Is your dryer shutting off in the middle of a cycle? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of this breakdown and what you can do about it. Whether it’s a clogged vent, a faulty thermostat, or a motor problem, we’ll explain these breakdowns and give you clear steps to help you figure it out. Book our dryer repair service:
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Reasons Why the Dryer Stops Mid Cycle
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Clogged Vent
The vent’s job is to remove hot air and moisture from your home. A clogged vent is one of the most common reasons why your dryer might stop mid-cycle. The vent can get blocked with lint, dust, cobwebs, or small debris. This messes up the airflow, and the dryer starts to overheat. Modern dryers have built-in overheat protection, so they’ll shut off automatically to prevent damage or a fire.
Solution
The fix is to clean out the dryer vent and lint filter. You can use special dryer vent brushes (they’re sold at most hardware stores) or a vacuum cleaner with the right attachment. Make sure to clean the whole length of the vent, all the way to the outside exit, plus the area inside the dryer where the filter is. Also, check the outside vent opening – it needs to be clear so the air can flow out. Make sure there’s no dirt, leaves, nests, snow, or anything else blocking it.
Pro Tip:
Clean your dryer vent at least once a year. If you skip this, the risk of overheating goes up, your energy bills can climb, and the lifespan of the dryer can get shorter. Plus, built-up lint is a serious fire hazard.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat controls the heat inside the dryer. It keeps the temperature where it needs to be and prevents overheating. When the thermostat fails, the dryer might stop heating altogether or get too hot. That means either your clothes stay wet, or the dryer shuts off mid-cycle when the safety feature kicks in.
Solution
- Use a multimeter to check the thermostat’s resistance. If the reading is off, the thermostat needs to be replaced.
- You’ll find it inside the dryer’s body. Be careful when working with electrical components – it’s safer to have a professional handle this.
- Once the new thermostat is installed, your dryer should heat properly again without any overheating issues.
Pro Tip:
If your dryer keeps stopping, leaves clothes damp, or starts to smell weird – those are early signs the thermostat might be going bad. Don’t ignore them. Fixing it early can help avoid damage to the heating element or control board.
Faulty Door Switch
The door switch tells the dryer whether the door is shut. If it thinks the door is open, the dryer won’t run. If the switch is broken, the dryer might stop mid-cycle because it “thinks” the door’s been opened.
Solution
- Check if the door is closing properly.
- Look at the door seal – make sure it’s not bent or stuck.
- You can test the switch with a multimeter to see if the contacts are working.
- If it’s faulty, replace it. To do that, just remove the panel where it’s installed, pop in a new switch, and check if the dryer works.
Power Issues
Your dryer needs steady power to run correctly. If there are problems with the power supply, the dryer might shut off before it finishes drying. This could be from a damaged power cord, a loose plug, a blown fuse, or even power surges.
Solution
- Check the power cord and outlet for damage, burns, or breaks.
- Use a multimeter to check if the voltage is right.
- If your home has voltage issues, install a voltage stabilizer.
- If you find damaged wiring, call an electrician to fix it – don’t try that yourself.
Pro Tip:
Never plug your dryer into an extension cord or an old, worn-out outlet. That can lead to shutdowns or even a fire. Keep an eye on your electrical system, and get help if anything seems off.
Motor Problems
The motor turns the dryer drum. If the bearings wear out, or if lint and dust build up, or it overheats – the motor might start failing. You’ll usually hear weird noises like squeaking, banging, or humming, or notice a burning smell when it happens.
Solution
Motor problems need professional help. A technician will inspect the motor, check the bearings, brushes, and cooling system, and look for short circuits in the coils. If something’s worn out, they’ll replace the part or the whole motor. Once fixed, the dryer should run smoothly and quietly without overheating.
Pro Tip:
To keep your motor healthy, get your dryer serviced regularly. Clean the inside, keep the vent clear, don’t overload the drum, and follow the instructions in the manual. That’ll help your motor last longer and keep your dryer from randomly stopping mid-cycle.
Repair Cost
| Vent cleaning | $120-$310 |
| Thermostat replacing | $220-$320 |
| Door switch replacing | $220-$280 |
| Motor replacing | $200-$500 |
Dryer repair pricing can vary based on the brand, type of model, and how complicated the issue is to identify and fix. If you’re experiencing issues with your dryer, our appliance repair Tampa team is ready to help with fast and reliable service.
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6 Comments
What should I do if my dryer runs but doesn’t fully dry clothes?
Hi Logan! Check a few things: a clogged lint filter, a blocked vent hose, or issues with the thermostat or heating element. Also, avoid overloading the drum and make sure you’re using the right drying setting. If everything seems fine but it still won’t dry properly, your dryer may be overheating and shutting off the heat too early. In that case, it’s best to call a technician for inspection.
One repairman told me I should unplug the dryer after every use. Is that correct?
Hi Chloe! It isn’t strictly necessary, but it can be a good precaution—especially if your home experiences voltage fluctuations. It helps protect the electronics and may save a bit of power. However, for most modern dryers, it’s not essential. As long as the outlet is grounded and everything functions normally, leaving it plugged in is fine.
My dryer often makes squeaking noises and then shuts off. What’s going on?
Hi Zachary! Squeaking sounds usually mean worn-out bearings, rollers, or a drive belt. As these parts wear down, they create more friction, which puts stress on the motor. If the motor overheats, the dryer may shut off as a safety measure. Continuing to use the dryer in this condition can lead to serious damage. It’s best to have a technician inspect and replace the worn components.
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