Common Dryer Problems and Easy Ways to Fix Them

By Dave Donovan

There comes a time in every person's life when the unexpected happens. You throw a load of wet clothes in the dryer, twenty minutes later the dryer buzzes its finale, and you return to find the clothes just as wet as they were when you left them. Oh, the humanity!

But wait - you're a tried and true Do-it-yourselfer, and I'm going to help you fix your dryer. Start by reading our article describing how a dryer works before tackling a problem head on. For many of these problems, finding the solution may require the use of a Volt-Ohm (VOM) reader. They can be picked up at most hardware stores. As always, try to rule out the problems that are easiest to repair first.

Access to most or all of these parts will require removing various parts of the dryer. Be sure to keep track of which screws go where, so when it's time to button everything up, you know what to do. As always, unplug the dryer, or turn the power OFF to it before we begin!

Problem: The drum spins, but there is no heat.
Solution: This could be the effect of a number of problems. Here's a list of things to check and details on how to do it.

Fuse could be bad -- Check the fuse for a break inside. If it’s bad, replace it with an identical fuse.
Temperature switch could be bad -- Use VOM to check the switch. Set VOM to RX1, remove leads and touch the probes to the switch's terminals. The reading should be zero or infinity. Turn the switch, and the reading should change from zero to infinity or infinity to zero. If not, the switch is bad.
Thermostat could be bad -- Set the VOM to RX1, take a lead off one of the two outside terminals and press the probes to the two outside terminals. There should be a reading of zero. If not, it's bad.
Heating coils may be bad -- Set the VOM to RX1 and remove the leads from the coil. Press the probes to the terminals. If the reading is zero, the coil is bad.
Timer could be bad -- Disconnect the leads from the motor. Set the VOM to RX100. Clip the probes onto the leads. If the reading is infinity, the timer motor is bad.

Problem: The motor is running, but the drum isn't spinning.
Solution: Nine times out of ten it's a broken belt, but there are other factors that can cause this problem.

Broken belt -- Replace with an identical belt. Line up the new belt with the markings on the drum from the old one. Wind it around both the motor pulley and the idler pulley.
Roller could be bad -- Underneath the tumbler is a roller that the tumbler sits on. It may have become too worn to work properly and may need replacing. Replacing it is simple - just remove the tumbler to gain access and then remove the retaining clip on the roller and slide it off. Reverse the process to install a new one.
Motor or idler pulley could be bad -- Check the pulleys to ensure they're still in working order.

Problem: The dryer is getting too hot.
Solution: This is a very dangerous problem and should be checked immediately.

Vent could be clogged -- Check both the lint trap and the vent on the outside of the house. If either are clogged, there is a risk of carbon monoxide buildup in the house.
Thermostat could be bad -- Follow same test as described above.
Heating coils could be faulty -- Follow same test as listed above.

Problem: The dryer won't work at all.
Solution: Again, numerous potential perpetrators.

Power could be off- - Check the voltage at the outlet with the VOM.
Timer or thermostat could be bad -- Follow same tests as listed above.
Terminal block could be bad -- Use the VOM to check for voltage at the terminal block. Be very careful here, as the power needs to be on for this test. If you don't feel comfortable, call an experienced electrician.
Start switch could be bad -- Set the VOM to RX1 and remove one of the leads to the switch. Clip the probes to the switch's terminals. The reading should be infinity. Press the start button and the reading should change to zero. If not, the start switch is bad.

These, of course, are not everything that can go wrong with your dryer, but only the most common problems. When removing parts for replacement, I find keeping a notebook nearby to take notes on which wire goes where, to be a valuable assistant. Of course, when you take your faulty part to the appliance parts shop, make sure to have the make and model number for your dryer, just in case they need it. With that said, good luck and hopefully your dryer will be sound for a few more years.