Troubleshooting Tips for a Dryer Drum That Does Not Turn

Introduction

Dealing with a dryer drum that does not turn can be a frustrating experience. However, before you start thinking about expensive repairs or replacements, you’ll be glad to know that many dryer issues can be tackled with some DIY troubleshooting. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step troubleshooting tips to identify and resolve the problem causing your dryer drum to stay stationary.

so, let’s embark on this repair together and get your dryer drum spinning again! Follow these troubleshooting tips and harness the power of a multimeter to identify faulty components and restore your dryer’s functionality with ease. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

Basic Assessment

Before delving into the specific components of your dryer, it’s essential to conduct a basic assessment to gain insights into why the drum isn’t turning. These preliminary checks can sometimes reveal straightforward solutions to the problem. Follow these steps to perform a basic assessment:

• Power Source Verification: Confirm that the dryer is plugged in and receiving power. Check the power outlet by testing it with another working appliance. If there’s no power, it may be an issue with the circuit breaker or fuse.  
• Drum Obstruction Check: Manually rotate the dryer drum with your hands. If it feels stuck or resists movement, there might be an obstruction. Inspect the drum and blower wheel thoroughly for any foreign objects, like clothing items or small debris.  

If the problem persists after these checks or if you found issues that require further investigation, it’s time to proceed with more in-depth troubleshooting, including using a multimeter to test electrical components. This guide will assist you through the process step-by-step to identify the faulty parts and get your dryer drum spinning again. Let’s move on to the next stage of our repairs.

Inspecting the Dryer Belt

A worn or broken dryer belt can be a common culprit behind a drum that won’t turn. To determine if the belt is the issue, follow these steps to test and inspect it:

• Depending on your dryer model, you’ll need to remove either the front or rear panel to access the belt. Consult your dryer’s owner’s manual or search for a guide specific to your model online for detailed instructions.
• Once you have access to the dryer’s interior, you’ll find the belt wrapped around the drum and the motor pulley and idler pulley assembly. Take note of how the belt is threaded through the pulleys before removal for easier reassembly later.
• Carefully examine the belt for any signs of wear, fraying, or visible damage. If the belt appears cracked, has missing pieces, or feels loose, it’s likely the cause of the drum not turning and needs replacement.
• The belt should have sufficient tension to turn the drum effectively. To check this, press down on the belt at the center of the drum. It should offer some resistance, but it shouldn’t be overly loose or tight. If the tension seems off, you may need to adjust the belt or replace it with a new one.
• Once you’ve installed the new belt or adjusted the existing one, carefully thread it back through the motor and idler pulleys according to the marked path. Make sure it sits securely on the drum before reassembling the front or rear panel.

If the dryer drum still doesn’t turn after testing the belt, the problem may lie with other parts. Stay with us as we continue our repair!

Troubleshooting the Drive Motor

The drive motor is the heart of your dryer’s drum rotation system. If the dryer belt appears to be in good condition but the drum still won’t turn, the drive motor may be the culprit. To assess the motor’s functionality, we’ll use a multimeter to test for continuity. Follow these steps to troubleshoot the drive motor:

• Depending on your dryer’s design, you may need to remove the front or rear panel to access the drive motor. Refer to your dryer’s owner’s manual or search for specific instructions related to your model.
• Once you have access to the dryer’s internal components, locate the drive motor. It is typically positioned near the dryer’s bottom and is connected to the drum’s belt and the blower fan.
• Before testing the motor, disconnect it from the wiring harness. Take a picture or make a note of the wire connections to ensure proper reassembly later.
• Set your multimeter to the “Ohms” or “Resistance” mode. This mode allows you to measure the continuity of the motor’s windings.
• Place one probe of the multimeter on the motor’s “Common” or “COM” terminal, and then sequentially test each of the motor’s winding terminals. In most cases, there will be three terminals labeled “Start Winding,” “Run Winding,” and “Common.”
  • Test between the “Common” terminal and the “Start Winding” terminal.
  • Test between the “Common” terminal and the “Run Winding” terminal.
  • Test between the “Start Winding” terminal and the “Run Winding” terminal.
• A properly functioning motor should show a reading on the multimeter for each of these tests. If there is no continuity or an infinite reading, it indicates a fault in the motor’s windings, and the drive motor is likely defective.

If the multimeter tests indicate a faulty drive motor, it will need to be replaced. Order the correct replacement motor for your dryer model and carefully install it following the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, check our Youtube channel for an installation video. 

Testing the Door Switch

The door switch is a safety feature in dryers that prevents the drum from spinning when the door is open. If the door switch is faulty, it may interrupt the power supply to the drive motor, causing the drum not to turn. To check the functionality of the door switch, follow these steps using a multimeter:

• The door switch is usually located around the dryer’s door frame area. It is activated by a small protrusion or lever on the door itself. Open the dryer door and visually inspect the door switch for any visible damage or signs of wear.
• Depending on your dryer’s model, you may need to remove the front or top panel to access the door switch assembly. Refer to your dryer’s owner’s manual or search for specific instructions related to your model.
• Once you’ve accessed the door switch, disconnect the wires attached to it. Take a picture or note the wire connections to ensure correct reassembly later.
• Set your multimeter to the “Ohms” or “Resistance” mode. This mode allows you to test for continuity, which indicates whether the switch is functioning correctly.
• With the multimeter probes ready, touch one probe to each terminal of the door switch. When the door is closed, the door switch should show continuity (a reading of zero ohms or close to zero ohms). If there is no continuity when the door is closed, the door switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.

The door switch plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe operation and efficient functioning of your dryer. When the door switch malfunctions, it can lead to various issues with your dryer’s operation. 

Checking the Drum Rollers and Axles

The drum roller axles play a vital role in supporting and allowing the dryer drum to rotate smoothly. Over time, these axles can become worn or damaged, causing the drum to make loud noises or even seize up. To check the condition of the drum roller axles, follow these steps:

• Depending on your dryer’s design, you may need to remove the front or rear panel to access the drum rollers. Refer to your dryer’s owner’s manual or search for specific instructions related to your model.
• Once you have access to the dryer’s interior, locate the drum rollers. They are typically positioned at the rear of the dryer drum, one on each side. Drum rollers are mounted on axles and are often held in place by retaining clips.
• Visually inspect the drum rollers and their axles for signs of wear, damage, or excessive play. Rotate the rollers by hand to check for smooth movement. If the rollers are squeaking, wobbling, or not spinning freely, they may need to be replaced.
• To access the drum rollers and axles for closer inspection, remove the retaining clips or other securing mechanisms that hold them in place. Carefully slide the drum rollers off their axles.
• Examine the axles for signs of wear, such as pitting, flat spots, or excessive grooves. 

The drum rollers are crucial components that support the dryer drum’s rotation. Over time, they can wear out due to friction. By examining and addressing any problems with the drum rollers, you can restore your dryer’s smooth and efficient operation. 

Inspecting the Idler Pulley Assembly

The idler pulley assembly plays a critical role in maintaining tension on the dryer belt, which allows the drum to rotate smoothly. If the idler pulley is worn out or faulty, it can lead to belt slippage or drum rotation issues. To inspect the idler pulley assembly, follow these steps:

• Depending on your dryer’s design, you may need to remove the front or rear panel to access the idler pulley assembly. Refer to your dryer’s owner’s manual or search for specific instructions related to your model.
• Once you have access to the dryer’s interior, locate the idler pulley assembly. It is typically positioned near the motor and tensioner pulley, maintaining tension on the dryer belt.
• Visually inspect the idler pulley and its surrounding components. Look for signs of wear, such as cracks, flat spots, or excessive play in the pulley’s rotation. A worn or damaged idler pulley can cause the belt to slip, leading to drum rotation problems.
• Check the tension provided by the idler pulley by pressing down on it. The idler pulley should provide moderate resistance to the pressure you apply. If it feels loose or doesn’t maintain tension, it may need to be replaced.
• Some idler pulleys have a separate wheel that rotates on its own axle. If your dryer has this design, check the wheel’s condition for signs of wear or damage. Rotate the wheel by hand to ensure it spins smoothly without any grinding or noise.

The idler pulley in your dryer plays a crucial role in maintaining proper tension on the dryer belt, which, in turn, allows the drum to rotate smoothly. If the idler pulley is damaged or misaligned, it can lead to issues with the dryer drum not turning. 

Testing the Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse is a safety component that protects the dryer from overheating. If the thermal fuse is blown or faulty, it can interrupt the power supply to the dryer, leading to a drum that doesn’t turn. To test the thermal fuse, follow these steps using a multimeter:

• The thermal fuse is typically located on the blower housing or exhaust duct inside the dryer. Consult your dryer’s owner’s manual or search for specific instructions related to your model to find the thermal fuse’s exact location.
• Once you’ve located the thermal fuse, disconnect the wires attached to it. Take a picture or note the wire connections to ensure correct reassembly later.
• Set your multimeter to the “Ohms” or “Resistance” mode. This mode allows you to test for continuity, which indicates whether the thermal fuse is functional.
• With the multimeter probes ready, touch one probe to each terminal of the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse should show continuity (a reading of zero ohms or close to zero ohms) if it is working correctly. If there is no continuity or an infinite reading, the thermal fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
• If the thermal fuse is blown, it’s essential to address the underlying cause of overheating. Check for clogged vents or exhaust ducts, as restricted airflow can lead to overheating and subsequent thermal fuse failures.

By inspecting and troubleshooting the thermal fuse, you can identify potential safety hazards and address issues that may cause the dryer drum not to turn. 

Troubleshooting the Drive Belt Switch 

Some dryers are equipped with a drive belt switch that serves as an additional safety feature. This switch prevents the dryer from operating if the belt is broken or slips off the pulleys. If your dryer has this switch and the drum isn’t turning, testing the drive belt switch can help identify whether it’s causing the issue. Follow these steps to troubleshoot the drive belt switch:

• The drive belt switch is usually located near the motor pulley or idler pulley assembly. It is activated by the tension of the dryer belt. Refer to your dryer’s owner’s manual or search for specific instructions related to your model to find the drive belt switch’s exact location.
• Once you’ve located the drive belt switch, disconnect the wires attached to it. Take a picture or note the wire connections to ensure correct reassembly later.
• Set your multimeter to the “Ohms” or “Resistance” mode for continuity testing.
• Testing the Drive Belt Switch: With the multimeter probes ready, touch one probe to each terminal of the drive belt switch. The switch should show continuity (a reading of zero ohms or close to zero ohms) when the dryer belt is correctly tensioned.
• If the drive belt switch is not showing continuity, you can simulate the belt’s tension by manually pressing the switch’s actuator or lever (the part that comes into contact with the dryer belt). While holding the switch in this position, retest for continuity. If the switch now shows continuity, it indicates that the drive belt switch is functioning correctly when the belt is properly tensioned.
• Ensure that the dryer belt is correctly aligned and has the appropriate tension. A loose or misaligned belt can cause the drive belt switch to disengage, preventing the drum from turning.

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing your dryer drum troubleshooting and repair journey! By following the outlined steps and safety precautions, you’ve taken significant strides in diagnosing and resolving issues that prevented the drum from turning. Not only have you saved time and money on professional repair services, but you’ve also gained valuable knowledge and hands-on experience.

Thank you for joining us on this repair! We hope you’ve found this blog article on troubleshooting tips for a non-turning dryer drum helpful and informative. Should you have any more appliance repair queries or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our DIY appliance repair experts. Our website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel provide helpful articles, videos, part schematics, and other materials to help you troubleshoot, replace parts, and repair your appliances!