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How To Fix A Dryer That Won’t Start

What would cause a dryer not to start?

Common dryer issues include a faulty door switch or start switch and control problems such as a broken dryer timer or faulty electronic control board: If the drum light doesn’t turn off, a failed door switch is the likely reason the dryer won’t start. A blown thermal fuse often prevents an electric dryer from starting.

When I push the start button on my dryer nothing happens?

Dryer: Why won’t my dryer start? You push the start button–and nothing happens. A broken power cord, failed push-to-start switch or a bad timer can also prevent the dryer from starting. Some dryers use a motor relay to control the drive motor, so a broken motor relay can prevent the dryer from starting.

How do I know if my dryer fuse is blown?

These simple steps summarize the process below: Unplug your dryer and ensure it is no longer connected to the gas or electric. Locate the thermal fuse, as above. Disconnect the thermal fuse from the wires. Test the fuse with a multimeter. If the needle on your multimeter does not move, your thermal fuse is blow.

Why won’t my dryer turn off or heat up?

Common reasons for an electric or gas dryer not heating are a tripped circuit breaker, clogged vent, and no gas flow. Other potential reasons include a faulty thermal fuse and broken heating element.

Is there a reset button on my Whirlpool dryer?

Whirlpool dryers can do many things, such as monitor moisture levels and temperature, reduce noise, periodically tumble clothes to remove wrinkles, steam clothes and adjust the overall drying time according to fabric and load size. However, one thing a Whirlpool dryer cannot do is reset itself by pushing a button.

How much is a thermal fuse for a dryer?

Other Costs to Fix a Dryer Part Material Cost Total Cost Thermal fuse $5-10 $80-$130 Dryer thermostat $3-20 $180 Bearing $50 $130-$250 Roller $10-30 $90-$230.

How do I know if my dryer start switch is bad?

As a safety feature, the dryer will not work with an open door. When the switch is broken, it is unable to tell the control panel the door is shut, so the dryer will not turn on. The only way to tell if the switch is faulty is to take it out of the dryer and test it with a multimeter.

Will a dryer start with a blown thermal fuse?

Will the dryer run if the thermal fuse is blown? Unlike a thermostat that can reset itself, once a dryer thermal fuse blows, it will need to be replaced with a new one before the dryer will run.

Where is the fuse located on a dryer?

After disconnecting your dryer from the power source, remove the back panel of your dryer to locate the thermal fuse. It is usually located on the blower housing and/or the heating element.

What happens when a dryer fuse blows?

When it blows, the dryer stops generating heat. It’s necessary to replace it before the dryer will run again. The thermal fuse is different from the thermal cutoff. The thermal fuse stops the dryer from operating, tumble and heat included.

How does a dryer start switch work?

The dryer’s start switch is a momentary contact push switch that allows electricity to energize the motor. Once the motor has begun to spin, an expanding contact within the motor, called a centrifugal switch, expands to maintain contact after the start switch has been released.

What would cause a Whirlpool dryer not to start?

The thermal fuse is the most common problem with Whirlpool dryers not running. The vent being stopped normally causes dryers to overheat. So if your thermal fuse is bad you should check the vent. To check the thermal fuse, first unplug dryer and remove back.

How do I reset my Whirlpool dryer?

You can reset a Whirlpool dryer by pressing and holding the start button for a few seconds. This should start the reset automatically. If it doesn’t you might have you work your way through some of the individual parts of the cycle until it finally will reset on its own.

Where is the fuse for a Whirlpool dryer?

Remove the back access panel on the dryer, and look for the exhaust duct near the bottom of the unit. The thermal fuse is either circular or oblong, often white plastic with black material in the center and two wire leads. The thermal fuse is mounted on the exhaust duct.

Can I bypass dryer thermal fuse?

The thermal fuse will look like a thin strip of white plastic with a wire coming out of each end. In order to bypass the thermal fuse, use electrical tape to tape the two ends together. The thermal fuse will then be bypassed. Turn the dryer on to a heat cycle for no more than 90 seconds.

How long does dryer last?

A dryer should last 10-13 years. To extend the dryer’s life, clean the lint trap after each use and make sure the outer vent is clear as well.

How do I know if my Whirlpool dryer thermal fuse is blown?

Multimeter Test Remove the two wire leads from the thermal fuse and touch a multitester probe to each wire terminal on the fuse. If you get a reading of infinity, the fuse is fine. Any reading less than infinity indicates a triggered thermal fuse you will need to replace.