Dryer issues

This list of common dryer problems can help you troubleshoot and find the reason your dryer isn’t working as it should. Of course, there may be other issues, but these are the most common problems. Some are simple fixes that won’t even require a screw driver and other solutions may fall outside of your comfort level and you may choose to hire a professional to do the work.

Whatever you decide, always put safety first and remove the power source to the dryer before troubleshooting or attempting repairs. If you need to purchase new parts, be sure to know the manufacturer and model number of your dryer. Although some parts may be universal, there’s nothing more frustrating than having the right part for the wrong model.

Common Dryer Problems

Clothes Dryer Won’t Turn On

If your dryer won’t start there’s a number of different things that could be causing the problem.

But as simple as it may sound, first check your control settings to ensure that all buttons are fully depressed and that the settings are correct. Also, check that the start button was either pressed or turned enough to activate the dryer and that the door is fully closed.

Power

Check the power supply first to ensure that electricity is reaching your dryer. If power is not flowing to your dryer, check your home’s electrical panel to see if any breakers may have been tripped.

If the breakers haven’t been tripped, check your outlet by plugging one of the portable electronics. If the electricity is there, then your dryer malfunctioning. 

First, inspect the power cord as they are prone to fraying due to movement and age. 

Door Switch

The door switch will keep the dryer from starting if the door is open. Frequently lint or other debris collects around the door gasket or switch. This build-up can prevent the door from completely closing and engaging the switch. If this is your problem, it’s an easy fix and something you can clean regularly to prevent future occurrences. 

If you suspect the door switch is faulty. You will need to replace it.

Thermostat

There are a number of different thermostats in your dryer with the single job of regulating the internal temperature. Which thermostat being used is determined by which drying cycle is selected. 

The cycling thermostat is generally located in the air flow path as it leaves the drum. It is frequently inside the venting/exhaust system or on the blower wheel housing. 

Start Switch

If the start switch is faulty, you will need to replace it in order for your dryer to start. 

Thermal Fuse

Some dryers are designed with a thermal fuse that is within the exhaust duct in the rear panel. Once the thermal fuse is tripped the dryer will not operate (or it may simply stop heating). There is not a way to reset this fuse so it will need to be replaced if it tripped.

Noisy Dryer

There are many moving parts on a dryer and as they show signs of wear, they often begin to make noise. There’s squeaking, squealing, humming and even thumping. Many of the noises a dryer makes are a sign that something in your dryer needs attention.

Glides

Dryers often have plastic glides located in the front end of the drum. Over time, these glides show signs of wear and need to be replaced.

Blower Wheel 

Although problems with the blower wheel can frequently require the part to be replaced, sometimes the fix can be as simple as cleaning out the blower. Often lint or other objects find there way into the blower wheel.

Drum Support Roller

Drum support rollers are used to support the drum. When they show signs of wear they can become very noisy. If yours needs to be replaced, be sure to replace all of the support rollers as they tend to wear evenly.

Belt

The main belt wraps around the drum and causes it to turn. As it wears out the belt will begin to make a thumping sound against the drum. 

Berings – will make the noise as well and they will need to be replaced.

Pulley can also make the noise and also will need to be replaced

Dryer Does Not Tumble

Although there are a number of reasons the dryer’s drum won’t tumble, the most common cause is a defective belt, particularly if the motor is running.

Belt

When the dryer’s belt is worn or broken it won’t be able to turn the drum. You’ll need to replace the belt to get your dryer working again. 

If the belt isn’t broken or worn, check that it’s in place on the drum and is properly fed thru the pulley configuration. The problem may be as simple as the belt being out of place. 

Best Practice: If you need to replace your dryer’s belt, it’s a good idea to also install a new idler pulley at the same time. As the idler pulley wears out, it places unnecessary stress on the belt which shortens it’s service life. The original problem may not have been the belt, but rather the idler pulley. Failure to change the idler pulley may mean you end up replacing your new belt much sooner than you expected. 

Drum Support Rollers

The dryer drum sits on top of drum support rollers and over time the rollers become worn and need to be replaced. 

Seized Motor or Support Parts

If the belt or idler pulley is the issue the motor should be running. However, when the dryer is on and you hear a buzzing or no sound at all there’s a good chance that your motor has seized, you will need a new motor. But also can be a timer or a control board not supplying proper power to the motor and they will need to be replaced.

Dryer Does Not Heat

Thermal Fuse

Many dryers have a safety feature called a thermal fuse which protects the dryer from over-heating. 

The thermal fuse will “trip” and prevent your dryer from working if it gets too hot. There’s not a way to reset the fuse, so if this is your problem you’ll need to replace the thermal fuse with a new one.

Best Practice: Inspect your dryer’s vents for lint build-up. It’s not uncommon for the thermal fuse to blow due to trapped heat within the vents. If this was the reason your fuse blew, it will likely happen again if not cleaned

Heating Element (Coils)

A heating element is a coil made from nichrome (nickel-chrome alloy). They can be found behind the back panel of the dryer, Look for broken or burned areas by visually inspecting the heating element. If you find that the element is defective, it will need to be replaced.

Temperature Selector Switch

If it’s defective, it will need to replace the switch.

Thermostat

The thermostat, if it’s defective, needs to be replaced. 

Thermofuse

Thermofuse if it’s defective, needs to be replaced. 

Timer or control board

Timer or control board, if it’s defective, need to be replaced

Power Cord

Electric dryers draw a lot of power to operate. They should always be plugged directly into an outlet . . . never use an extension cord. 

Unplug the dryer and check the plug and cord for broken connections, burns or scorching. If there is a broken connection it’s possible that the dryer will continue to operate, but it won’t be able to deliver heat. 

Ignitor (Gas Dryers)

If your dryer is powered by gas, check to see if the ignitor is cycling. If it is, yet the burner is NOT engaging, then you may have defective electrical coils in the gas valve. The electrical coils have wires coming from the top of a black cylinder and they are located near the burner valve assembly. The coils will open and supply gas to the burner when supplied with power. 

Another thing to check is to visually see if your ignitor glows. If it doesn’t, look for a yellowish or white discoloration. There may also be a break in the ignitor. 

Replace the ignitor if you notice a visible problem. If you don’t see anything obvious such as a burnt area or a break, check for continuity. 

The issue could also be originating from somewhere else in the burner system or the control area.

Dryer Takes Too Long to Dry Clothes

If you notice your clothes are taking forever to dry, the problem may be simpler than you think!

Lint

It might surprise you that this annoying problem can be fixed by simply cleaning your lint filter. A dryer’s lint filter is designed to catch the lint and allow the air to flow. However, if you don’t clean it in a timely manner, it will force your dryer to work harder than necessary.

Check under filter, there are might more lint.

Air duct can also be an issue and you will need to call air duct cleaning company.