How to Troubleshoot Clothes Dryer Repair

open dryer door

The Spruce / Almar Creative

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 20 mins - 1 hr
  • Total Time: 20 mins - 1 hr
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Clothes dryers are pretty simple machines that use a fuel source to heat air and a motor and fan to blow it around. When they break, however, you may worry that the only person who can actually fix it is a professional. Before you dial your local service, know you can tend to a surprising number of small dryer issues yourself and save some money in the process.

Here are some tips to help you troubleshoot when your dryer isn't working properly, no matter what brand it is, and make some simple repairs. These may save you the expense of a service call or eliminate some issues so the problem is easier for the technician to solve.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Voltage meter
  • Long-handled bristle brush

Materials

Keep in mind that the supplies you need depend upon what your troubleshooting finds.

  • New dryer fuse
  • New dryer power cord
  • New dryer belt
  • Cotton swab
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Rigid dryer vent (if needed)

Instructions

Materials needed to troubleshoot a dryer

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  1. Check the Plug

    If the dryer won't start, check to be sure that the dryer is plugged in. This seems so simple, especially since you probably rarely even bother to look behind the dryer. But plugs can get bumped loose by animals or fallen objects or can work their way loose over time with the motion of the dryer.

    Examining the dryer plug

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  2. Check the Breaker or Fuse

    Once you've made sure the dryer is properly plugged into the electrical outlet but it still won't run, it's time to check your central home electrical box to see if a fuse has blown or a circuit breaker has tripped. You may be able to replace the fuse or turn the breaker back on. This is a good time to check the voltage in the outlet with a voltage meter. Be sure that your outlet is functioning properly. If not, call an electrician immediately!

    If you have a gas dryer be sure that the pilot light is lit and that you have an adequate supply of gas if the dryer is fueled with liquid propane. Both electric and gas dryers require 240 volts to operate.

    Dryer power cords can also fail. Check the voltage and replace it if needed.

    Checking the dryer fuse

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  3. Inspect the Fuse, Switch, and Belt

    If the dryer is plugged in and the breakers and cord are fine, but it still won't work, consider the following:

    If you have had a power outage or surge in your home, it is possible that the thermal fuse in the dryer control panel is damaged. The thermal fuse "blows" if there is overheating or a surge of power. This prevents the dryer from catching fire, which is obviously a very good thing! The fuse is inexpensive and easy to replace.

    Dryers require a door switch to engage for the appliance to work. These switches can break and have to be replaced. They can also just get coated with lint. Use a cotton swab and a bit of rubbing alcohol to clean the contact areas.

    If the dryer heats but the drum doesn't turn, check the rubber belt that connects the motor to the drum. It may be loose or broken and is inexpensive and usually easy to replace.

    Examining the dryer door switch

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  4. Check the Temperature Sensor

    If a dryer turns on and then shuts off very quickly (under five minutes or so), it is usually a problem with either the thermostat or thermal resistor. The thermal fuse "blows" and turns off the dryer to prevent overheating.

    You can check the temperature sensor with a voltage meter to determine if it is working properly. While you're checking these elements, also check the heating element and timer to be sure they are receiving power. Check the user or repair manual

    Replace the thermal fuse. It probably blew when the problems began.

    Checking the dryer's thermal fuse

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  5. Search for the Source of Unexpected Noise

    If your dryer is making clanging or knocking noises, start with the simplest fix. Stop the drying cycle and check inside. Are all buckles on clothes fastened? Are zippers zipped? Are there coins, cell phones, or keys taking a spin?

    Remove the offenders and the noise should stop.

    If your dryer is still noisy or vibrates, it might be off-balance. You must take steps to level the dryer or it will never be quiet and further damage to the structure can occur.

    If the dryer is making screeching or squealing noises, the problem is worn drum bearings or supports. Unless you are very handy with tools, this will require a repair technician because the entire unit must be disassembled.

    Making sure zippers on clothing are fastened

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  6. Clean the Lint Filter

    If it takes forever for a load of clothes to dry and your clothes come out covered in lint, clean out that lint filter! If the lint filter is full, then air is not flowing freely and your machine is forced to work longer than necessary.

    After you empty the filter, give it a good cleaning to get rid of any residue from dryer sheets.  You should also use a bit of rubbing alcohol to clean the electronic moisture sensors (one or two little metal strips inside the dryer drum). You'll get your dryer working more efficiently and prevent a possible fire.

    Cleaning a dryer lint filter

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  7. Inspect the Dryer Vents

    If your filter is clean, and the dryer is heating up but it is still taking too long to dry clothing, there are two things to check. Is the dryer vent system kinked, clogged, or disconnected? Use a long-handled bristle brush to clean out the dryer vent. The vent should be as short as possible between the machine and the outside exhaust vent to prevent clogs. If the venting system is long and you can't reach the entire length with a brush, use a leaf blower to clean the system or hire a professional.

    If you still have a flexible white plastic dryer hose, replace it! It is a fire trap waiting for disaster which is why new building codes require a rigid dryer vent. 

    Go outside and check the outside vent. Most are designed with a trap door that only opens when dryer air and lint are blown out. If the vent hood gets coated with lint, the trap door can't open. This is often a problem in high humidity climates. Check it every few months.

    Cleaning out the back of the dryer vent

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  8. Read Through the Manual

    If your troubleshooting doesn't help, take the time to read through the manual. The manufacturer might offer tips and tricks that work for your specific model. If you don't have the manual, visit the manufacturer's website.

    If you still can't find the answer to your problem, it's time to call in a professional.

    Reading through the dryer's instruction manual

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Watch Now: How to Clean Your Dryer Vent

FAQ
  • How much should it cost to fix a dryer?

    Dryer repairs are generally somewhere between $100 and $400 on average. The price can vary widely depending on the part that needs repairing and the labor costs in your area.

  • Is it worth repairing a dryer?

    It depends. If your dryer is still within its expected life span and the cost of repairs is less than what it would take to buy a new appliance, it’s probably worth repairing.

  • How many years should a dryer last?

    On average, dryers should last a little over a decade. Proper dryer cleaning and maintenance can extend the dryer’s life.

  • How do you know if your dryer is going bad?

    Unusual noises, clothes that remain wet even after the dry cycle, and unexpected stops during the dry cycle all can be signs that the dryer is going bad. Sometimes it might be an easy fix, such as cleaning out lint. But other times a part might need to be replaced.