When a dryer won't heat up, there are a few items to check to diagnose the problem.
- If it is a gas dryer, make sure the gas supply line valve is fully open.
- If it is an electric dryer, check to make sure that your circuit breakers are not blown or tripped. Electric dryers operate on two different circuit breaks. If only one is working, the drum will spin, but there will be no heat.
- If there has been a power search recently, or some other mechanical problem, the dryer's thermal fuse could be blown.
When a dryer cuts out for no reason, after working like normal, there are a few quick items to check to diagnose the problem.
- Check the dryer's thermostat. Use a voltage meter to make sure that it is working properly. If it faulty, it will need to be replaced.
- Check the dryer's thermal resistor. Use a voltage meter to make sure that it is working properly. If it faulty, it will need to be replaced.
- Check the dryer's thermal fuse. Use a voltage meter to make sure that it is working properly. If it faulty, it will need to be replaced.
- Each of these parts play a critical role in making sure the dryer does not overheat. If just one of them is not working correctly, the dryer will not be able to gauge heat properly and will shut off before is it supposed to.
To quickly diagnose the potential problem, try these suggestions.
- Make sure that the dryer is level. If all four feet are not evenly distributed on the floor, the uneven balance will cause the dryer to vibrate abnormally.
- Inspect the dryer drum for loose items that may have gotten stuck between the drum and the dryer.
- Check to make sure that the load your are drying are not knotted up causing the dryer to be off-balance.
When a dryer won't turn on, there are a number of items you can check to try and resolve the problem.
- Check to make sure that power supply is in working order.
- Check to make sure that there are no tripped or blown fuses.
- Specifically, check the dyer's internal thermal fuse.
- If your dryer has a push knob to start it, make sure that the knob engaging correctly.
In almost all cases, a dryer that is not completely drying clothing, has to do with vent blockage. Check these areas and see if that fixes your problem.
- Clean out the dryer's exhaust vent. While the dryer is running, check outside to make sure that the exhaust is coming out.
Long cycles can be caused by a number of things.
- Make sure that you know what type of cycle your are running. Some are much longer than others.
- Make sure that the dryer vent duct is clean.
- Make sure that the dryer exhaust pipe is connected properly, so that it goes out of the house.
- Make sure that the loads your are running are not too big.
- Make sure that the temperature where the dryer is located is above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Make sure that there is enough room around the dryer for are to circulate (1 inch on each side and at least 5 inches in the back). If this is not possible, like a closet, there needs to be some sort of venting mechanism at the top and bottom of the door.
- Check your lint trap and remove all lint build up as well as any dryer sheets that are blocking the lint trap or grill.
