Jan 16, 2006 #1 I have a Whirlpool gas dryer model LHI 5801WO. The door switch activates when the dryer door is closed. You can use a multimeter to test the wire leads connected to the motor if you don’t see an obstruction. We've put together a step-by-step troubleshooting guide on what to do if your dryer won't start, along with some suggestions on what you can try to get it working again (no dryer repair certification needed). When you close your dryer door, you should hear a click sound indicating that the door is fully closed, and the switch has been activated. Symptoms that the board is faulty include burn marks on the board itself and/or parts on the circuit board appear to be shorted out. Dryer Won’t Start? Over time, they become brittle or stretch and fail to grip the drum. The most common reasons for a broken dryer are a blown thermal fuse, a tripped circuit breaker, or a bad door relay. Now, continuing to hold the probes to the switch’s terminals, press the switch itself and hold it. It grips the dryer drum, attaches to the motor pulley, spinning the drum as the motor rotates. It should show continuity or a closed … It may look like a baby or a lock with a smiley face. Next Last. They will be able to give you an idea of what type of repair may be needed and a cost estimate. A broken power cord, failed push-to-start switch or a bad timer can also prevent the dryer from starting. 1 of 2 Go to page. One common issue that Maytag dryers have is the thermal fuse on the blower wheel will blow, which causes the dryer to click but not start. Or does it wobble? After all, a new one can easily cost, Nothing Happens When You Push the Start Switch, If you push the dryer start switch and nothing happens, the problem is likely with the. And if there is no continuity when the dryer is running, this indicates you’ll need a new belt switch. It will power up, but you can’t choose a mode. There should be some near the right and left edges of the dryer’s front, Lift the top of the machine and prop it against the wall out of the way, Using a slotted screwdriver, release the locking tabs for the wire harness plug that goes to the door switch, Using a nut driver, remove the mounting screws from the inside of the front panel, Pull the front panel slightly forward, lift it, and unhook from the bottom 2 hangars, Remove the front panel and set it to the side as well, You will need to lift the front of the drum to access the idler pulley and drive motor, Thread the belt through the idler pulley, push the pulley to the right, and loop the belt over the motor pulley, Reassemble the machine and connect the power. If the dryer still doesn't start, there are several possible reasons, from a door switch that's not recognizing that the door is closed to a failure in the main electronic control board. He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he obtained a Finance and Banking degree. But If you find that the belt is broken, it will need to be replaced. However, on some models you are forced to replace the entire assembly. You’ll need to access the belt and look at it to see if it’s broken by lifting belt up. Some are simpler fixes than others, but if you can do it yourself or call a respected professional to take care of it for you, you’ll save yourself the cost of buying a new dryer! Whirlpool dryer Model LHI 5801WO tries to start, but won't. A failed drive motor or a wiring failure in the circuit could also prevent the motor … … Not the battery or cables, not the starter, doubt it's the alternator but it's not getting spark. This will allow you to release the belt’s tension, so the belt can be removed. The start switch is the button that you press to start the dryer. Go. I've opened and closed door for any trip switch problem. If the other device won’t turn on, there might be an issue with your circuit breaker or fuse. The circuit board is normally located in the dryers main control panel. It may have blown because lint is wrapped around the fuse inside the blower wheel, or because the relay switch on the control board is burned out. I haven't had an oil change in longer than the recommended amount of time, could this be the reason? Thanks by: Richard Thanks very much for your advice Shawn. Over time, they become brittle or stretch and fail to grip the drum. They are made of rubber. I have a Kenmore dryer model 110.62902100. Belts are inexpensive to replace, so if your dryer drum won’t turn, go ahead and replace the belt or have a professional do it. Use a multimeter to test the start switch for continuity. There will be two wire leads connected to the motor. This might happen if the vent tube is clogged or kinked, or if the exterior damper is shut. Not only will your dryer click and not start, it won’t operate again until the belt is replaced. The most likely issues are; The General Electrics dryer won’t turn on. This website was created with a purpose to help our visitors to find proper information about appliance and home repairs. Time for a replacement part. If the pulley assembly is damaged, worn, or simply not functioning as it should, replace it. Just unplug the dryer and plug something else into the same outlet. This part should be tight when you apply pressure to it. What it is: Any appliance that involves heat needs to be safe, which is why dryers use a thermal fuse. If it doesn’t, you’ve found the reason your dryer won’t start – you’ll need to replace the start switch with an OEM replacement switch. At the very least, it’s worth troubleshooting your dryer problem to see what you think the issue could be. Of course, the most common reason the dryer starts okay, but the drum won’t turn is always a problem with the drive belt. I've tried different modes. Why Your Dryer Won’t Start. The drive belt is responsible for the drum of your dryer turning. Replace the thermal fuse if it is the problem, and make sure to clean out your dryer vent to be sure it doesn’t happen again. Contractor's Assistant: What's the make and model of your dryer? The thermal fuse has been a required part on dryers since the 1980s. In any case, the GE dryer not working properly will cause a great deal of stress. Unplug the dryer from the outlet. This Is Why Refrigerator Keeps Tripping CFGI, Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working? - YouTube Spin the wheel on the pulley. Next, push on the idler pulley so it goes toward the motor. These tips may help you determine the cause of your dryer problem. The power starts but then cuts out. Accessing the front panel of your dryer can be a little complex, so calling a professional to do it ensures everything will be removed with care and put back correctly. Learn how your comment data is processed. One common problem that occurs to dryers is that they begin to click but will not start. The first thing you should do is remove all the wires that connect to this switch to test it for continuity. When your dryer won’t start, you want to fix the problem quickly and affordably. You can check by looking to see if the icon is lit. Therefore, check to see if your door is closing all the way (and not stuck on something). With the door closed and locked, you should get a reading of zero ohms. It grips the dryer drum, attaches to the motor pulley, spinning the drum as the motor rotates. Now, it won't start in any mode. If the dryer will start to tumble, the motor has gone bad. Dryer won't start by: Anonymous I have a maytag and when I push the start button it hums then I hear a click and it no longer hums wait about 1 minute I'll hear a click then when I push the button it hums again: leafblower ! If nothing happens when you press the start button on your dryer, you likely have a blown fuse, a tripped breaker, a bad start switch, or a bad door relay. This motor turns the dryer drum and operates the blower wheel. Get Help OnlineOur Technicians Are Always Online and Ready To Help You“How To Fix Your Broken Appliance”. Joined Feb 12, 2007 Messages 5 Location US. If it turns out to be the dryer timer or main control board, you might want to call a professional. This part functions to prevent the dryer from operating after the drive belt breaks. If the board is defective then it normally cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced. When your dryer won’t start, it’s frustrating and inconvenient. The idler pulley wheel sits on a moveable arm to apply tension to the belt. What could be happening? Below, we list the most common problems you may be experiencing, along with the underlying reasons a dryer won’t start. Not to worry. If the dryer does not respond or make any noise, the start switch could be at fault. Be sure to tape the … If not, replace the dirty filter with a clean filter. Any help is much appreciated. If you’re not keen on fixing or troubleshooting a dryer problem yourself, it’s a good idea to call a professional to take care of it for you. Remove the belt from the drive motor and look around the blower wheel for any obstruction that might be impeding the drive motor belt. If the dryer starts okay, but the drum won’t spin, check out for the following issues: 5. If the Child Lock is off and the unit still won't start, continue with the steps below. Thread starter mike_s; Start date Feb 12, 2007; 1; 2; Next. There's likely a lack of power, a blown or bad fuse, or a broken start switch or timer. I would go into the dryer and examine the drum and see if it is in any way binding. After all, a new one can easily cost over $500. You should see the reading change to zero. If you have a gas dryer, it will still run with a tripped thermal fuse but it will not heat. Recommended Services. And if you can manage to fix it yourself or have a specialist do it, you’ll save yourself a lot of money by avoiding purchasing a new dryer. Door Switch. They aren’t simple to test and troubleshoot. With your dryer still unplugged, set the multimeter to Rx1 and touch the probes to each of the wire terminals. A GE dryer that won’t start can take several forms. Electric Kenmore Dryer stopped mid-dry, won't start again [ 3 Answers ] My multi-year-old Kenmore Heavy Duty Wrinkle Guard I (I love it!) My car has an automatic transmission. Does it spin quietly and smoothly? Cause 3. As a formerly licensed real estate agent and property manager of 500 single-family homes, Andrew knows real estate. This is one of the easier parts on your dryer to fix. When your dryer won’t start, here’s what you should check. The door switch appears to work fine. When the idler pulley breaks it may cause several symptoms, but one common is that the unit will click but not start. Could it be the timer or should I start with something else? If the dryer is on but the drum won’t turn, the drive belt is likely the problem. Turn the drum manually while the start switch turned ON. In some cases, you may spend more than the dryer is worth. Model DV42H5000EW/AC When you close your dryer door, you should hear a click sound indicating that the door is fully closed, and the switch has been activated. Not all dryers do, so be sure to check your manual (or find it online) first. Use your multimeter to check the fuse to see if it is a closed circuit (showing continuity) or open (no continuity). If the dryer won’t turn on at all and you know the problem is not the start switch, it could be a problem with your power supply. Andrew Helling is the founder and editor of REthority.com. The dryer motor can't be tested easily. Once you’ve opened the dryer up, you’ll see the drive belt looping over the drum, under the idler pulley wheel, and then around the drive pulley on the motor. Belts are inexpensive to replace, so if your dryer drum won’t turn, go ahead and replace the belt or have a professional do it. Now, use your screwdriver to unscrew the front console panel cover. The location of the reset button on your dryer varies by make and model, but many dryers have a reset button on the control panel. It’s always a pain after you’ve washed a load of clothes and transferred them to the dryer, only to find out that your dryer is malfunctioning. Checking the drive motor is more complicated than checking the door switch or the start switch, so make sure those are not the issues before you attempt to troubleshoot the drive motor. Van tries to start but won't start 5 Answers. Open the dryer door and check if the light inside the dryer turns on. Disclaimer: REthority is supported by ads and participation in affiliate programs. Fortunately, there is a simple test to determine if the power is indeed the problem: If there is a power problem, you should call a professional. Most of the time, thermal fuses are blown due to a clogged dryer vent that makes the dryer begin to overheat. Fortunately, the issues we’ve outlined here in our troubleshooting guide are often the root cause of a dryer not starting. Check the ground connection next by putting one probe on the metal housing of the drive motor and the other probe on each wire terminal, one at a time. These parts are expensive, and sometimes a pro can find a used one for a steal. No Power to Dryer. The bad news is that it’s not uncommon to find that your dryer won’t turn on. Especially if you notice the problem as you’re putting a load of wet clothes into the dryer from the washer. Broken drive belt . You should see a reading close to zero, or at zero. This part functions to prevent the dryer from operating after the drive belt breaks. If you push the dryer start switch and nothing happens, the problem is likely with the start switch. Carefully remove the wires from the metal slip-on connectors, grab the connectors with your needle nose pliers, and firmly pull on them – not the wires themselves. You’ll find the thermal fuse on either the blower housing or the dryer’s heat source: the heating element on an electric dryer or the burner on a gas one. This will pair you with a few local repairmen to solve your problem quickly. It could be one of these issues. Some models are equipped with a microswitch, or belt switch, on the idler pulley. Have you had issues with your dryer clicking and not starting? Even if you feel the required repair is above your level of experience, you can always call a trusted professional appliance repair company. If you’re lucky, the fix could be an easy one. Is your dryer still not starting? The door switch is a safety device that ensures the dryer drum will not turn while the door is open. For these reasons, it’s a good idea to call a professional when your dryer won’t start. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it. We may earn a commission when you click our links. If not, leave us a comment and let us know what you had to do. But as a dryer ages, it loses value. The, Checking the drive motor is more complicated than checking the door switch or the start switch, so make sure those are not the issues before you attempt to. If you can’t see a problem, you can use a multimeter to test the outlet for power (it should read 220-240 volts). Located in the co… Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The good news though is that we’ve seen countless it times and know exactly what to look for when it happens: #1 – Blown Thermal Fuse. You may be able to get the parts you need and fix it yourself in a matter of minutes. Dryer problems range from things like faulty electrical switches and broken belts to burned-out control boards and power supply issues. Try using a multimeter to detect current continuity. Depending on the model of dryer you own, you may be able to just replace the wheel. It grips the dryer drum, attaches to the motor pulley, spinning the drum as the motor rotates. Take note of which wires insert into which parts of the start switch. Locate the drive motor inside the dryer cabinet (all dryer brands have different ways to open and access the cabinet). and bypass the start relay in a similar manner to the thermal fuse to check this component. Circuit Breaker is ON But No Power To The Outlet? Thermal fuses work when the machine overheats to prevent the unit from catching fire. If your Child Lock icon is lit or flashing, this confirms it. If your washer won't start, the buttons won't work, will not turn on, or the control knob won't select a different cycle, you probably have Child Lock turned on. When your dryer won’t start, it’s frustrating and inconvenient. Reach into the dryer and gently tug on the drive belt. This is important! 1. How To Activate Service Mode? If you can troubleshoot your own dryer repair, you could save some money. Check the circuit breaker to see if it has been tripped or if the fuse is blown. Open the dryer door and tape the door switch. If your dryer won’t start when you push the start button, the most likely causes are a lack of power, a defective door switch, a blown thermal fuse or a bad start switch. If your dryer won’t start, look for local appliance repair companies or contractors that have a good reputation and plenty of experience. The drive belt is responsible for the drum of your dryer turning. The idler pulley on a dryer helps secure the belt so the drum can rotate properly. If it’s a blown thermal fuse, you may be able to fix it yourself. The electrical power for a dryer that won’t run is located at the outlet or electrical box of fuses. This is a simple fix – just remove the blockage, put everything back in place, and test your dryer again. Here Is How To Fix it, 6 Reasons Why Washing Machine Not Draining. I checked for erosion around the battery connection and it all looks normal. All Miele Dishwasher Error Codes. Check to make sure the furnace filter is clean. Prior to the use of these parts, dryers were known for causing house fires. Don’t attempt to detach the switch without unplugging the dryer first. It’s also fairly easy to troubleshoot. When you try to fix an appliance yourself without experience, you could end up wasting money on parts you didn’t need and wasting time making repairs that ended up being improperly done. Even if you feel the required repair is above your level of experience, you can always call a trusted professional appliance repair company. It was on timed cycle. It was working earlier. The first place to start when a dryer won't turn and makes a humming noise is to check for foreign objects that may be blocking the drum from turning. The main control board might should signs that it has shorted out. Use pliers to pull on the metal connectors, rather than the wires themselves, to disconnect the wires from the start switch. Be sure to wear gloves, as you may encounter sharp edges. I took the top off I can turn the drum but the belt does not turn with it. If you take the dryer apart and find that the belt is not broken, then the microswitch itself has failed. If the dryer is not starting then inspect this part as a potential cause. Once the belt is removed you can look at the idler pulley. You can be sure that they’ll come out and fix the problem for you. First, let’s rule out a power issue. If your dryer is a cheap or old model, it's almost always better to replace it, as trying to fix it will cost time and money. Dryer motor hums but will not start - How to fix?! This could help point a repair specialist in the right direction and speed up the repair process. Use our troubleshooting guide to decide whether you can fix it yourself or whether you’ll need to call a pro. The following information will take a look at the most common problems and what you can do to fix them. Here Is Why Dryer Keeps Blowing Thermal Fuse. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it. The dryer starts, but the drum won’t turn. My car has 100000 miles. Dryer problems range from things like faulty electrical switches and broken belts to burned-out control boards and power supply issues. Depending on your dryer model, the Child Lock icon may look different. Any help anyone. If so, were any of our fixes listed above the issue? You’ll need a multimeter, a pair of needle-nose pliers, and a screwdriver to diagnose the problem. Follow him on Linkedin. If you do not hear a click when you close the door, it means it’s time to replace the door switch.