the power cord.

If these elements are all good, look for problems like a malfunctioning door switch, thermal fuse, or start switch. A faulty part in the first three areas described above can easily be a culprit in your dryer’s failure but requires little more than the diagnostic ability to identify no professional technician.

Others include motor or belt issues, problems with the control board, etc. That would require more expertise to be solved. If you followed the basic troubleshooting without solving the problem, it might be the right time to call a professional for further inspection. Common issues should also be discovered and checked, saving time, money, and unrest. At the end of this guide, you should be well-equipped to fix the problem yourself or decide whether you should call a repair technician.

10 Reasons Why Your Dryer Won’t Start

1. No Power or Electrical Supply

If your dryer isn’t receiving electrical power, it won’t start. Common causes of power issues include a tripped circuit breaker, an unplugged power cord, or problems with the electrical outlet. A dryer typically runs on a 240-volt power supply, so it will remain off if there’s no power to the dryer. None of the dryer’s components—such as the motor, drum, or heating element—will function without power. The dryer won’t even begin a drying cycle.

How to TroubleShoot?

• Check the power cord to see if it is plugged in properly.
• Look for any tripped breakers in your electrical panel and reset them.
• Plug another device into the outlet to check if it’s working. If not, the outlet may need to be repaired or replaced.

2. Faulty Door Switch

The door switch is a safety feature that ensures the dryer doesn’t operate when the door is open. If the door switch is faulty, the dryer may think the door is open, causing it not to start. The dryer will not start if it detects the door is open. Even if the door is closed, a malfunctioning switch prevents the machine from recognizing that it is secure.

How to TroubleShoot?

• Make sure the door is closed correctly. A slightly ajar door may trigger the switch.
• Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the door switch. If no continuity is detected, replace the switch.

3. Tripped Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse is a safety component designed to protect the dryer from overheating. If the dryer gets too hot, the fuse will blow to prevent dryer fire hazard, which means the dryer won’t turn on until the fuse is replaced. A tripped thermal fuse stops the dryer from starting, even though it may still have power. This is typically a result of poor ventilation or blocked airflow.

How to TroubleShoot?

• Using a multimeter, check the thermal fuse for continuity. If there’s no continuity, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
• Overheating is often caused by poor airflow. Ensure the lint filter is clean, and the vent system is free of blockages.

4. Defective Start Switch

The start switch activates the dryer when pressed. The dryer won’t start if it’s defective, even if all other components work correctly. Without a functioning start switch, pressing the button will have no effect. The dryer will not respond or turn on.

How to TroubleShoot?

• Use a multimeter to check if the start switch is working. If it doesn’t show continuity, replace the switch.
• Ensure no dirt, dust, or other debris prevents the start switch from engaging.

5. Blown Thermal Cutoff

The thermal cutoff is another safety feature that protects the dryer from overheating. If the dryer overheats, the thermal cutoff will blow, preventing the appliance from starting. A blown thermal cutoff will stop the dryer from starting, usually caused by airflow problems, such as a clogged vent or a malfunctioning heating element.

How to TroubleShoot?

• Using a multimeter, check the thermal cutoff for continuity. If there’s no continuity, replace it.
• Overheating often happens due to blocked vents or lint buildup. Clean the lint trap, vent hose, and the area around the dryer.

6. Broken Drive Belt

The drive belt is responsible for turning the drum inside the dryer. If the belt breaks, the drum will not rotate, preventing clothes from drying. The dryer may turn on (lights, sounds, etc.), but the drum will remain stationary, and the clothes will not dry properly.

How to TroubleShoot?

• Open the dryer’s cabinet and inspect the belt. You’ll need to replace it if it’s broken or out of place.
• If the motor runs but the drum doesn’t turn, it’s likely a broken belt.

7. Malfunctioning Motor

The motor drives the drum and powers the blower fan in the dryer. If the motor fails, the dryer won’t start. This can happen due to overheating, wear and tear, or electrical problems. The dryer will not turn on or function correctly. You may hear a humming sound, but the drum will not turn.

How to TroubleShoot?

• If you hear a hum, the motor may be jammed or malfunctioning, but the dryer doesn’t start.
• You can test the motor with a multimeter to check for continuity. If it’s faulty, the motor will need to be replaced.

8. Faulty Timer or Control Board

The timer or control board manages the dryer’s drying cycles and settings. If either is faulty, the dryer may fail to start or advance through its cycles. The dryer may appear unresponsive when you press the start button, or it may not progress past certain cycle stages.

How to TroubleShoot?

• If the timer dial is stuck or not moving, or the control board isn’t lighting up, these components could be the issue.
• Use a multimeter to check the timer and control board for continuity. If either is faulty, replacement may be necessary.

9. Blown Fuse on the Dryer’s Control Board

Some dryers have a fuse on the control board to protect it from electrical surges. If the fuse blows, the dryer won’t start. The dryer may not respond when you press the start button, and the control board will not function.

How to TroubleShoot?

• Inspect the control board for a blown fuse. If it appears damaged, it will need to be replaced.
• Use a multimeter to test the board for continuity and replace any damaged parts.

10. Overloaded Dryer

An overloaded dryer can cause the motor to struggle or become jammed, preventing it from turning on or completing a cycle. Too many clothes may also cause excessive friction, damaging parts like the belt or motor. The dryer may not start or stop mid-cycle due to motor strain. Overloading may also trigger the dryer’s safety features, causing it to shut off.

How to TroubleShoot?

• Remove some clothes from the drum to prevent overloading. Try restarting the dryer with a smaller load.
• Ensure nothing caught in the drum could prevent it from turning.

Other Common Dryer Problems

If none of the issues mentioned above are the reason that may have stopped your dryer from working, you can check for these additional problems, just in case!

1. Dryer Not Heating

When your dryer runs but doesn’t heat, it isn’t reaching the temperatures needed to dry your clothes. Several potential issues, including a faulty heating element, a blown thermal fuse, or a malfunctioning thermostat, can cause this. The heating element produces heat inside the drum, while the thermal fuse and thermostat regulate and control the temperature. If these components fail, the dryer will run without producing heat, leaving your clothes damp after each cycle.

How To Fix?

• Inspect the heating element for visible signs of damage, such as breaks or burn marks. If it’s damaged, it needs to be replaced.
• Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the thermal fuse. If the fuse is blown, it will need to be replaced.
• The thermostat regulates the temperature inside the dryer. Test it with a multimeter to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Replace if necessary.

2. Dryer Not Spinning

If the dryer drum isn’t spinning, it could be due to a few problems, including a broken or worn drive belt, a malfunctioning motor, or an issue with the idler pulley. The drive belt connects the motor to the drum, allowing it to rotate. Over time, the belt can become worn, stretched, or snapped, causing the drum to stop spinning. If the motor is faulty, the drum won’t receive the power to turn. Additionally, the idler pulley, which maintains tension on the drive belt, can wear out or break, preventing the belt from functioning correctly.

How To Fix?

• Open the dryer’s cabinet and check the drive belt. It must be replaced if it’s broken or slipped off the pulley.
• It could malfunction if the motor is running, but the drum isn’t spinning. Listen for any unusual noises. If it’s faulty, the motor may need to be replaced.
• The idler pulley keeps tension on the belt. If it’s worn out or broken, it can cause the drum to stop spinning. Replace the pulley if necessary.

3. Dryer Starts, Then Stops

If your dryer starts but stops mid-cycle, it could be due to a faulty thermal fuse, a malfunctioning door switch, or a broken belt. A thermal fuse blown due to overheating will automatically cut off power to the dryer. Similarly, a faulty door switch might signal the door isn’t closed, causing the dryer to stop.

How To Fix?

• A blown thermal fuse is one of the leading causes of a dryer’s starting and stopping. Check it with a multimeter and replace it if necessary.
• If the door switch is defective, the dryer might stop thinking the door is open. Test the switch for continuity and replace it if it’s broken.
• A worn or broken drive belt can also cause the dryer to stop mid-cycle. If the belt is broken or slipping, it must be replaced.

4. Dryer Squeaking

A squeaking dryer often indicates one of its moving parts is worn or improperly lubricated. The most common cause for squeaking noises are the drum rollers, the idler pulley, and the drum belt. The drum rollers help the drum rotate smoothly, and when they wear out, they can cause squeaking or grinding sounds. Similarly, the idler pulley keeps the drive belt taut, and a worn pulley can produce squeaky noises. Lastly, the drum belt, which connects the motor to the drum, can become frayed or stretched over time, leading to a squeak.

How To Fix?

• The drum rollers may need lubrication or replacement if they are dry or worn out. Make sure to use appropriate lubricants for dryer parts.
• If the idler pulley is worn, it can cause squeaking. Inspect it for damage and replace it if necessary.
• A worn drum belt can also create squeaky sounds. Replacing the belt should resolve the issue of whether it is frayed or stretched.

When to Call A Professional?

If you’ve tried troubleshooting your dryer and the problem persists, it might be time to call a professional. Dryer issues such as persistent power failures, motor malfunctions, or lack of heat despite checking components like the thermal fuse and thermostat can often be complicated to resolve without expertise. Electrical problems, such as faulty control boards or wiring issues, should only be handled by a licensed technician to avoid safety hazards.

Unusual dryer noise or vibrations might indicate mechanical issues with your motor, drum, or any other part; specialized tools and expertise may be necessary to deal with the problems. In cases where you’ve already tried the fixes, but it remains the same or happens repeatedly, call a professional for assurance.

About reliable dryer repair services, whether it is about fixing them here in New York or New Jersey, Appliance Medic is just what you need. Our highly skilled and trained technicians handle all dryer problems, including heating devices, motors, and more. Whether it is a problem of a dryer not starting, the drum not spinning, or the unit creating unusual noises, Appliance Medic ensures proper inspections, fast service, and efficient repairs. We have years of experience and guarantee safety, efficiency, and affordability. Contact us today for quick, quality dryer repair services in NY and NJ, and let us get your appliance working like new again!