How To Fix A Dryer That Won’t Start?

When your home dryer does not start, repairing it may seem like a daunting task, but fixing the dryer is not very difficult. The most difficult part of this repair is identifying the problem part. If you don’t want to call a dryer repairman, we have made a list of parts that are most likely to cause this problem. You can use this list to diagnose the problem and take all possible steps to rectify it. Some of the parts that are likely to cause this problem include:

Door Switch

The door switch allows the household machine to tumble, only when the door is closed. If your house dryer does not start when you close the door, it indicates that the door switch may be damaged. The switch of the dryer is usually located behind the front panel with switch button protruding into the opening. You can check the continuity of the switch using a multi-tester. Most door switches come with more than one terminal, so make sure you check all terminals carefully. You must do the check between the terminals marked “NO” and “C”. The readings of the test should read “0” when the button is depressed or when the door is closed.

Thermal Fuse

This part is found in some dryers to prevent it from overheating. The thermal fuse is a heat sensitive fuse that will only operate when the temperature inside the machine becomes too hot. When the temperature is too hot, it will cut the power supply to the machine which can cause the dryer to become inoperable. The fuse is about an inch long and is normally embedded in the plastic housing of the machine. Some brands of dryers come with more the one fuse. The additional thermal fuse is normally located on the blower housing or heating element housing of electric dryer or the burner housing of the gas dryer. To check the fuse, disconnect the power supply to the machine.

Push or Rotary Switch

The start switch of the dryer is usually located in the main console. When the switch is depressed, it sends power to the drive motor, which starts the dryer. If the dryer does not work when you start the switch, it indicates that the switch may be defective. Just like your dryer service technician, you can check the continuity of the switch using a multi-meter. Before checking the continuity, disconnect the power supply to the machine.

Drive Motor

Most electric and gas dryers have a motor that turns the dryer drum and blower. When there is a problem with the drive motor, the dryer may not start. It may also produce a humming sound, which indicates that switch or winding of the motor is bad. To check the condition of the motor, you must remove the front panel and the drum. You will require supply line voltage to the terminals on the motor to check if it is defective. Since live voltage tests are dangerous, they must be performed by qualified dryer technician.

Main Control Board

Electronic dryers use a circuit board to operate the electric components of the machine. The circuit board is usually located in the main control panel of the dryer. If your machine does not start, this part could be the potential cause of the problem. Some of the symptoms of board problem include burn marks on the circuit board or on any other part that is connected to the board. If the board is defective, it cannot be repaired and must be replaced immediately.

Timer

The timer of the dryer is located in the control console. It consists of a small motor that is connected to several gears that rotate cams. These cams turn electric contacts off and on inside the timer. The machine timer contacts the electric flow to the dryer motor, heat circuit, and the timer motor itself. When the timer is defective, it prevents the power from reaching the drive motor. You can check the continuity of the timer using a multi-meter. This test must be performed only after the power supply is removed from the motor. If the timer is faulty, a repair is no longer necessary because it needs to be replaced immediately.

Terminal Block

If the circuit breaker of the dryer is tripping, this is an indication of a problem in the terminal block. The internal wires of the machine are connected to the power cord by the terminal. When there is a loose connection at the terminal block, it can overheat and fail. In extreme cases, it can lead to fire breakout. You must disconnect the power supply to the machine before accessing the condition of the terminal block. If the terminals are overheating, you must replace the terminal block and damaged wires must be repaired or replaced as well. For complicated dryer repair, contact a professional residential technician to do the repair service for you.

 

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