Dryer

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why does my dryer keep shutting off?

1. BLOCKED VENT

Dryers have to vent the hot air they generate. If that hot air can't escape because of a blocked vent tube or exterior damper (think of several years' worth of lint building up), the dryer's thermal overload switch will activate to prevent a potential fire hazard. Depending on its location, you may be able to clean out the vent tubing—although you may need a specialized tool to reach. If clearing the vent doesn't solve the problem, something else may be tripping the thermal overload switch, or the switch itself may be damaged.

2. DRYER MOTOR

If your dryer motor starts to show signs of wear and tear, it may get hotter than usual during the drying cycle. This, again, may trip the thermal overload switch. Although the motor may restart once it has cooled down, the problem is only likely to worsen over time. A new dryer motor may be required.

3. DOOR LATCH

Your dryer will not work when the door is not firmly closed. If your dryer keeps shutting off in the middle of a cycle, it could be that the motion of the laundry is popping the door open. Whether it's the door catch or the door strike (or both), replacing this small part is usually a fairly straightforward DIY fix. If it's the door switch instead (which detects whether or not the door is closed), a little electrical expertise may be required.

4. MOISTURE SENSOR

If your dryer is able to automatically detect when laundry is dry, it is equipped with a moisture sensor. It's a convenient feature—but it also adds another potential cause for a dryer that turns off after a few minutes. If the sensor is defective or dirty, it may fail to detect moisture and inadvertently tell the dryer to shut off when the laundry is still wet.

Why won't my dryer spin?

1. DRIVE BELT

A worn, slipped, or broken drive belt creates a distinctive problem: the dryer motor will be humming as usual, but the drum won't turn. Drive belt problems are also the most common reason a dryer won't spin.

2. DRUM ROLLERS

Most dryers are equipped with two drum support rollers—as well as accompanying axles, glides, and bearings—that allow the drum to spin as freely as possible, reducing strain on the dryer motor. When any of these parts fail, the motor (and belt) has to work much harder to turn the drum. It may be a good idea to replace all of these component parts when one has worn out.

3. DRYER MOTOR

If the lights are on but the drum isn't turning and there's no humming noise, there's a good chance the dryer motor has given out. The good news is that this type of issue may rule out problems with the drive belt and rollers. On the other hand, installing a new dryer motor may take some significant appliance expertise.

4. DOOR SWITCH

It's a rare problem, but sometimes the door switch can become loose, which will prevent the dryer from doing anything. This is the result of the door being opened and closed thousands of times throughout the dryer's lifespan. Using a multimeter, you should obtain a zero-ohm reading when the door is fully closed and locked.

WHY WON'T MY DRYER START?

1. DOOR SWITCH

The door switch is perhaps the most obvious culprit for a dryer not starting. If the dryer can't detect that the door is securely closed, it simply won't do anything. Try using a multimeter to detect current continuity. With the door closed and locked, you should get a reading of zero ohms. If not, the door switch apparatus may be worn or damaged. Time for a replacement part.

2. START SWITCH

The power supply is fine, the lights are on, and the door switch appears to be okay. But nothing happens when you press the start switch. The switch itself could be to blame. Test it with a multimeter (or get a specialist to do it). If there's no continuity, your dryer could be repaired with a simple replacement start switch.

3. THERMAL FUSE

Most dryers are equipped with thermal fuses as a safety measure. These fuses blow when the dryer reaches unsafe temperatures. Afterwards, they have to be replaced before the dryer will be operable again. A blown fuse will not have any continuity when tested with a multimeter.

4. CONTROL BOARD

Main control boards rarely falter, but it is a possibility. It's tricky to conduct a DIY test to see if the board is causing the problem, but you may see signs of burning or scorching if something is amiss. The only remedy is to replace the board, which will likely require the attention of a trained technician.

DRYER STILL NOT STARTING? WE CAN HELP

Nobody wants their laundry routine to be disrupted for too long. Fortunately, our specialists are usually able to get the job done in the first visit.

* All you have to do is book an appointment with our local specialists today and we'll take care of the rest.