Why does my dryer stop working after a heavy load?

Author: Mr. Clement Daniel  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 27, 2026

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.

Why does my dryer shut off with a heavy load?

It sounds like your dryer motor could be overheating, especially since it shuts off mid-cycle with heavier loads and runs fine without clothes. Over time, the motor may struggle with the added stress from larger items, causing it to shut down and require a cool-off period before restarting.

Can a heavy load break a dryer?

The dryer's heating element and motor have to work harder, which can lead to overheating and potential breakdowns. Over time, this not only shortens the lifespan of your dryer but also increases the risk of fire hazards.

What happens if you put too much weight in a dryer?

If you frequently overload your dryer, it could cause long-term damage to the appliance. The dryer motor has to work harder when the tumbler is overloaded, which can cause it to burn out. Other parts of the dryer, such as the mechanical bearings, may also wear out more quickly with regular overloading.

Why is my dryer not spinning after a heavy load?

There are several reasons why your dryer might not be spinning. That might include a malfunctioning drive belt, broken motor, faulty door switch, or a blocked airflow system.

3 Things To Check when your Dryer won't turn on or start - REPAIR

Why wont my dryer start after a heavy load?

Various things will cause a dryer not to start, including a blown thermal fuse, clogged vent, malfunctioning motor or control board, misaligned drum or rollers, engaged child lock, overloaded unit, broken or worn-out belt, broken start switch, defective door latch, tripped circuit breaker, faulty outlet, or an ...

How to get a dryer to spin again?

How to Fix a Dryer That Won't Spin
  1. Look for wear and tear. ...
  2. Inspect the motor. ...
  3. Examine the idler pulley. ...
  4. Verify the door switch. ...
  5. Check for overloading. ...
  6. Test for a seized drum. ...
  7. Evaluate the start switch. ...
  8. Examine the thermal fuse.

Why does my dryer stop working in the middle of the cycle?

When your dryer is overheating, it may be due to a variety of reasons such as lint buildup in vents or a blocked exhaust hose. This can lead to inefficient drying and may cause the dryer to shut off mid-cycle as a safety measure to prevent overheating.

Why won't my LG dryer spin with a heavy load?

Your drive belt is broken. Your drum rollers are faulty. Your roller axles are worn out. Your drum bearing has deteriorated.

Can a dryer overheat and shut off?

The high-limit thermostat, or thermal fuse, is a safety feature that's designed to trip whenever the dryer reaches a dangerous temperature. Once the thermal fuse reaches its threshold, it will turn off the heating element or dryer.

How to tell if a dryer is overloaded?

Are You Overloading Your Dryer?
  1. More Wrinkles. When you stuff too many clothes into your dryer, they can't tumble freely. ...
  2. More Lint. More clothes in the dryer means more lint, which builds up in the lint trap. ...
  3. Longer Drying Time. ...
  4. Harming the Dryer. ...
  5. Higher Energy Bills.

What happens if you put too much stuff in a dryer?

Placing too many clothes in your dryer at once is a bad idea. It generally means your clothes won't properly dry, which means you'll have to run them through again. This is hard on your clothes, and it's hard on your dryer. Just save yourself the trouble and split your clothes and linens into smaller loads.

How do I know if my dryer load is too heavy?

A large load of laundry is when the drum is approximately 3/4 full. Note: Remember not to overload the dryer, as this can reduce its performance. To prevent overloading, the dryer should never be more than 3/4 full. Additionally, clothes may not dry properly if the dryer contains too few items.

Why does the dryer stop after a few minutes?

The most common reason for a dryer to start and then stop a few minutes later is an overheating dryer motor.

Why is my dryer working and then just stopped?

There are several possible causes for a dryer that has stopped working, such as a lack of power supply, gas supply issues (for gas dryers), a faulty heating element, problems with the door switch, or a blown thermal fuse.

How long should a dryer last?

Clothes dryers typically last for about 10 to 13 years. If your dryer has been around for nearly a decade, you will likely be searching for a replacement soon. Ancient dryers should get the boot, as older machines can actually cost you more money. Newer, certified models use less energy, helping you save on costs.

Do most dryers have a reset button?

As a safety device, a dryer usually has a door switch that activates the working parts. Unless the door is properly closed, the dryer won't work, regardless of the settings on the control panel. Many dryers are equipped with a reset button on the control panel.

How do I run diagnostics on my dryer?

Run diagnostics on a dryer
  1. Make sure the dryer is empty and turn it on.
  2. If your dryer has buttons, press and hold Time Up and Temp until AS appears on the display. ...
  3. Open the door.
  4. Touch the moisture bar sensors (the display should change from 0 to 1 when touched).
  5. Shut the door and press Start.

Can I fix my dryer myself?

The simple answer as to whether you can repair a dryer yourself is, it depends on the problem. Simple issues such as clogged dryer vents can be fixed without calling a technician if you understand how to do so safely.

Why does my dryer not spin with heavy loads?

The dryer belt and dryer motor are two parts that can cause your dryer to not spin if they aren't working properly. It can also be as simple as a tripped circuit breaker or an unplugged appliance. This list will guide you through dryer parts and other issues that could be the reason your dryer won't spin.

Why does my dryer stop spinning mid cycle?

One common cause of a dryer stopping midcycle is the machine overheats. When this happens, the dryer shuts off automatically to prevent a fire from starting.

What are the symptoms of a dryer capacitor?

Now motor capacitors can be a real issue with condenser tumble dryers, as the machine ages the capacitor can fail progressively, causing start-up issues when turning or not starting up at all. They can also short, causing a loud buzzing noise and no rotation, easy enough to fix though.

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