Dryer Not Working? Fix It Yourself or Call a Pro!
- Akim Kossym
- Mar 20
- 4 min read
A clothes dryer is an essential appliance in any home, making laundry quick and convenient. But when it stops working properly, it can be frustrating!
Before rushing to replace it, let’s go through step-by-step troubleshooting for the most common dryer problems. Some issues can be fixed on your own, while others require a professional technician to avoid further damage.
Dryer Not Heating
Possible Causes: Blown thermal fuse. Faulty heating element. Defective thermostat
DIY Fix:
Check the power supply – Make sure the dryer is plugged in and the circuit breaker isn’t tripped.
Inspect the thermal fuse – Use a multimeter to test if it's blown (usually caused by overheating).
Test the heating element – If it's broken or burned out, it will need replacement.
Check the thermostat – A faulty thermostat may prevent the dryer from heating properly.
Call a Pro if: The heating element, thermostat, or control board is faulty and needs replacement.
Dryer Won’t Turn On
Possible Causes: Tripped circuit breaker. Defective door switch. Faulty start switch
DIY Fix:
Check the power supply – Ensure the dryer is plugged into a working outlet.
Reset the circuit breaker – Flip the breaker off and on to restore power.
Test the door switch – If the switch is faulty, the dryer won’t start.
Inspect the start button – If the button clicks but the dryer doesn’t start, it might be defective.
Call a Pro if: The control board or wiring is damaged.
Dryer Takes Too Long to Dry Clothes
Possible Causes: Clogged lint filter. Blocked dryer vent. Faulty thermostat or heating element
DIY Fix: Clean the lint filter – A clogged lint screen reduces airflow.
Check the exhaust vent – Remove lint buildup in the vent hose and outside duct.
Inspect the heating element – If the dryer isn’t producing enough heat, the heating element or thermostat may need replacement.
Call a Pro if: The thermostat, heating element, or blower motor is malfunctioning.
Dryer Drum Not Spinning
Possible Causes: Broken drive belt. Worn-out drum rollers. Faulty motor
DIY Fix: Inspect the drive belt – If the belt is broken, replace it.
Check the drum rollers – If they’re worn out, they may prevent the drum from spinning.
Test the motor – If the motor hums but doesn’t start, it may need professional repair.
Call a Pro if: The motor or drum support components need replacement.
Dryer Making Loud Noises
Possible Causes: Worn-out drum rollers. Loose blower wheel. Faulty idler pulley
DIY Fix: Tighten the blower wheel – A loose blower can cause rattling noises.
Inspect the drum rollers – If they are worn or uneven, replace them.
Check the idler pulley – If it’s squeaking, it might need lubrication or replacement.
Call a Pro if: The motor or internal components are failing.
Dryer Overheating
Possible Causes: Clogged lint vent. Malfunctioning thermostat. Defective heating element.
DIY Fix:
Clean the dryer vent – A clogged vent can cause overheating and pose a fire hazard.
Test the thermostat – Use a multimeter to check if it’s regulating temperature properly.
Inspect the heating element – If it stays on continuously, it may be faulty.
Call a Pro if: The thermostat or heating element needs replacement.
Dryer Shuts Off Mid-Cycle
Possible Causes: Overheating due to clogged vent. Faulty thermal fuse. Malfunctioning moisture sensor
DIY Fix:
Clean the dryer vents – Blocked airflow can cause the dryer to shut off.
Test the thermal fuse – If it’s blown, replace it.
Inspect the moisture sensor – If the sensor isn’t working, the dryer may shut off prematurely.
Call a Pro if: The control board or internal wiring is faulty.
Dryer Door Won’t Close
Possible Causes: Broken door latch. Misaligned door hinge. Worn-out door seal
DIY Fix:
Replace the door latch – If the latch is broken, the dryer won’t start.
Adjust the hinges – If the door isn’t closing evenly, tighten the screws.
Inspect the door seal – A worn-out seal may cause heat loss.
Call a Pro if: The door mechanism needs professional repair.
Burning Smell from Dryer
Possible Causes: Lint buildup in vent. Overheating heating element. Electrical issues
DIY Fix:
Clean the lint trap and vent – Lint can catch fire if it overheats.
Check the heating element – A damaged element may cause a burning smell.
Unplug the dryer immediately – If you suspect an electrical issue, stop using the dryer and call a technician.
Call a Pro if: The heating element or electrical wiring is damaged.
Dryer Not Stopping
Possible Causes: Faulty timer. Stuck start button. Malfunctioning control board
DIY Fix: Turn off the power – If the dryer won’t stop running, unplug it.
Check the timer knob – If it doesn’t move or reset, the timer may be faulty.
Inspect the start button – A stuck button can cause the dryer to keep running.
Call a Pro if: The control board or timer mechanism is malfunctioning.
When Should You Call a Professional Technician?
Some dryer issues require expert tools and knowledge. Hire a technician if:
The dryer doesn’t heat at all.
It stops working completely and won’t turn on.
You smell burning, hear loud noises, or notice excessive vibrations.
The motor, control board, or wiring is faulty.
You tried troubleshooting, but the issue persists.
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Call Now: (281)638-4022
Visit Us: assistappliancerepair.com
Serving: In Houston and Surrounding Areas
We fix all major dryer brands!
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