Molly Ayala
Electric clothes dryers are a staple in most homes, but they can sometimes run into problems. Common issues include strange noises, lack of heating, failure to start, incomplete drying, and sudden shutdowns. For electronically controlled dryers, the circuit board could be defective, and for electric dryers, problems with the heating element, thermostats, thermal fuses, or control boards may cause similar issues. Basic troubleshooting can help resolve these issues, and there are DIY repair options available for those confident in their skills. This guide will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix common electric clothes dryer problems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common problems | Failure to start, incomplete drying, sudden shutdowns, strange noises, lack of heating |
| Possible causes | Clogged lint screen, blocked exhaust duct, faulty heating element, weak gas valve coils, lack of gas supply, overloaded dryer, faulty circuit board, clogged exhaust vent, failing timer, broken door strike, faulty power supply, small items caught in dryer drum, faulty blower wheel, faulty thermal fuse, faulty thermostat, faulty thermistor |
| Troubleshooting steps | Check and clean lint screen, check exhaust duct, check heating element, check gas supply, reduce load size, check circuit breakers, clean exhaust vent, check timer, check door strike, check power supply, check for small items in dryer drum, check blower wheel, check thermal fuse, check thermostat, check thermistor |
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What You'll Learn
Check the power supply, circuit breakers, and fuses
If your electric clothes dryer is malfunctioning, it's a good idea to first check the power supply, circuit breakers, and fuses. Electric dryers use two household fuses or circuit breakers, and if one fuse is blown, the drum may still turn but there will be no heat. If the dryer won't heat at all, the thermal fuse has probably tripped and needs to be replaced. To get heat, reset the circuit breakers or replace both fuses.
Before resetting or replacing anything, it's important to check that the dryer is plugged in. The plug can become dislodged if something falls on it or if the machine is moved. If it's plugged in and won't turn on, test the electrical outlet with a multimeter. If there's no power to the outlet, check the circuit breaker. Make sure both breakers for the electric dryer haven't been thrown. Sometimes breakers only move partway down, so it's best to turn them off and then back on. Verify that power is coming out of the breaker. If power is coming to the receptacle but not leaving it, you likely need to change the receptacle. If you're uncomfortable working with electricity, call an electrician.
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Clean the lint screen and exhaust duct
A clogged lint screen and a blocked exhaust vent duct are the most frequent causes of a dryer that stops before it has completed its cycle. Lint screens should be cleaned regularly, and exhaust ducts should be cleaned at least once a year to prevent clogs and keep your home safe. Lint can escape through tiny gaps around the edges of the dryer drum, falling into the cabinet, especially when the exhaust vent or vent cap is clogged and airflow is restricted. This lint can then be ignited by electric heating elements, gas burners, or even a spark from the motor, with the flames travelling through the exhaust vent.
To clean the lint screen, start by unplugging the dryer and turning off the gas supply. Remove the lint filter and any screws holding the vent in place, then clean out the lint with a vacuum and dryer lint remover brush. Brush out the lint inside the dryer lint filter opening, then vacuum around the drum. For a deeper clean inside the dryer, open the top or front (depending on your model) and disconnect the door-switch wires in the front corner. Remove the front screws and drop the panel forward, holding up the drum while you clean. Brush and vacuum under the drum, at the top and back of the dryer, and around the heating element, being gentle around wires and mechanical parts.
To clean the exhaust duct, first, pull the dryer away from the wall and disconnect the duct from the back of the dryer. You may need to use a screwdriver to disconnect the vent clamp. Use the hose attachment of a vacuum cleaner to clean in and around the hole at the back of the dryer, then remove any lint from the duct by hand and vacuum the inside of the duct. If possible, detach the length of duct where it meets the wall and vacuum out as much of the duct as you can. Go outside and remove the exterior vent cover, then clean out the dryer vent from the outside using a vacuum. When finished, reattach the ductwork and vent cover, then push the dryer back into place and plug it in or turn the gas valve back on.
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Check for small items caught in the drum
When troubleshooting an electric clothes dryer, it is important to check for small items caught in the drum. Coins, buttons, or paper clips can get trapped between the drum and the front or rear of the dryer. To check for small items, first, use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the drum. If you find any small items, simply remove them. Always remember to check and empty pockets before loading clothing into the washer or dryer to prevent this issue.
If you hear loud thumping, this could be caused by clothing that has become knotted or balled up inside the drum. Remove any knotted items and shake them out before reloading the dryer to complete the drying cycle. If clothing is caught between the drum and the dryer body, you will need to take a few more steps to resolve the issue. First, unplug the dryer and remove the lint trap, as well as any lint that has fallen inside the trap hole or into the dryer itself. Next, locate the screws holding the dryer together at the 12 o'clock position and use a screwdriver to remove them. Then, gently but firmly pull up on the drum to dislodge it from the inside of the dryer and pull it out through the front. Finally, remove the clothing that was stuck, as well as any lint or debris that may have accumulated inside the dryer.
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Check the blower wheel and heating element
If your electric clothes dryer is not functioning properly, there could be an issue with the blower wheel or heating element.
Blower Wheel
The blower wheel is a vital component of your dryer. It provides the airflow that circulates in the dryer and dries your clothes. If the blower wheel is not working properly, it could lead to poor drying.
Firstly, turn off the dryer and unplug it from the power source. Remove the lint screen and the housing around it. You can use a screwdriver to loosen and remove the housing. Next, remove the top panel by releasing the panel locking clips. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the locking tab on the wire harness plug, which is attached to the door switch. Disconnect the wire harness and remove the panel mounting screw from the front panel. Finally, pull out and lift up the front panel to access the blower wheel.
Check the blower wheel for any dirt, lint, or debris that may be causing it to malfunction. Clean the blower wheel and test the dryer to see if it is still noisy. If the noise persists or the dryer is still not functioning properly, you may need to replace the blower wheel.
Heating Element
If your dryer is not heating up properly, the heating element may need to be checked and replaced.
Unplug your electric dryer and go to the back of the appliance to disconnect the large wire connected to the wall socket. Locate the heating element, which is usually at the back of the dryer, flush with the right side. Remove the screws attaching the heating element to the dryer and slide out the panel.
Use a multimeter to examine the heating coils and thermostat. Set the multimeter to 200 ohms of resistance and attach the black and red probes to the leads on the heating coils. If the multimeter indicates any broken elements, try replacing them.
By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot issues related to the blower wheel and heating element in your electric clothes dryer.
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Check the door latch and switch
If your electric clothes dryer is not working, it may be due to a faulty door latch or switch. The door latch and switch are important components that ensure the safe operation of the dryer.
The door latch mechanism is designed to hold the door securely closed during the drying cycle. Over time, lint and dirt can accumulate in the latch, causing it to become misaligned or stuck. This prevents the door from closing tightly, which in turn prevents the switch from being activated. To troubleshoot the door latch, start by inspecting it for any built-up lint or dirt. Use a flashlight to carefully examine the latch and remove any debris with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. This will ensure the metal contact areas are clean and free of residue.
If the door latch appears to be functioning properly but the dryer still won't start, the issue may lie with the switch itself. The switch is typically located on the outside door or under the top cover of the dryer. To access it, you may need to remove the top of the dryer. The switch is a simple assembly with two lead wires connected to it. Before testing or replacing the switch, ensure that the latch is free of lint and properly adjusted. A misaligned latch can prevent the switch from being activated even when the door is closed.
To test the switch, you can use a volt-ohm-milliammeter (VOM) set to the RX1 scale. Disconnect the switch leads and connect one probe of the VOM to each switch terminal. Press the switch closed with your finger and observe the reading on the VOM. If the needle jumps, it indicates a faulty switch that needs to be replaced. The switch is typically held in place with setscrews, which can be removed to detach the switch and replace it with a new one of the same type.
By following these steps to check and troubleshoot the door latch and switch, you can help identify and resolve issues with your electric clothes dryer not starting or running properly. Remember to consult a professional technician if you need further assistance or if the problem persists.
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Frequently asked questions
Check if the dryer is plugged in. If it is, test the electrical outlet with a multimeter. Check the circuit breaker if there's no power to the outlet.
Thumping sounds and vibrations can occur when the dryer isn't level. Level the adjustable legs side by side and then front to back. If you hear clicking or clanking, check for small items such as coins or buttons caught in the drum.
A clogged lint screen or blocked exhaust duct could be the reason. Check and clean the lint screen and exhaust duct.
This could be due to a clogged exhaust vent causing overheating, a failing timer or push-to-start switch, or a damaged motor relay. Overloading the dryer can also cause the drive motor to overheat and shut down.
Electric dryers have two circuit breakers or fuses. If one fuse is blown, the drum may still turn but no heat will be produced. Reset the circuit breakers or replace the fuses.
