Why would a dryer suddenly stop working?

Author: Joanie Bode  |  Last update: Sunday, April 27, 2025

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 ...

Why did my dryer stop working out of nowhere?

The most common include a clogged dryer vent, tripped circuit breaker or unsteady gas flow if it's a gas dryer. The heating element also could be broken or it could also have a faulty thermal fuse.

How to fix a dryer that just stopped working?

Instructions
  1. Check the Plug. If the dryer won't start, check to be sure that the dryer is plugged in. ...
  2. Check the Breaker or Fuse. ...
  3. Inspect the Fuse, Switch, and Belt. ...
  4. Check the Temperature Sensor. ...
  5. Search for the Source of Unexpected Noise. ...
  6. Clean the Lint Filter. ...
  7. Inspect the Dryer Vents. ...
  8. Read Through the Manual.

Why did my dryer stop all of a sudden?

All dryers stop when the door opens or the door switch detects the door opening, so a broken door strike, weak door catch or faulty door switch can cause the dryer to stop mid-cycle. A bad drive motor, failed timer or faulty electronic control board can also stop the dryer before the cycle ends.

Will a dryer turn on if the thermal fuse is blown?

A blown fuse will make your dryer stop working altogether. If your dryer suddenly stops working, the fuse is one of the first things to check.

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

How much does it cost to replace a dryer fuse?

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. No one can repair or reset a 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.

What would cause a dryer to not turn on?

7 common reasons your dryer won't start
  • It's not getting power. ...
  • The door switch isn't engaging. ...
  • The thermal fuse is blown. ...
  • A problem with the start switch. ...
  • An issue with the drive belt. ...
  • An obstruction or problem with the drive motor. ...
  • A shorted main control board.

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.

Who to call if the dryer is not working?

If your dryer is broken, call a local dryer repair company to fix it. Hiring a local dryer repair pro offers several advantages: They're experts on dryer operation. They know how to stay safe while working with gas or electricity.

Why would my tumble dryer just stop working?

Your machine might've automatically switched off due to overheating or a full reservoir (in the case of condensing dryers). Check to see if you can turn the drum by hand. If you can, the belt might have snapped. The drum or motor might have seized if it's stuck or doesn't spin easily.

What is the most common dryer failure?

Dryer Shuts Off Quickly

Common issues include a broken motor relay, a malfunctioning push-to-start switch or timer, or a clogged exhaust vent that results in overheating. A malfunctioning electrical circuit board, a weakened door catch, or a broken door strike can be the cause.

What to do if your dryer stops turning?

7 things to do if your dryer won't spin
  1. Check the drive belt. If you turn on your dryer and push start but the drum will not turn, it's possible the drive belt has broken. ...
  2. Check the idler pulley. ...
  3. Check the drive motor. ...
  4. Check the drum rollers. ...
  5. Check the drum roller axles. ...
  6. Check the drum bearing. ...
  7. Check the drum glides.

Why would a dryer short out?

One of the prime culprits is the mains filter, also called the interference suppressor. This is designed to prevent the machine's motor from interfering with other electrical components. These can bulge or short out from moisture, particularly if the dryer is fitted in a damp utility room or similar.

Is it worth it to fix a dryer?

Dryer repair costs will vary depending on the issue. For example, it will cost much less to replace a dryer belt than a motor. 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.

How do I know if I need a new dryer?

Observe your dryer's efficiency.

Start paying close attention to how your appliance is working. If your clothes are coming out damp, for instance, it might mean that they just need a little more drying time, or it could indicate a problem with the dryer's heating elements.

When should I be concerned about my dryer?

Clothes not drying: This can be caused by various factors like clogged vents, faulty moisture sensors, malfunctioning heating elements, or broken belts. Excessive noise: Loud banging, screeching, or grinding noises often indicate worn drum bearings, damaged rollers, or loose components.

What happens when dryer just stops working?

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 ...

Do most dryers have a reset button?

Some dryer models may have a dedicated “Reset” button that allows you to reset the dryer to its factory settings. On an electric dryer, your “Reset” button may be located on the appliance's control panel with the other dryer options.

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.

What blows a fuse on a dryer?

The main reason that a thermal fuse will blow is a blocked exhaust vent. This is because when the exhaust vent is blocked hot air cannot properly get distributed out of the dryer and this causes it to overheat. So, if you give the exhaust vent a regular clean, it should stop the thermal fuse from blowing again.

What is the most expensive part of a dryer?

Like cars, the most expensive part of a dryer is any electrical component, specifically the control board. For newer dryers, this single part, excluding the labor required to replace it, can easily be worth more than half the price of a new unit.

Are electric dryers easy to fix?

Most dryer problems require a technician, but a few can be fixed on your own. For instance, if you notice your dryer's performance is lagging and clothes are taking longer to dry, check to make sure there's no lint buildup.

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