When your dryer's power or start button isn't working, the fastest fix is a hard reset: unplug the dryer or flip the circuit breaker off for 5 minutes. If it remains unresponsive, the issue could be a tripped child lock, a faulty door switch, a blown thermal fuse, or a defective switch.
The cost of replacing a dryer sensor or thermistor varies based on the model and brand, but typically ranges from $10 to $30 for the part itself.
FIXING A DRYER THAT WON'T START: A GUIDE
A blown thermal fuse—a critical safety mechanism that prevents appliances like clothes dryers from overheating—typically causes two main symptoms depending on the appliance: the machine will not start at all, or it runs but fails to generate any heat.
To determine if your dryer start switch is bad, test it for continuity using a multimeter. A bad switch prevents the circuit from closing, meaning the dryer won't start or make any noise when you press the button.
Dryers do not typically have a standard "Reset" button on their main control panel. Instead, there are three common ways to reset a dryer depending on the issue you are experiencing: a Power Reset for electrical glitches, a Hidden Thermal Reset for heating failures, or checking your Home Circuit Breaker.
For small fixes, such as replacing a thermal fuse or drive belt, DIY repairs can save you money and time. However, if the repair cost exceeds 25% of the dryer's original price, it's often more practical to invest in a new model, especially if your dryer has been around for a while.
In most cases, you cannot reset a dryer thermal fuse; it is a single-use safety device and must be replaced if it blows. However, some gas dryers feature a high-limit thermostat with a physical reset button.
Age of the Dryer
Age is one of the strongest indicators when deciding between repair and replacement: Under 8 years old: Repairs are usually worthwhile. 8–12 years old: It depends on the repair cost and symptoms. Over 12 years old: Replacement may be more cost-effective (especially after a major failure).
Whether your dryer will run with a blown thermal fuse depends entirely on the model. In many dryers, the fuse cuts all power to the motor, so the machine will be completely dead. In other models, the motor will still spin, but the heating element will not turn on.
If your GE dryer start button is unresponsive, start by resetting the power. Unplug the dryer or flip the circuit breaker off for 1 minute. If it still fails, the most likely culprits are the button mechanism itself, the door switch, the drive belt, or the control board.
If your dryer has power (e.g., the drum light turns on or the control panel lights up) but won't start when you press the button, the issue is typically a failed door switch, a blown thermal fuse, or a snapped drive belt.
Yes, unplugging a dryer is an effective way to reset it. Doing so clears the control board’s memory, which is helpful for fixing electronic glitches, clearing error codes, and resolving minor start failures.
That said, if your clothes dryer is more than halfway through its lifespan—7 years or more—and the repair costs more than 50% of the price of a new one, you should consider replacing it. But if fixing it is less than half the cost of buying something new, a repair is probably the better option.
The dryer motor is typically the most expensive part to replace, costing between $100 and $500 for parts and labor.
Possible Causes: Faulty Heating Element: The heating element is responsible for generating heat in the dryer. If it's broken or burnt out, the dryer will run, but it won't produce heat. Thermal Fuse: The thermal fuse is a safety device that prevents the dryer from overheating.
The average cost of repairing a dryer is around $100 to $400, which will generally cover most drum issues (such as a broken belt), a faulty thermostat, or clogged vents. If you're unsure whether or not a repair is worth it, refer to the 50% rule.
What is the 50/50 rule for appliances? It's a simple way to decide whether to repair or replace a home appliance like a refrigerator or dishwasher. If the appliance has reached 50% of its lifespan, and the cost to repair is 50% more than a replacement, then it may be time to replace it.
To determine if a thermal fuse is blown, you cannot rely on a visual inspection. Instead, you must perform a continuity test using a multimeter.
To hard reset a dryer, power it down completely to drain the control board's capacitors. Unplug the machine or flip its dedicated circuit breaker off, wait a full 1 to 5 minutes, and then restore power. This clears minor electrical glitches and temporary error codes.
Replacing a dryer thermal fuse costs between $𝟕𝟓 and $𝟏𝟓𝟎 on average if you hire a professional, or $𝟓 to $𝟐𝟎 if you buy the part and do it yourself.
LG is widely regarded as the most reliable electric dryer brand for most households. It consistently earns top marks from major testing organizations and appliance technicians for having the fewest repair incidents and highest owner satisfaction.
Can I Hire an Electrician for Dryer Repair? If you have an electric dryer, you may be able to work with an electrician, rather than a dryer repair company, to repair your appliance. Look for an electrician who fixes dryers and is familiar with your brand of appliance.
Dryer heating element replacement typically costs between $100 and $350 in total. Your exact out-of-pocket expense depends on whether you opt for professional labor or a DIY fix.