Dryer Repair Troubleshooting

When socks go missing and lint balls provide children with playthings, all is fine in the Land of Dry Laundry. But when your dryer's drum refuses to tumble or clothes remain damp from lack of heat, both you and your laundry are “hung out to dry.” Before you make peace with a backyard clothes line, tackle common dryer problems with these troubleshooting tips:

Problem	Dryer Repair How to handle/Tip
Dryer won't start	The most common causes include a bad door switch, broken plunger or a blown thermal fuse. Remember to check the usual suspects, too (e.g., power cords and electrical outlets). Note: An overheated motor will cause the machine to turn off; machine may work fine after the drum cools.
Dryer starts but drum won't rotate	The cause is likely a broken belt. Access the belt by removing the cabinet panel and lifting out the entire drum. Other causes include a faulty motor or capacitor.
Dryer not heating	Low or no-heat dryer temperature is perhaps the most frustrating of all-the causes are many:     א  Thermal fuse - if blown, must be replaced   א  Heating element (coil of heating wire enclosed in a metal chamber located in front or rear panel) - test for continuity   א  High-limit thermostat - not designed to activate repeatedly like cycling thermostats (is designed to prevent overheating when exhaust vent is restricted)   א  Cycling thermostat - responsible for controlling temperature inside the dryer drum (located on blower housing or elsewhere in the internal airflow ducting)   א  Igniter (on gas models)   א  Radiant flame sensor (part of a gas dryer's burner assembly)   א  Gas control valve (some models)   א  Coils (found in modern gas dryers)   א  Temperature sensor - must know what resistance is at room temperature to verify if it is defective - test for continuity   א  Timer (located in the control console) - responsible for controlling the dryer's motor and heat circuit
Dryer burns or tears clothes	Likely the result of a worn roller causing the drum to drop-clothes are then pinched or torn in the resulting gap or scorched due to false temperature reading/setting. The culprit might also be damaged glides or drum seals. Consult a repair technician for these complex repairs.
Dryer makes strange noises, thumps, rumbles or chirps	The noise source may include frayed drum belts, a worn drum support bearing, or worn rollers and roller axles. The culprit might also be missing socks or other clothing trapped behind the blower wheel. Follow owner's manual instructions to make these repairs or contact a service technician.

Remember to clean the lint filter and chute, duct, or area around the filter, after each drying cycle. Lastly, always disconnect your dryer from the grounding wire (and close the gas-supply valve for gas models) before attempting repairs. (See dryer diagram)

Dryer Diagram

Image Credit: HomeTips

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