Speed Queen dryer won’t heat: Expert troubleshooting advice without the high cost

A Speed Queen dryer that won’t heat up is a frustrating problem that can prevent you from drying your laundry. Before you call a professional repair service, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can work through to diagnose and potentially fix the issue yourself.

We’re here to help you walk through the process so you can get your Speed Queen dryer back up and running. Let’s dive in!

If you need any replacement parts for your dryer, 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 part replacement information provided 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 Replace a Dryer Heating Element  

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.

Read more: How to Clean a Dryer Vent

How to troubleshoot a Speed Queen dryer that won’t heat

Find out what’s preventing your Speed Queen dryer from heating with these troubleshooting steps.

Step 1: Check the power supply

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the appliance 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. Make sure the dryer is plugged into the power outlet.
2. Set a multimeter to Volts AC.
3. Use the multimeter probes to test for 240 Volts AC between the red and black wires at the terminal block.

If you don’t get a reading of 240 Volts AC, check the home’s circuit breakers or fuses. If there’s an issue with the home electrical supply, you’ll need to contact a licensed electrician to fix it.

If you got 240 Volts AC, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Test the timer

1. Unplug the dryer’s power cord from the wall outlet.
2. Remove the console by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
3. Rotate the console forward to access the timer.
4. Disconnect the wire from the terminal labeled “H” on the timer.
5. Set the multimeter to continuity mode and use the probes to test from terminal “L2” to the disconnected “H” terminal.

If there’s no continuity, the timer has failed and needs to be replaced. If there is continuity, reconnect the wire to the “H” terminal and continue troubleshooting.

Step 3: Test the fabric selector switch

1. Make sure the fabric selector switch is set to the normal heat position.
2. Disconnect the wire from terminal “2” on the switch.
3. Set the multimeter to continuity mode and use the probes to test for continuity between terminal “2” and terminal “L1”.

If there’s no continuity, the fabric selector switch needs to be replaced.

If there is continuity, reconnect the wire to terminal “2” and move on to the next step.

Step 4: Test the cycling thermostat

1. Remove the front access panel by unscrewing the two screws at the bottom.
2. Find the cycling thermostat and disconnect one of the wires.
3. Set the multimeter to continuity mode and use the probes to test the thermostat for continuity.

If there’s no continuity, the cycling thermostat needs to be replaced.

If there is continuity, reconnect the wire and continue troubleshooting.

Step 5: Test the high-limit thermostat

1. Remove the two screws at the bottom of the upper front panel.
2. Rotate and lower the front panel.
3. Take a photo of the door switch wires, then disconnect them.
4. Remove the four screws that hold the front bulkhead.
5. Lift the bulkhead and set it aside to access the high-limit thermostat, which is located on the left side of the heating element.
6. Disconnect one wire from the high-limit thermostat and use the multimeter to test it for continuity.

If there’s no continuity, the high-limit thermostat needs to be replaced.

If there is continuity, reconnect the wire and keep troubleshooting.

Step 6: Test the thermal fuse

1. Find the thermal fuse, which is on the right side of the heating element.
2. Disconnect one wire and use the multimeter to test the fuse for continuity.

If there is no continuity, the thermal fuse needs to be replaced.

If there is continuity, reconnect the wire and move on to the next step.

Step 7: Test the heating element

1. Set your multimeter to measure resistance in Ohms (Ω).
2. Disconnect one wire from the heating element.
3. Use the multimeter to measure the resistance between the element terminals.
4. Check the meter reading. The resistance should be between 8-10 Ohms.

If the resistance isn’t within the 8-10Ω range, then the heating element needs to be replaced.

If the resistance is within range, reconnect the wire and continue to the next step.

Step 8: Test the motor

1. Disconnect the wire harness from the motor.
2. Set the multimeter to continuity and use the probes to test the two outer motor terminals while activating the centrifugal switch.

If there’s no continuity, the motor has failed and needs to be replaced.

Read more: Why Is My Dryer Overheating? Understanding The Common Causes And Solutions

More to explore

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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