Troubleshooting Common Dryer Issues
Nothing more frustrating when an appliance like a dryer acts up or stops working. Troubleshooting dryer issues like a drum not spinning, weird noises and error codes popping up on the controller are a breeze with our troubleshooting guide.
This handy guide will help you solve some of the most common problems you may encounter with your clothes dryer. For more advanced fixes consult a local professional appliance technician
Understanding dryer types
There are two types of residential clothes dryers gas and electric.
Both operate essentially the same except for the heat source. A gas dryer heats using natural gas or propane and an electric dryer heats using an electric heating element.
These type dryers are vented which means they exhaust heat and moisture through a vent line and outside of the house.
Gas dryers go one step further and exhaust harmful carbon monoxide also through the vent. It is important to keep the exhaust hose and vent clear of any build up of lint.
Common dryer problems
• Clothes stay damp after a full cycle.
• Unusual noises like banging or squealing.
• Overheating or dryer shutting off abruptly.
• Error messages or blinking lights on digital displays.
Other dryer troubleshooting fixes
Troubleshooting Electrical Issues
Make sure dryer is plugged in. Check the circuit breaker to see if is tripped. Check for loose plug and power at the electrical socket by plugging another device or test with a multi-meter. Always turn the power off at the breaker before inspecting or services a dryer.
Breaker and House Fuse Inspection
Check for a blown house fuse and tripping breaker as this can power off your dryer. Reset each and be cautious if the breaker or fuse keep tripping this can mean there is a more serious issue requiring a professional.
Electrical Component Troubleshooting
Your electric dryer has internal parts that can fail our have issues too. If power is available check the thermal fuse and the control board or timer. If your skills level is such that you need help call an appliance technician.
Gas Dryer Troubleshooting
Gas dryers have a gas valve and electronic ignitor that can malfunction or need to be reset if your dryer stops heating. Check the power supply circuit breaker reset the gas valve and check the wiring connections on the electronic ignitor.
Gas dryer burners can also get clogged with lint and pet hair so make sure the burners are cleaned on a maintenance schedule.
Clothes Not Drying Completely
If your loads aren’t drying completely it most likely is an air flow problem. Lint can block the exhaust hose on electric and gas dryers.
This will cause clothes not to dry and can be a fire hazard. Remove the exhaust hose and clean out all of the lint. Also clean lint from inside the dryer housing this is done by removing the back of the dryer or an access panel.
Check the vent on the outside wall too and if necessary clean the lint buildup. A dryer lint trap is available to catch lint. It is placed inline with the dryer exhaust hose and catches lint that bypasses the lint screen.
Drum Not Turning
A broken belt is the number one reason for the drum not turning. Next check the motor and the dryer door switch.
If the problem includes knocking noises or squealing check for a broken stabilizing drum wheel.
Error Codes
Todays modern dryers have displays that will display an error code when something goes wrong. Check your dryer’s manual for what a specific code means. You can also search oline for your dryer model and typically find a chart for error codes.
