Quick answer: If your dryer won't start, first check for simple solutions like a disconnected plug or a tripped circuit breaker. More complex reasons for a dryer not working include a blown thermal fuse, defective door latch, or broken start switch, which may require professional dryer repair.
There’s nothing worse than needing to dry your clothing quickly after running a load of laundry, jumping into a pool, or having a water balloon fight, and your dryer won’t start. Even with regular maintenance, there are plenty of possible reasons why a dryer won’t turn on or start up — both simple and complicated.
For cases like a tripped breaker, broken switch, or defective latch, you may be able to fix the problem yourself. However, more complicated issues will require an appliance repair expert’s help.
Here, you’ll discover 15 common reasons why your dryer won’t start, including some straightforward dryer troubleshooting tips to help pinpoint the problem — and how to tell when it’s time to contact a professional.
Dryer won’t start?
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1. The Dryer Isn’t Plugged In
Always start by looking for the simplest solution: The unit could be unplugged. Check the plug, even if you are almost certain this isn’t the issue. You’d feel silly if you scheduled a dryer repair service only to realize your unit was unplugged!
How To Fix It: Plug your appliance back in and run a small test load to make sure the unit functions properly.
2. The Outlet Is Faulty
Your dryer issues may not even be connected to your unit! If your incoming power isn’t working correctly, neither will an electric dryer. Test your outlet by plugging in a different electronic appliance. If this secondary appliance also doesn’t work, check if your circuit breaker or fuse is faulty. You may need to use a multimeter to check the outlet itself to see if the breaker or fuse is working.
How To Fix It: If your outlet is faulty, call in a professional electrician to solve the problem.
3. The Dryer Circuit Breaker Is Tripped
A tripped circuit breaker is another common reason why your dryer won’t start –– but it’s usually a problem with a simple solution. Overloaded or short circuits and ground faults can cause breakers to trip; however, you may want to check the condition of your heating element if your dryer frequently trips your circuit breaker.
How To Fix It: Open your electrical panel and look for any switches that appear to be in the "off" position or not aligned with the rest of your breaker switches. If you see a tripped breaker, reset it by switching it to the "on" position and see if that gets your dryer working again.
4. The Thermal Fuse Is Blown
A thermal fuse protects the dryer from overheating and is usually located on the blower housing behind the back panel. There may be another one on the heating element. If you are able to unplug the dryer and remove the thermal fuse, test it with a multimeter. If the fuse does not conduct electrical current, it needs to be replaced. Keep in mind that a clogged vent, vent hose, lint screen, and lint trap are common causes for a blown thermal fuse. Prevent this issue — and fires — from happening in the future by scheduling a professional dryer vent cleaning.
How To Fix It: Contact your local Mr. Appliance service professional to confirm your suspicions and replace your unit’s thermal fuse.
5. The Door Latch/Switch Is Defective
If the dryer can’t sense that the door is closed, the motor will not run. To check for this problem, you’ll need to unplug the unit, remove the door switch (from under the top panel), and use a multimeter on the switch.
How To Fix It: If you need to diagnose this issue, source the part, or have a new latch and switch installed, contact Mr. Appliance.
6. The Start Switch Is Broken
It’s impossible to run a dryer with a broken start switch. If you start your unit and hear it humming, your start switch is in working order. However, if you turn your appliance on and hear nothing, it’s time to call a professional.
How To Fix It: If your unit is not starting, contact your local Mr. Appliance and schedule a ‘start switch’ repair.
7. The Belt Is Broken or Worn-out
Another common dryer issue is a broken or worn-out drive belt. This belt is responsible for rotating the drum inside your unit. If the belt malfunctions, your dryer will stop spinning and working properly. This belt can be replaced, which should resolve the problem.
How To Fix It: It’s best to contact a professional to repair a broken or worn-out belt, but it’s possible to DIY.
8. The Motor May Be Malfunctioning
If your unit’s motor is malfunctioning or faulty, its drum or blower may not turn, which stops the dryer from operating properly. An obstruction under the unit’s belt may also prevent the unit from starting. If there are no obstructions, consider calling a professional to replace your defective motor.
How To Fix It: Schedule an appointment with a service professional to replace a malfunctioning motor.
9. The Vent Is Clogged
Clogged or restricted dryer vents can cause appliances to overheat. This can lead to blown thermal fuses and dryer malfunctions. Clogged vents can also cause other serious problems, like dryer fires. Regularly clean your vents to prevent these types of dryer issues and prolong the life of your unit.
How To Fix It: Unplug your dryer and turn off any gas lines. Pull the unit away from the wall and disconnect the dryer duct. Use a vacuum to clean out the entrance to the dryer duct and the exhaust duct. If there is a significant buildup of lint, you may need to call a professional to clean your dryer venting. Consider inspecting and cleaning the exterior vent surface as well.
10. The Control Board Is Malfunctioning
Malfunctions in the control board or electronic components of your dryer can disrupt the unit’s operation. While this is an uncommon occurrence, it’s still a potential performance disruptor. If your belt, motor, thermal fuse, vents, start switch, door latch, and drum are all in good working order, you may want to consider testing the main control board and contracting a Mr. Appliance professional to replace it.
How To Fix It: Reach out to your local Mr. Appliance for repairs regarding your dryer’s control board.
11. You’ve Overloaded the Dryer
Overloading the dryer with too many clothes can cause it to stop working, as it may become unbalanced or overheated. Filling your unit with too many clothes can also strain the drum and motor, which can cause additional dryer issues in the future.
How To Fix It: To extend the life of your appliance and keep it working longer, make sure you only fill your dryer about halfway. For items made of denser fabrics, consider keeping your loads to about one-third of the drum size.
12. The Drum or Rollers Are Misaligned
A misaligned drum and worn-out support rollers can prevent dryers from turning properly. These issues can also impact the drive belt, so check the condition of your belts before replacing the rollers or calling a professional to check the condition of your drum.
How To Fix It: Contact a service professional to diagnose your dryer’s issue and repair or replace your unit’s drum and rollers.
13. The Child Lock Is On
Accidental activation of child lock or control lock features can prevent your dryer from starting. These are safety features designed to keep young children safe around large machinery, but they can also cause frustration when accidentally employed. For units with digital displays, a padlock icon should indicate when this feature is on.
How To Fix It: Refer to your appliance’s user manual for activation and deactivation instructions. Deactivate your unit’s child lock.
14. It’s Time for a New Dryer
Just like any other appliance, your dryer is not designed to last forever. As dryers age, general wear and tear can lead to various mechanical and electrical issues that cause them to stop working. You may want to consider upgrading to a washer-dryer combo or a newer model if you are unable to pinpoint why your dryer won’t start or if the repairs become more expensive than the value of the unit.
How To Fix It: Visit a local appliance store or order a new unit online. Consider scheduling appliance installation for your new dryer.
15. The Unit Timer Is Damaged
A broken timer can result in the knob not properly setting the cycle. Start by checking if the knob turns freely without engaging or if it feels loose. Additionally, listen for any unusual clicking sounds or complete silence when you try to start the dryer.
How To Fix It: Reach out to your local Mr. Appliance and let our professionals inspect and potentially replace your timer.
Additional Common Dryer Issues and How To Fix Them
There are plenty of reasons why your dryer won’t start, heat, or spin. Many of these common dryer issues have quick and easy solutions. However, it may be necessary to contact a professional repair service to resolve bigger jobs and more complex issues.
Dryer Won’t Heat
If your electric dryer is running but won’t heat up, there may be a faulty heating element in the unit. For gas dryers, this issue may be caused by a clogged or blown thermal fuse. You can use a multimeter to test for breaks in your appliance’s electrical path and issues with the thermal fuse.
To remedy your dryer’s heating issue, consider the following:
- Replacing your electric dryer’s heating element
- Replacing the thermal fuse on your gas dryer
Drum Won’t Spin
It’s possible your dryer drum won’t spin even if your unit is on. If this occurs, your appliance may have a worn drum bearing or dryer belt. Test it by removing the belt and attempting to turn the drum with your hand. You will need to replace the bearing if the drum stays stationary.
A dryer drum may also not spin if the drive belt is broken. You'll need to check it manually by unplugging the dryer and inspecting the belt inside the unit. Consider replacing an older belt during this check, even if it isn’t the cause of your dryer issue.
Dryer Starts, Then Stops
It's frustrating when a dryer only dries your clothes halfway. When your unit starts and then stops, you lose time and energy. For gas dryers, a failing gas valve solenoid coil may be the culprit. Contact a professional to troubleshoot or repair this issue.
For electric dryers, this can be caused by a blown thermal fuse. To repair your dryer so it functions normally:
- Clean your dryer vents, vent hose, lint screen, and lint trap
- Regularly maintain your appliance
Dryer Squeaks or Squeals
White noise from appliances is nearly constant, but loud squeaking and squealing from your dryer are indications of an issue. Typically, these types of noises are caused by malfunctioning idler pulleys. These parts control a drum’s tension, which can cause excessive friction and noise if they fail.
To stop these noises, you'll need to replace your idler pulley system. Consider calling a professional repair service like Mr. Appliance to quickly and effectively replace a loose or malfunctioning idler pulley.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Appliance is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Mr. Appliance location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Dryer That Won’t Start
Decades of experience, highly skilled service professionals, and a commitment to exceptional customer service have made Mr. Appliance a trusted leader in appliance maintenance and repairs. Our commitment to keeping your appliances up and running includes using our many years of experience and expertise to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dryer repair.
Why won’t my dryer start?
If your dryer won’t start, consider a variety of reasons, such as a tripped circuit breaker, faulty door switch, or malfunctioning start switch. It’s important to check for power issues first, since these are the most common culprits when your dryer is not working. If help is needed troubleshooting beyond what you’re comfortable with, including a clogged vent or lint filter, reach out to your trusted service professionals for fast, reliable dryer repair.
How can I fix a dryer that won’t start?
The fix for a dryer not working depends on the problem. For power problems, make sure the dryer is plugged in, and the circuit breaker is not tripped. If the issue is mechanical (e.g., faulty door switch or start switch), you may need to replace the defective part. Check and clean the lint filter and inspect and address any obstructions in the vent hose. On electronic models, look for error codes or blinking lights that might indicate the issue and point you in the direction of a solution. If you're not sure how to address any of the issues, schedule an expert appliance repair service to get your dryer working again.
What if my dryer won’t start after a power surge?
After a power surge, it’s possible that the dryer won’t start for multiple reasons. To troubleshoot, look for these six common culprits:
- Check the circuit breaker: Reset the breaker by moving it to the OFF position and back to the ON position.
- Inspect the power outlet: Scorch marks may indicate a bigger problem. Call a trusted service provider. If the outlet is visually ok, test it by plugging e.g., a lamp to test for functionality.
- Reset the dryer: Especially newer models have reset buttons. Push it for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Check the control board: If your dryer won’t show any lights nor make any noises, your control board may need to be replaced.
- Try a hard reset: Unplug your dryer for 5 to 10 minutes to fully reset all electronic components.
- Check for error codes: If your dryer’s electronics turn on after the hard reset, it may show you an error code you can solve for.
If your dryer is still not starting after performing these checks and resets, the control board or other internal components, like a thermal fuse, may have been damaged. In this case, professional dryer repair may be required to replace any faulty parts and get your dryer running again. An experienced appliance professional can help identify and fix power surge damage troubles.
Could a blown thermal fuse be why my dryer won’t start?
Yes, a blown thermal fuse is a common reason why your dryer won’t start. The thermal fuse is a safety device that prevents the dryer from overheating. If it’s blown, your dryer will not start. In this case, you’ll need to replace the thermal fuse.
Pro tip: If the fuse blew because of lint buildup or a clogged vent, fix that too—or the new fuse may blow again.
Why does my dryer start and then immediately stop?
A dryer that starts and then stops likely means a safety mechanism is kicking in to help prevent damage. It can also point to a mechanical or electrical issue. You may be dealing with a faulty door switch, a faulty or broken motor, a blown thermal fuse, a control board or timer issues, or a clogged vent or lint trap restricting airflow. Even if you manage to get your dryer working again after it stopped immediately after you started it, have it checked out by a trusted appliance professional. These problems often worsen over time, so don’t ignore them. Regular maintenance can prevent more serious (and costly) repairs down the line.
What should I do if my dryer’s door switch is broken?
If the door switch is broken, your dryer won’t start. This switch is designed to prevent the dryer from running when the door is open. A broken switch will need to be replaced to restore operation. This is a relatively simple fix for a trained appliance technician.
How do I know if my dryer’s start switch is malfunctioning?
If your dryer won’t start when you press the start button, it could be a sign of a faulty start switch. You may hear a clicking sound or notice zero response when attempting to start the dryer. Your start switch may be malfunctioning if the dryer only runs intermittently or only runs if you’re holding the button down. Replacing the start switch should fix the problem.
Can a clogged vent cause my dryer to stop working?
Yes, a clogged vent can cause your dryer to not work. When vents become blocked, airflow is restricted, and the dryer may overheat. Regular cleaning of your vent can help prevent this issue and allow your dryer to work efficiently. Warning signs that your dryer vent may be clogged include:
- Clothes take forever to dry
- Dryer shuts off mid-cycle
- Lint buildup around the vent exit or inside the dryer door
- Burning smell during operation
- Hot exterior on the dryer or nearby wall
What should I do if my dryer makes a noise but doesn’t spin?
If your dryer is making a noise but doesn’t spin, check the drum for obstructions. If that’s not the issue, a broken drive belt or a seized drum roller may be to blame. You may be dealing with a faulty idler pulley, a faulty start capacitor, or the motor itself may be bad. Any of these problems can prevent your appliance from starting or completing a cycle. It’s best to stop using the unit and have it inspected by a trusted appliance specialist to avoid further damage.
