Dryers have become such a standard part of every household that many people don’t notice how much we rely on them. However, that realization doesn’t kick in until the machine malfunctions. This frustrating hindrance is manageable. If your dryer isn’t starting, read on to learn five common reasons why.
Power Issues
The most common issue is the appliance’s power supply. If you’re experiencing electrical issues at home, that may be the reason your dryer won’t turn on. It might be as simple as a loose plug or blown fuse. It's also possible that the circuit breaker has tripped, cutting off power to the dryer. Check your circuit box to see if the switch for the dryer's circuit is in the "on" position.
Broken Door Switch
The dryer door switch might be broken. This switch prevents the machine from running if the door doesn’t close completely. However, the door lever could wear down over time and eventually break. Check to see if the door switch is broken by listening to a clicking sound when you press the button. If you don’t hear this sound, you might need to replace the switch.
Malfunctioning Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse prevents the dryer from overheating. If the temperature is too high, it will cut off power to the machine. However, if the thermal fuse malfunctions, the dryer won't start at all. Check if the fuse is blown using a multimeter, and replace it if necessary.
Blown Motor Capacitor
If the dryer's motor capacitor is damaged or worn out, it won't start. The capacitor jumpstarts the motor using electricity. Without it, the engine won't be able to spin the drum. If you hear a humming sound when you try to start the dryer, the capacitor may have blown. Fortunately, replacing this part is easy and affordable.
Broken Belt
The belt drives the drum and can stretch, snap, and loosen over time. When it breaks, the motor cannot turn the drum. If you notice the drum isn't moving or you hear a thumping sound, you’ll likely need to replace the belt.
Now that you know five reasons why your dryer isn’t starting, you can check for these issues before calling Appliance Medic of Myrtle Beach. We’re the number one Myrtle Beach dryer repair techs that residents rely on. There’s no need to panic when you have an appliance medic on speed dial! Our expert team is happy to check out the issue and treat it with the best solutions.