How do I address a dryer that’s not starting when I press the start button?

There’s nothing more frustrating than loading up your dryer with wet clothes, pushing the start button, and—nothing. If your dryer won’t start when you press the start button, there are a few potential causes to explore. In this section, we’ll walk you through some common troubleshooting steps so you can get your dryer up and running again.

Key Takeaways:

• If your dryer won’t start, the first thing to check is the power supply.
• The door switch, start button, thermal fuse, start switch, and drive belt are all potential culprits if your dryer won’t start.
• If you’ve tried all these troubleshooting steps and your dryer still won’t start, it’s time to call a professional dryer technician.

Check the power supply

Before assuming there is a problem with your dryer, ensure that it is receiving power. The following are some of the things you can do to check the power supply:

• Ensure that the power cord is securely plugged into the electrical outlet.
• Make sure the electrical outlet is functioning correctly. You can plug another device into the outlet to see if it’s working.
• Verify if the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped or blown a fuse. If it has, reset the breaker or replace the fuse.

If the power supply is faulty, it can prevent the dryer from starting. Therefore, it’s necessary to check the power supply before examining other potential issues.

If you need help with checking your power supply, refer to the diagram below:

Inspect the Door Switch

The door switch is a critical safety mechanism that prevents the dryer from operating when the door is open. If the switch is malfunctioning or not making proper contact, the dryer will not start. You can inspect the door switch yourself to determine if it is causing the issue.

To inspect the door switch, unplug the dryer and locate the switch near the door opening. You may need to remove the front panel to access it. Check the switch for any signs of damage or misalignment. If the switch appears to be damaged or not making proper contact, it may need to be replaced.

If you are unsure how to remove the front panel or replace the door switch, refer to your dryer’s user manual or consider contacting a professional technician for assistance.

“The door switch is a critical safety mechanism that prevents the dryer from operating when the door is open.”

It’s essential to note that attempting to bypass the door switch is dangerous and not recommended. Doing so can result in an accident or injury.

By inspecting the door switch, you can identify and resolve issues with this critical safety mechanism. Once you have checked the door switch, move on to the next step in troubleshooting your dryer that won’t start after pressing the start button.

Examine the start button

If your dryer is not starting, the start button on the control panel could be the culprit. Over time, the button can wear out or become loose, leading to unresponsiveness. Inspect the start button closely for any signs of damage or wear.

If you notice any issues with the start button, it may need to be replaced. Consider consulting a professional technician for assistance with replacing the start button.

Note: The image above is for reference only and may not match your dryer’s control panel.

Check the Thermal Fuse

If your dryer is not starting, another reason could be a blown thermal fuse. This safety feature triggers when the dryer overheats, stopping the dryer from functioning. Use a multimeter to test the thermal fuse for continuity. A lack of continuity means that the thermal fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.

Warning: Before testing the thermal fuse, ensure that the dryer is unplugged from the power outlet to avoid electric shock.

The thermal fuse is usually located on the back of the dryer. Consult the manufacturer’s manual to locate the thermal fuse on your specific model. If you don’t have the manual, search for it online using the model number.

Steps to test the thermal fuse:
1. Unplug the dryer from the power outlet.
2. Locate the thermal fuse on the back of the dryer.
3. Remove the thermal fuse from the dryer.
4. Set your multimeter to the continuity setting.
5. Touch one end of the thermal fuse with one multimeter lead and the other end with the other lead.
6. If the multimeter shows continuity, the thermal fuse is functional. If there is no continuity, the thermal fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.

Make sure to use the correct thermal fuse replacement for your specific dryer model. Installing the wrong part can cause further damage to the dryer.

Replacing the drive belt can be a time-consuming task, so allow yourself enough time to complete the job properly. If you are uncomfortable with DIY repair work, consider calling a professional technician to assist you.

Call a Professional Technician for Appliance Repair

If you have followed all the previous troubleshooting steps and are still unable to fix your dryer’s starting issue, it may be time to call a professional technician for appliance repair.

A professional technician will have the expertise to diagnose and repair complex issues, especially if your dryer is still under warranty. Attempting to repair it yourself could cause further damage, leading to additional expenses.

When choosing a professional technician, make sure they are licensed and insured and have experience with dryer repair. You can ask for recommendations from friends or family, or do research online to find reputable technicians in your area.

Before scheduling an appointment, inquire about their rates and warranty for their services. Some companies offer a warranty on their repair work, giving you added peace of mind.

Remember, safety should always be a priority when dealing with electrical appliances. If you are unsure about the repair process or feel unsafe, do not hesitate to call a professional technician.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a dryer that won’t start can be a frustrating experience. However, by following the steps outlined in this article, you can often diagnose and address the issue yourself. Start by checking the power supply and inspecting the door switch, start button, thermal fuse, start switch, and drive belt for any damage or wear. If these steps do not resolve the problem, it may be time to seek the help of a professional technician.

Professional technicians have the expertise to diagnose and repair complex issues that may be beyond the scope of a DIY fix. If your dryer is still under warranty, it’s especially important to consult a professional, as attempting to repair the appliance yourself can void the warranty.

Remember to always prioritize safety when examining your dryer. Before working on your dryer or attempting to diagnose any issues, make sure it is unplugged and disconnected from the power supply.