Dryer has a burning smell: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

Too much lint build-up in a dryer can be a fire risk. The heating element can make the lint catch fire. It's best to clean out the dryer and venting once a year. Doing this helps prevent fires from lint build-up.

How to Replace Dryer Lint Filter

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source. Make sure the dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the dryer door and locate the lint filter housing. It is usually near the top of the door opening.
3. Remove the old lint filter by pulling it straight out of the housing. Discard the used filter.
4. Before inserting the new filter, vacuum out the filter housing to remove any lint or debris.
5. Check that the new replacement filter is the right size and shape to fit into the housing.
6. Slide the new lint filter into the filter housing. Make sure it fits securely inside the housing.
7. Run water over the filter to wet it and check for leaks. This ensures it catches lint properly.
8. Dry the filter thoroughly before reassembling the dryer.
9. Close the dryer door and plug the power cord back in.
10. Run an empty cycle to verify the new filter is working correctly before drying clothes.

Repair Instructions:

The main control board in a dryer controls the power going to all the parts. If the board is bad, it could stop sending power to the motor. This would make the drum not turn. Look at the board for any damaged or shorted parts. You can also use a multimeter to check if power is getting to the motor. First check the wiring diagram for the dryer. Replacing the control board can fix the problem if it's not giving power to the motor.

How to Replace Dryer Main Control Board

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source. Make sure the dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the control panel on the dryer, usually on the top front area. Remove any screws securing it.
3. Take photos of all wire connections on the old control board to use for reference later.
4. Disconnect the wires from the terminals noting their positions. Remove any mounting screws.
5. Carefully remove the old control board and dispose of it properly.
6. Position the new main control board and reinstall any mounting screws to secure it.
7. Refer to your photos to reconnect each wire to the correct terminal. Double check connections.
8. Reinstall the control panel cover and secure with screws.
9. Plug in the dryer and turn it on to verify functionality. Test all settings before drying clothes.
10. Refer to a wiring diagram if needed to troubleshoot any connections on the new main control board.

Repair Instructions:

Some dryers use a belt to run the blower fan. If the blower gets jammed or the belt is worn out, loose, or slipping, it can make a burning smell. Check that the blower spins easily. If needed, replace the blower belt. This should fix any burning odor coming from a stuck or slipping blower belt.

How to Replace Dryer Blower Belt

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.

2. Open the dryer cabinet to access the blower housing, usually in the back or side panel.
3. Locate the blower belt and examine it for cracks, fraying or excessive wear.
4. Loosen the blower pulley to release tension, then slip the old belt off the pulleys.
5. Check that the new replacement belt is the correct length and type.
6. Place the new belt over the pulleys, following the same route as the old belt.
7. Ensure the new belt is centered, straight and has proper tension. Adjust as needed.
8. Reinstall the blower housing cover and secure with the retaining screws.
9. Plug in the dryer and run it empty to verify the blower belt is functioning properly.
10. Make sure the blower rotation and airflow is adequate before using the dryer for clothes.

Repair Instructions:

The dryer has a long, thin belt that goes around the drum and two pulleys. One pulley is for tension and the other is on the motor. With regular use, this belt can break over time. If the belt breaks, the drum won't turn. To check if the belt is broken, reach into the dryer and try to turn the drum by hand. If the drum spins very easily, the belt is probably broken. Look at the belt to confirm it is broken. If the belt is broken, you need to replace it. Replacing the belt will allow the drum to turn again.

How to Replace Dryer Drive Belt

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source. Make sure the dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the dryer cabinet to access the belt and rollers. The top or front panel usually comes off easily.
3. Locate the drive belt and examine it for signs of wear and cracking. Identify the path it takes around the rollers.
4. Turn the rollers to loosen tension, then lift the belt up and off the pulleys. Be careful not to tear the old belt.
5. Compare the old belt to the new one to ensure you have the correct length and type.
6. Place the new belt onto the pulleys, following the same path as the old one. Make sure it isn't twisted.
7. Turn the pulleys and check that the belt is centered and tight. Adjust tension as needed.
8. Re-install the dryer cabinet panels and secure them in place with screws.
9. Plug in the dryer and run it empty to verify the drive belt is working properly before drying clothes.
10. Make sure the dryer is not excessively noisy with the new belt installed.

Repair Instructions:

Most dryers have two rollers in the back of the drum. Some also have two rollers in the front. The rollers need to spin easily to work right. If the rollers are worn out, the drum can't turn properly. To check the rollers, take off the belt and try turning the drum by hand. If the drum doesn't spin freely, the rollers may be worn out. Look at the rollers to see if any are worn. If one or more are worn, replace all the rollers at the same time to prevent future issues. You can reuse the roller shaft if it's in good shape. Make sure to clean the shaft before putting on the new rollers.

How to Replace Dryer Drum Roller

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source. Make sure the dryer is completely powered off before attempting this repair.

2. Open the dryer door and remove the lint screen and filter cover (if applicable) to access the drum.
3. Locate the roller you need to replace on the back side of the drum. It will be mounted on a wheel and axle.
4. On each side, remove the retaining clip that secures the roller to the axle using pliers.
5. Wiggle the roller wheel side to side to loosen it and slide it off the axle. You may need to move the drum.
6. Vacuum around the axle to remove any dust, lint or debris. Make sure the axle is clean.
7. Slide the new replacement roller wheel onto the axle, aligning the clip grooves.
8. Reattach the retaining clips on both sides to secure the new roller in place. Make sure they click into place.
9. Check that the drum rotates freely by turning it manually. The roller should spin smoothly.
10. Reattach the lint filter and close the dryer door. Plug in the dryer and test it empty before drying laundry.

Repair Instructions:

Lint can build up inside the dryer over time. It covers the parts inside. Lint on the heating element can catch fire and cause a dangerous situation. Too much lint can also make parts like the motor, rollers and pulley fail. It's important to check and clean the inside of the dryer every 1 to 3 years, depending on use. Doing this lint cleaning helps prevent fires and part failures.

Repair Instructions:

Look at the idler pulley for the dryer drum belt. Make sure it can spin easily on the shaft. If the idler pulley is stuck, worn out, or damaged, you should replace it. When you replace the idler pulley, also put in a new belt for the drum drive. Replacing both together will help make sure your dryer runs properly.

How to Replace Dryer Idler Pulley

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source. Make sure the dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the dryer cabinet to access the belt and pulleys. The top or front panel usually comes off easily.
3. Locate the idler pulley and examine it for damage or signs of wear. Note how it guides the drive belt.
4. Remove the idler pulley retaining clip using pliers.
5. Slide the idler pulley off the mounting bracket. You may need to move the pulley arm.
6. Place the new idler pulley on the mounting bracket in the same position as the old one.
7. Reattach the retaining clip to secure the idler pulley in place. Make sure it clicks into position.
8. Check the belt path and adjust tension if needed by moving the idler pulley arm.
9. Re-install the dryer cabinet panels and secure them in place with screws.
10. Plug in the dryer and run it empty to verify the idler pulley is working properly before drying clothes.

Repair Instructions:

The drive motor turns the drum and blower wheel to push out the air. First, see if the motor makes a humming noise. If it still hums, take off the belt from the motor. Then check that nothing is blocking the blower wheel. Next, with the belt off, try to turn the drum by hand. If the drum doesn't spin easily, find out what's stopping it from turning. If the drum spins freely and nothing blocks the blower, the drive motor may be bad. If you think the motor is the problem, replace it. That should fix your dryer.

Repair Instructions:

Most dryers have two rollers in the back of the drum. Some also have two rollers in the front. The rollers need to spin easily to work right. If the rollers or axles are worn out, the drum can't turn properly. To check them, take off the belt and try turning the drum by hand. If the drum doesn't spin freely, the rollers or axles may be worn out. Look at the rollers and axles to see if any are worn. If one or more are worn, replace all the rollers at the same time to prevent future issues. You can reuse the axles if they're in good shape. Make sure to clean the axles before putting on the new rollers.

How to Replace Dryer Drum Support Roller & Axle

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source. Make sure the dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the dryer door and remove the lint screen to access the drum.
3. Locate the support roller you need to replace under the rear of the drum.
4. Remove the retaining clip from the roller's axle using pliers.
5. Slide the roller off the worn axle. You may need to wiggle it side to side.
6. Vacuum around the axle to remove any dust, lint or debris.
7. Slide the new support roller onto the new axle, aligning the clip grooves.
8. Reattach the retaining clip to secure the support roller in place. Make sure it clicks into place.
9. Check that the drum rotates freely by turning it manually.
10. Reattach the lint screen and close the dryer door. Plug in the dryer and test it empty before drying laundry.

Repair Instructions:

A dryer's control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. If the board is defective, it may interrupt voltage to the drive motor resulting in the drum not turning. You can inspect the board for signs of damage or a shorted component. You can also use a multimeter to test for voltage reaching the drive motor after reviewing the dryer's wiring diagram.

How to Replace Dryer Control Board

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source. Make sure the dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the control panel on the dryer, usually on the top front area. Remove any screws securing it.
3. Take photos of all wire connections on the old control board to use for reference later.
4. Disconnect the wires from the terminals noting their positions. Remove any mounting screws.
5. Carefully remove the old control board and dispose of it properly.
6. Position the new control board and reinstall any mounting screws to secure it.
7. Refer to your photos to reconnect each wire to the correct terminal. Double check connections.
8. Reinstall the control panel cover and secure with screws.
9. Plug in the dryer and turn it on to verify functionality. Test all settings before drying clothes.
10. Refer to a wiring diagram if needed to troubleshoot any connections on the new control board.

Repair Instructions:

The terminal block connects the power cord to the dryer's wires. If the terminal block connections are loose, they can get hot and smell burnt. Check the terminal block for burnt connectors. If the terminal block is very burnt, you'll need to replace it. Tight connections on the terminal block will prevent burning smells.

How to Replace Dryer Terminal Block

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.

2. Open the dryer cabinet and locate the terminal block, usually behind the control panel.
3. Take photos of the wire connections for reference. Then remove the wires.
4. Remove the mounting screws to detach the old terminal block. Discard it properly.
5. Position the new terminal block and reinstall the mounting screws to secure it.
6. Refer to the photos to reconnect each wire to the correct terminal. Double check connections.
7. Use a wiring diagram as needed to ensure proper wire placement.
8. Reinstall the dryer cabinet panel and secure with screws.
9. Plug in the dryer and verify functionality before drying clothes.
10. Test all settings and components to ensure proper connections.

Repair Instructions:

If your dryer drum is not turning, it's probably not because of a bad timer. That rarely happens. First check the parts that usually break. If everything else is working right, then test the timer. Use a multimeter and wiring diagram to check the timer. If the timer is bad, replace it. But again, the timer is not likely to be the problem if the drum won't turn. Look at the other parts first before replacing the timer.

How to Replace Dryer Timer

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source. Make sure the dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the dryer control panel to access the timer. It is usually located behind a panel on the top console.
3. Take a photo of the wire connections on the old timer for reference. Then remove the wires noting their positions.
4. Remove the mounting screws that secure the timer using a Phillips head screwdriver.
5. Carefully remove the old timer and dispose of it properly.
6. Position the new timer in place and reinstall the mounting screws to secure it.
7. Reconnect all the wires to the same terminals they were originally attached based on your photo. Double check connections.
8. Reinstall the dryer control panel ensuring all components are secure.
9. Plug in the dryer and test both heating and cycles to verify the new timer is working properly before drying clothes.
10. Refer to a wiring diagram if needed to troubleshoot any connections.

Repair Instructions:

If the vent line gets clogged or partly clogged, it blocks airflow through the dryer. This makes drying take way longer and the inside gets hotter. It can also cause a burning smell. To keep your dryer working right, you should clean the vent system at least once a year. Cleaning the vents prevents issues like bad smells from the dryer not venting air properly.

Repair Instructions:

The door switch is like a safety guard that's supposed to make sure the dryer only works when the door is fully closed. But as it gets older, it can stop doing its job properly. When it acts up, the dryer may keep running even if the door isn't closed tightly, allowing hot air to escape. This escaping hot air can heat up things it shouldn't, like wires, lint, or even the door switch itself, causing that burning smell. What's more, when things get too hot, there's a risk of lint in your dryer catching fire, which is pretty dangerous. So, if you catch a burning smell from your dryer, it's best to have it checked out to stay safe and keep your clothes safe too.

How to Replace Dryer Door Switch

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.

2. Open the dryer cabinet and locate the door switch, typically near the door opening.
3. Note where the wires are connected to the old switch. Disconnect them.
4. Remove the mounting screws or retaining clip to detach the old door switch.
5. Position the new door switch in the same spot and reinstall the mounting screws/clip.
6. Reconnect the wires to the same terminals on the new switch. Refer to a wiring diagram as needed.
7. Test the switch operation by plugging in the dryer, closing the door, and starting a cycle.
8. The dryer should not start with the door open. If it does, recheck the connections.
9. Open and close the door several times to verify proper switch function before drying clothes.
10. Replace the dryer cabinet panel once done.