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Dryer problems occur at the worst moment possible. Call it the Murphy Law! This usually happens when you have a huge load of laundry. In my case, my dryer won’t start but has power. This happened on the weekend when I usually do my cleaning. If your Whirlpool dryer won’t start, the first thought is to call a repairman. I opted against that and tried some DIY troubleshooting. And, surprisingly, I was able to fix my dryer.
So, if your dryer won’t start, what do you do? There are several common dryer issues that could make it not start. In most cases, a dryer won’t start after a power outage. This can be due to a blown thermal fuse and power problems. It can also happen because of a defective door switch, start switch, drive motor, main control board, timer, and belt switch.
The first thing is to identify why the dryer won’t start and troubleshoot the specific issue. Let’s dive in and see what to do if your Maytag dryer won’t start or just any dryer.
Major Problems Why Dryer Wont Start And Step-By-Step Solution
- Power to the dryer
- Defective door switch
- Blown thermal fuse
- Defective start switch
- Defective timer
- Defective thermostat
- A malfunctioning main control board
1. Power To The Dryer
If your dryer is on but won’t start, you need to check if there is power. In most cases, the power coming into your dryer might be the issue. Is the power strip working? To check if there is power getting into the dryer, unplug it and plug a different appliance. Is the appliance turning on? If not, then there are power issues.
Solution
- First, make sure the dryer is tightly plugged into the power outlet.
- Next, use a multimeter to test for power on the outlet. Make sure the circuit breakers and fuses are working properly.
- In case of damaged circuit breakers, consider replacing them.
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2. Defective door switch
A door switch plays a crucial role in starting and stopping the tumbling process. When closing the door, you need to hear a clicking sound. A clicking sound is a clear indication the door switch is activating. If the door switch clicks, then the door switch is functioning well, and the dryer should start.
If there is no clicking sound, the door switch is defective and the dryer won’t start. However, what if the dryer clicks but won’t start? If that’s the case, you need to make sure the door locks tightly.
Solution
- Before starting any repairs, disconnect the dryer by plugging it off
- Ensure there is connectivity between the door switch and the motherboard. This is done by checking the wires connecting the door switch and the motherboard.
- If the wire is cut out, make sure you remove it and replace it. Use a multimeter to check for continuity. If there are infinite readings, then consider replacing the door switch altogether. You can order a door switch replacement pack.
- Remember, a Kenmore dryer won’t start even when it has power as long as the door switch is broken. This also applies to dryer brands like Samsung and Ge.
Once you have a new door switch in place, your dryer should start without any problems.
- Alternate part numbers include WP3406107, AP6008561, 3405100, 3405101, 3406100, 3406101, 3406109, PS11741701, and WP3406107VP.
- (5) pack of 3406107 dryer door switches with 3-wire harness assemblies | Great for contractors or service technicians
- It is important to disconnect your appliance from the power and gas supply before servicing.
3. Blown thermal fuse
A thermal fuse remains one of the most overlooked items in a dryer. In most dryers, the thermal fuse is set in the exhaust duct on the rear panel. A whirlpool duet dryer won’t start if the thermal fuse trips. In some instances, the dryer might start but won’t heat. A thermal fuse plays a crucial role in dryers maintaining safe and consistent temperatures. If the dryer won’t start and smells like burning, then check the thermal fuse right away.
Solution
First, it is not possible to reset a blown thermal fuse. If the thermal fuse is blown, then you need to replace it right away. One indication to show a blown thermal fuse is when a Samsung dryer won’t start, but the lights are on. Check the lights for continuity using a multimeter before checking the thermal fuse.
Use your dryer manual to gain access to the thermal fuse. Carefully, follow the movement of the wires from the dryer components to the thermal fuse. If there are signs of damage, consider replacing the thermal fuse. Make sure the new thermal fuse fits within the same exact port.
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- ✅ PART NUMBER: 3392519 Dryer Thermal Fuse - PACK OF 2
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4. Defective start switch
An Amana dryer won’t start, or just any dryer when the start switch is defective. A start switch connects to the start button and helps turn on the dryer. So, if your LG dryer won’t start or the Whirlpool dryer, check the start switch. How do you fix a defective start switch?
Solution
To fix a defective start switch, remove the knob from the start switch. Open the control panel and check the wiring on the switch. Use a multimeter to test for connectivity at both ends of the switch. This is done by clipping the probes on the terminals of the switch. If the start switch is faulty, you need to replace it. Get a new dryer start switch and follow the installation guides. Once the new switch is in place, the dryer should start.
- This is a genuine GE Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part
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5. Defective timer
Is your dryer getting power but won’t start? The fisher and Paykel dryer won’t start if there is a timer problem. The same applies to dryer models like Whirlpool, GE, and Samsung. A defective timer can prevent your dryer from starting. However, there are a few cases where the dryer won’t start,t but the timer works.
You need to inspect the dryer timer and ensure it’s functioning properly. Electric dryers timers conveniently allow owners to set the exact time to start drying laundry and for how long. When the feature is damaged, most dryers won’t start.
Solution
- Get a multimeter and set it to RX100 for testing the timer
- Next, connect the multimeter to leads from the timer motor
- You want to check the reading on the multimeter
- The timer is defective if you receive a reading of infinity
- If the timer is faulty, get a new timer and replace the damaged one
- Set your timer conveniently and connect the dryer
- The GE Appliances WE4M532 Timer is a genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part designed and engineered to exact specifications
- Replacement GE Appliances Dryer Timer controls the electrical components and the duration of the dryer cycles
- GE Appliances WE4M532 Dryer Timer has electrical specifications of 115V AC - 60Hz
6. Defective thermostat
A dryer thermostat can be found on the back panel of dryer models. If the dryer thermostat is damaged, the dryer might start but won’t heat. A bad thermostat usually leads to a loss of temperature control. In a case of a failed thermostat, the dryer might indicate error codes of F-22, E1, or F-23.
There are several causes of a defective dryer thermostat. First, a frayed wire can affect the thermostat. Secondly, a blown thermal fuse too close to the thermostat can affect the thermostat’s functionality.
Solution
- Test your dryer thermostat using a multimeter for continuity
- The test should give readings of zero or infinity
- If the multimeter provides readings of infinity, then consider replacing the thermostat
- Buy a new thermostat and follow manual directions to replace it
- Open the back panel to access the old thermostat
- As always, make sure the dryer is disconnected from the power socket
- Remove the wires connecting to the old thermostat and place the new thermostat in place
- Fix the wires back and work backward
- Connect the dryer and start it
- It should work and heat clothes at the right temperatures
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7. Malfunctioning main control board
The main control board is the foundation of every dryer. In most cases, a dryer turns on but won’t start if the control board is defective. A dryer light flashing that won’t start is an indication of a damaged component on the main control board. This happens when the dryer relay switch on the control board burns out.
It can also happen when the switch is stuck on and the dryer says sensing but won’t start. In most cases, there is a damaged component on the main control board. So how do you fix a damaged main control board?
Solution
If an Inglis dryer won’t start because of a defective main control board, the only solution is to replace the control board. In the dryer DIY manual, there is a guide that shows the control board location and how to replace it. While the board access might vary depending on the dryer model, the replacement process is the same if a Ge dryer won’t start or an Electrolux dryer won’t start. Follow the steps below to replace your main control board:
- Disconnect power by unplugging
- Remove the cover on the main electronic control board using a screwdriver
- Detach wires that connect to the main control board
- Take out the old control board using a slot screwdriver
- Install the new control board
- Fix the wires to their ports
- Reinstall the dryer cover
- Restore power and connect the dryer
The dryer should turn on and work normally when you have a new control board in place. While electric control boards can be repaired, getting a new one is always recommended.
- Whirlpool genuine part
- Fits various dryer models
- Quality appliance replacement part
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Won’t My Dryer Start All Of A Sudden?
Your dryer won’t start all of a sudden because of common dryer issues. Some of the major issues include a faulty door switch, a damaged timer, control problems, and a faulty electronic control board. You need to look for signs why the dryer won’t turn on. For example, a dryer won’t start after a heavy load. If that is the reason, reduce the load and try restarting the dryer again. Other causes include a blown thermal fuse, a failed start switch, and much more.
2. What Can Cause A Dryer To Not Turn On?
There are several reasons that can cause a dryer not to turn on. The most common causes include a faulty drive motor, start switch, timer belt switch, and main control board. This can also happen when there are power problems. A dryer must get the right power voltage to operate normally. A blown thermal fuse can also prevent a dryer from turning on.
3. When I Push The Start Button On My Dryer Nothing Happens?
When you push the dryer start button and nothing happens, it can be an indication of a failed start switch, timer, or broken power cord. Additionally, a broken motor relay can prevent a dryer from starting. In electric dryers, a blown thermal fuse can prevent a dryer from starting. When such happens, the start button will not start the dryer.
4. What Do You Do When Your Dryer Won’t Start?
If your dryer makes a buzzing noise and won’t start, the first thing to do is disconnect it from power. Next, you need to diagnose it for the likely cause. Check for the common error codes, thermal fuse, start switch, and timer. You need a multimeter to check for the power continuity of the dryer’s major components. This should identify the dryer problem. Once you know the defective part, get a replacement right away!
5. How Do I Know Of A Blown Thermal Fuse?
You can know if the dryer thermal fuse is blown by testing it using a multimeter. Connect your multimeter to the thermal fuse terminals. The multimeter needs to show a reading. If there is no reading, then the fuse is blown and needs replacing. Continuity is a clear indication the thermal fuse is working and power is getting to the dryer. However, if there is no continuity, the fuse needs replacing and not repairing.
Conclusion
Well, that’s it! Can you now troubleshoot and fix a dryer that wont start? Our list of common dryer problems gives you reasons why your dryer might not be starting. While there might be other issues, these are the most common causes of dryers not starting. What’s more, most problems are simple and easy to troubleshoot and fix at home. If a dryer won’t start, identify the cause, get a replacement, and fix the issue. Whatever you decide, make sure you put your safety first. Always disconnect the dryer before attempting any repairs.
