Speed Queen dryer won’t start: How to fix

A Speed Queen dryer that refuses to start can throw a wrench in your laundry routine, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Thankfully, you can usually fix this issue yourself without the need for a costly service call — and we’re here to help you do it!

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Speed Queen dryer while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The troubleshooting information in this article is based on model ADE4BRGS171TW01 and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• 1/4-inch nut driver
• 5/16-inch nut driver
• Multimeter

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: How To Disassemble A Dryer  

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• If you have a gas model, shut off the gas supply to prevent any leaks while you work.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Read more: How to Clean a Dryer Vent

How to troubleshoot the dryer

Follow these steps to find out why your Speed Queen dryer isn’t starting so you can fix it.

Step 1: Check voltage

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the dryer needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Unplug the dryer from the power outlet and remove the terminal block cover on the back of the dryer.
2. Plug the dryer back in.
3. Set a multimeter to AC voltage mode.
4. Use the multimeter probes to test the voltage between the red and black wires on the terminal block. You should get a reading of 240 volts AC.

If you get 240 volts AC, continue troubleshooting.

Step 2: Test the timer

1. Make sure the dryer is unplugged from the power supply.
2. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws that hold the console to the top panel.
3. Rotate the console forward to access the timer.
4. Find the terminal labeled “M” and remove the wire connected to it.
5. Set your multimeter to continuity mode.
6. Use the meter probes to test for continuity between the “L1” terminal and the “M” terminal. If there’s no continuity, then the timer has failed and needs to be replaced. If there is continuity, reconnect the wire to the “M” terminal and proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Test the door switch

1. Use a 5/16-inch nut driver to remove the two screws at the bottom of the front access panel.
2. Remove the two screws in the upper corners of the front panel.
3. Rotate the bottom of the front panel out about 45 degrees and then move it down to access the door switch.
4. Take a picture of the door switch wiring to use as a reference later.
5. Disconnect the door switch wires while leaving the door closed.
6. Set your multimeter to continuity mode.
7. Use the meter probes to test for continuity between the common terminal (bent at 90 degrees) and the terminal farthest away. If there’s no continuity, the door switch needs to be replaced. If there is continuity, remove all the door switch wires and set the front panel aside to continue troubleshooting.

Step 4: Test the motor

1. Remove the four screws that hold the front bulkhead to the frame.
2. Lift the bulkhead up slightly to clear any tabs, then move it down and out to set it aside.
3. Remove the belt from the motor.
4. Use the belt to help pull the drum out and set it aside.
5. Disconnect the motor wire harness.
6. Set your multimeter to resistance mode (Ω).
7. Use the meter probes to test the resistance between terminal 3 and the copper wire on the back of the centrifugal switch. It should be 1-2 Ohms.
8. Test the resistance between terminal 5 and the copper wire on the back of the centrifugal switch. It should also be 1-2 Ohms.
9. Set your multimeter to continuity mode.
10. Use the meter probes to test for continuity between terminal 4 and the copper wire.

If the motor doesn’t pass any of these tests, then the motor has failed and needs to be replaced.

Read more: 9 ways you can maintain your dryer to prevent common problems  

More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Speed Queen dryer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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