What to Do If Your Dryer Won’t Start

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Fred's Appliance
January 31, 2023
Dryer Repair

A dryer is useful for several reasons. First of all, it is very convenient. A dryer allows you to dry clothes quickly and easily, without having to rely on natural drying methods such as hanging clothes outside or laying them flat to dry. A dryer also allows you to save time by drying clothes much faster than other methods. This is especially useful for people who have busy lifestyles and need to do laundry often.

Why won’t my dryer start?

There are numerous reasons why your dryer is not starting. Many of them will require a professional to help diagnose and fix the problem, whilst some can be managed at home. The most common reasons your dryer is not turning on includes:

  1. Power issues: Make sure the dryer is properly plugged in and that the outlet is functioning. If the outlet is fine, check the fuse or circuit breaker.
  2. Door switch: Make sure the door switch is working properly, if it’s not working, the dryer won’t start.
  3. Start switch: The start switch is responsible for turning the dryer on when you press the start button, if it’s not working, the dryer won’t start.
  4. Timer: If the timer is not working, the dryer won’t start, this can be caused by a malfunctioning timer motor or a problem with the timer itself.
  5. Thermal fuse: A thermal fuse is a safety device that will blow if the dryer overheats, if the thermal fuse is blown, the dryer won’t start.
  6. Thermostat: If the thermostat is not working, the dryer won’t start. This can be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat or a problem with the wiring.
  7. Drive belt: If the drive belt is broken, the drum won’t turn, which means the dryer won’t start.
  8. Motor: If the motor is not working, the dryer won’t start. This can be caused by a malfunctioning motor, a problem with the wiring, or a problem with the start switch.

How to fix a dryer that is not starting 

If your dryer is not starting, there are several steps you can take to try and fix the problem:

  1. Check the power: Make sure the dryer is properly plugged in and that the outlet is functioning. If the outlet is fine, check the fuse or circuit breaker.
  2. Check the door switch: Make sure the door switch is working properly by opening and closing the door and seeing if the dryer turns on. 

You can also test the switch – use a continuity tester or multimeter to test the switch for continuity. To do this, touch the leads of the tester to the terminals on the switch. If the switch is working properly, the tester should light up or make a sound indicating continuity. If the switch is not working, it will need to be replaced.

  1. Check the start switch: Press the start switch to see if the dryer turns on. If the switch is not working, it will need to be replaced.
  2. Check the timer: Make sure the timer is set correctly and that it is working properly. If the timer is not working, it will need to be replaced. Some dryers use a control panel which might need to be replaced.
  3. Check the thermal fuse: Locate the thermal fuse in the dryer and check if it is blown. The thermal fuse is typically located near the back of the dryer, near the exhaust duct or on the blower housing. It may be a small, white, or silver cylindrical device. Once you’ve located the thermal fuse, inspect it for any visible signs of damage. If it is blown, it will need to be replaced.
  4. Check the thermostat: Check the thermostat for continuity using a multimeter. If the thermostat is not working, it will need to be replaced.

How to care for your dryer

It is important to maintain your dryer in order to keep it in good working condition. 

Properly maintaining your dryer can help to extend its lifespan, meaning you won’t have to replace it as frequently. A clean and well-maintained dryer will run more efficiently, which can help to reduce your energy bills and your environmental impact.

There are several ways to care for your dryer to ensure it runs safely and efficiently, including:

  1. Clean the lint trap: Clean the lint trap before every load to remove any lint build-up. This will improve the dryer’s performance, reduce the risk of a fire, and prevent unpleasant smells.
  2. Clean the exhaust duct and vent: Clean the exhaust duct and vent at least once a year to remove any lint build-up. This will improve the dryer’s performance, reduce the risk of a fire, and prevent unpleasant smells.
  3. Keep the area around the dryer clean: Keep the area around the dryer clean and free of clutter to reduce the risk of fire.
  4. Have it serviced: Schedule regular maintenance with a professional to ensure that your dryer is running at peak efficiency and to catch any potential problems before they become serious.
  5. Check the venting: Make sure the venting is not kinked, crushed, or blocked, this can cause the dryer to overheat and could be a fire hazard.
  6. Use the right setting: Using the right setting on your dryer can save energy. For example, using a lower heat setting for delicate fabrics or a moisture sensor setting for loads that don’t require a full dry cycle.
  7. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using and caring for your dryer to ensure that you are using it correctly and safely.
  8. Don’t overload: Overloading the dryer can lead to uneven drying and cause damage to the machine. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum loads.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your dryer runs safely and efficiently, and that your clothes are dried effectively.

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