Dryer
Won’t Start
When a dryer won’t start, it can be due to several common issues. In this article, we’ll discuss potential causes of malfunctions, their descriptions, and how to fix them. Some problems can be prevented. Remember, for optimal dryer performance, it’s important to perform regular maintenance and cleaning every 6-8 months. Learn more about our dryer repair services.
Main Issues When Dryer Won’t Start
Description and Troubleshooting of Problems
No Power
Electric dryers use 240 volts. If the voltage drops below 240 volts, the dryer won’t start because each phase of the voltage is responsible for a different part: one starts the motor, and the other powers the heating element. The dryer’s electrical system is designed so that the heating element only activates after the motor starts. The motor turns the belt and drum, and also drives a fan that blows air from the heating element into the drum. This setup is common in dryers from brands like Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Amana, Maytag, Frigidaire, Kenmore, and GE. If the dryer isn’t getting 240 volts, it won’t start. This doesn’t mean there’s no power at all; it might be lower, like 120 or 170 volts. A frequent issue is a tripped circuit breaker in the electrical panel. Dryers use two breakers, and a poor connection in one can result in insufficient power, preventing the dryer from starting. You can try turning the breaker off and then on again — sometimes this fixes the problem. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to check things step by step, as there might be a bad connection inside the dryer.
The Belt Is Torn
When a dryer belt breaks due to overload or wear, the belt sensor triggers for safety, causing the dryer to stop. Most dryers, including those from brands like Samsung, LG, Frigidaire, Kenmore, Whirlpool, Amana, and Maytag, have this belt sensor. If your dryer doesn’t have a belt sensor, you’ll hear the motor running, but the drum won’t turn. To fix this issue, you need to replace the belt and, ideally, also replace the tensioner pulley that tightens the belt. Our technicians will also clean the inside of the dryer after replacing the belt, as dirt can sometimes cause the belt to break.
The Motor Isn’t Working
When the motor is faulty or completely nonfunctional, your dryer will stop and won’t start. Sometimes, the motor might run briefly and then stop; this can happen because the motor has an overload relay that trips when the motor overheats, shutting it down. After diagnosing the issue and confirming the motor is the problem, the motor needs to be replaced, and the dryer should be cleaned inside. This repair usually takes about an hour.
A Problem With The Control Board
The control board is responsible for starting all the components of the dryer, and if it’s faulty, the dryer won’t start. Often, if there’s an issue with the control board, you might hear a clicking sound when you try to start the dryer. This clicking is the relay on the control board trying to start the motor, but because of the control board’s malfunction, it can’t do so, causing the clicking to repeat. A common cause of control board failure is voltage spikes, which can occur after heavy rain, storms, or hurricanes. After diagnosing the problem, the technician will check all the dryer components. If the control board is indeed faulty, it usually needs to be replaced. However, if the issue is due to a poor connection, the control board can often be repaired.
Repair Cost
| Repairing the bad connection | $170 — $270 |
| Replacing the belt and tensioner pulle | $170 — $280 |
| Replacing the motor | $220 — $290 |
| Replacing or repairing the control board | $170 — $320 |
The repair cost for a dryer can vary depending on the brand and model, as well as the complexity of the issue.
Contact Us For Any Dryer Repair Service
We’re ready to address any dryer issues, from malfunctioning cycles to complete breakdowns. Prefer not to call? No problem! Just fill out the short form below to reach us. Schedule your dryer repair with one of our technicians today!
Call us today: (863) 594-1784
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Teodor Appliance Repair offers top-notch appliance repair services throughout Florida. Known for our reliability and commitment to quality, we focus on maintaining the optimal performance of a wide range of appliances. Our technicians are experts at diagnosing and repairing issues with refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, ovens, and more. For easy navigation, find us on Google Maps using this link: appliance repair.