Common reasons a dryer won't turn on
Appliance is set to “Controls Locked” Tripped circuit breaker. Start button wasn't held down long enough. Dryer door not fully latched.
The thermal fuse is a safety device in your dryer that is there to monitor the temperature in your dryer and if it overheats, turn it off. If your dryer is not starting and is making a clicking sound it could be because the thermal fuse has blown. If this is the case, it will need to be replaced.
If the dryer still doesn't start, there are several possible reasons, from a door switch that's not recognizing that the door is closed to a failure in the main electronic control board. A broken power cord, failed push-to-start switch or a bad timer can also prevent the dryer from starting.
Burnt-Out Thermal Fuse
A thermal fuse on a dryer that won't start can be tested and fixed or replaced. An indication that a fuse has blown is if the dryer won't start but the light is on. Make sure to check the lights first for electrical continuity before considering burnt fuses.
The most common reason your dryer—or any appliance—stops working is that it's unplugged. It sounds simple, we know. But make sure to check if the cord or plug has come loose. If so, plug it back in.
What is the average life of a dryer, you wonder? Ten years, according to Consumer Reports; however, some dryer manufacturers boast up to a 25-year lifespan. It's important to remember, though, that clothes dryer life expectancy goes hand in hand with how often the dryer is used and how well you maintain the appliance.
Once a dryer gets too hot, this component reacts to the increased temperature and shuts the appliance off automatically. However, if a cycling thermostat isn't functioning, it may be why a clothing dryer is overheating and shuts off.
If your Whirlpool dryer won't start but has power, confirm that you've selected the right dryer settings. To start drying the dryer control knob should be set to the “Automatic” or “Timed” cycle. If the “Wrinkle Reduction” option on some models is selected, the dryer won't start immediately.
If the cost of the repair is going to amount to 50% or more of the cost of a new dryer, then a replacement may be the best long-term option. However, if a replacement isn't going to work with your current budget, a repair is the short-term answer. But don't stop here—there are still a few more factors to think about.
If the heating element isn't working properly, the dryer will still spin and the cycle will complete, but it won't get hot enough to help dry the clothes. Heating elements can naturally wear out over time, but overloading the dryer, not cleaning the lint screen and poor ventilation can all speed up that process.
Thermal fuse for dryer cost
The cost to replace a thermal fuse on a dryer is $75 to $150 on average. The cost of a dryer thermal fuse is $5 to $10 for the part or up to $60 for OEM parts. This safety device stops the motor when the dryer overheats.
A tripped thermal fuse can have two effects. In some dryers, it simply shuts off electricity to the heating element. This means a dryer will run, but it will only air-dry clothing. In other models, the thermal fuse stops power completely.
A blown thermal fuse often prevents an electric dryer from starting. You'll find the thermal fuse on the blower housing. Unplug the dryer and check the thermal fuse for continuity. Replace the thermal fuse if the multimeter measures no continuity.
As with other appliances, the 50% Rule applies: if your appliance is over 50% of its expected lifespan of 10 to 13 years, and it costs more than 50% of its replacement cost to repair it, it may be time to think about replacement.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that dryers and washing machines cause an average of 15,970 fires each year, with dryers causing 92% of them and an average of $200 million in property damage.