Speed Queen dryer stops in the middle of a cycle: A troubleshooting guide

Is your Speed Queen dryer stopping in the middle of a cycle while your clothes are still wet? Don’t worry — this is a problem that you can troubleshoot yourself without the need for a costly service call. Stick with us so you can learn how to fix your dryer like a pro!

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

• 5/16-inch nut driver
• 1/4-inch nut driver
• Hair dryer
• Two adjustable wrenches
• 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 can I replace the heating element in a Speed Queen 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.
• 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.

Read more: How to replace the fabric selector switch on a Speed Queen dryer

How to troubleshoot a Speed Queen dryer that stops mid-cycle

Follow these steps to find out why your Speed Queen dryer is stopping mid-cycle so you can fix it yourself.

Step 1: Check the laundry load & venting

• Make sure the drum hasn’t been overfilled with laundry, which can cause the door to pop open during the cycle.
• Inspect and clean the entire length of the ducting that runs from the dryer to the outside of the home.

Once you’ve resolved any issues with the laundry load size or venting, test the dryer to see if it continues to stop mid-cycle. If it does, continue troubleshooting.

Step 2: Test the timer

1. Unplug the dryer from the power outlet.
2. Remove the console by unscrewing the 1/4-inch nut driver screws that hold it to the top panel.
3. Rotate the console forward to access the timer.
4. Disconnect the wire from the terminal labeled “M”.
5. Set a multimeter to continuity.
6. Use the meter probes to test from terminal “L1” to terminal “M”.

If there’s no continuity, then the timer has failed and needs to be replaced. If there is continuity, reconnect the wire to terminal “M” and secure the console back in place.

Step 3: Test the motor

1. Make sure the dryer is disconnected from the power supply.
2. Remove the two 5/16-inch nut driver screws at the bottom access panel, then rotate the panel forward and down.
3. Remove the two 5/16-inch nut driver screws at the bottom corners of the upper front panel, then rotate and move the panel down.
4. Take a photo of the door switch wiring to reference later, then disconnect the wires.
5. Remove the four screws holding the front bulkhead to the frame. Lift the bulkhead slightly, and move it down and out.
6. Remove the belt from the motor.
7. Disconnect the motor wire harness.
8. Set a multimeter to continuity mode.
9. Use the meter leads to test the motor overload while using a hair dryer to blow air onto the motor. If the overload trips and loses continuity, then the motor will need to be replaced.

Read more: How to replace the cycling thermostat in a Speed Queen dryer  

Additional 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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