Dryer stopped spinning: Common Causes & How to Fix

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:

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:

The blower wheel in the dryer moves air through the drum. The motor that turns the blower wheel also runs the belt for the drum. So if the blower wheel gets blocked, it could stop the drum from turning too. Check the blower wheel and housing for anything blocking it. If you see an obstruction, replace the blower wheel or housing. Replacing the part will help get the drum turning again.

How to Replace Dryer Blower Wheel

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

2. Open the blower housing usually located in the back panel or side of the dryer.
3. Remove the retaining screw in the center of the blower wheel using a Phillips head screwdriver. This releases the wheel from the motor shaft.
4. Carefully slide the old blower wheel off the shaft. Be mindful of the fins, they may be sharp.
5. Compare old and new blower wheels to ensure correct replacement. Make note of the direction and angle of the fins.
6. Before installing, vacuum the blower housing to remove built up lint and debris.
7. Slide the new blower wheel onto the motor shaft at the same angle as the old one. Make sure it is fully seated.
8. Reinstall and tighten the retaining screw through the center of the blower wheel.
9. Reattach the blower housing cover using the retaining screws.
10. Plug in the dryer and run a test cycle to verify proper airflow 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:

The heating element warms the air before it goes into the dryer drum. Over time, the element can burn out so the dryer won't heat up. Use a multimeter to check if the element has continuity. No continuity means the element is burned out. If there's no continuity, replace the heating element. This should fix it so the element heats the air again and the dryer can heat properly.

How to Replace Dryer Heating Element

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

2. Open the dryer cabinet and locate the heating element housing.
3. Remove the wires from the heating element terminals. Loosen the mounting screws.
4. Carefully slide out the old heating element and discard it properly.
5. Install the new heating element in the housing and secure with mounting screws.
6. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect wires to the same terminals.
7. Reassemble the dryer cabinet and double check all connections.
8. Plug in the dryer and verify heat function on a test cycle before drying clothes
9. Monitor the new heating element during operation for proper brightness when heating.
10. If it does not heat, recheck the wire connections on the element.

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 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:

The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to protect the dryer from overheating. The fuse is located on the blower housing or at the dryer’s heat source such as the heating element on electric dryers or at the burner on gas models. The fuse should be closed for continuity meaning it has a continuous electrical path through it when good. If overheated the fuse will have no continuity meaning the electrical path is broken and the fuse has blown. A multimeter can be used to test it for continuity. Be aware that a blown thermal fuse is an indication of a restricted exhaust vent from the dryer to the outside. Always check the dryer venting when replacing a blown thermal fuse.

How to Replace Dryer Thermal Fuse

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.
2. Open the dryer cabinet and locate the thermal fuse, typically on the blower housing.
3. Note which two terminals the old fuse is connected to. Disconnect the wires.
4. Unscrew or detach the fuse from the housing and discard it properly.
5. Attach the new thermal fuse to the same spot in the housing.
6. Reconnect the two wires to the same terminals they were originally on.
7. Refer to the wiring diagram to ensure proper wire placement.
8. Secure the wiring and reassemble the dryer cabinet.
9. Plug in the dryer and verify heat function by starting a cycle before drying clothes.
10. If the fuse trips again, there may be an airflow restriction or other issue needing repair.

Repair Instructions:

A dryer repair kit usually has a new belt, idler pulley, and may also contain rollers, a rear drum bearing, a felt seal, and other parts. A broken belt, bad idler pulley, and worn out rollers or bearings are the main reasons a dryer drum won't turn. So putting in a new maintenance kit should fix the problem of the drum not spinning. The kit replaces the parts that typically cause the drum to get stuck.

How to Replace Dryer Maintenance Kit

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, rollers, and other moving parts. The top panel usually removes easily.
3. Inspect each part you will be replacing - make note of their positions and how they are assembled.
4. Use a screwdriver to remove the old idler pulley and replace it with the new one in the kit.
5. Remove the worn belt and replace it with the new belt, following the same path around the rollers.
6. Check that the new belt is centered on the pulleys and has proper tension.
7. Replace the rollers or axles if included in the kit, transferring any clips or retainers.
8. Vacuum out any built up lint or debris from inside the dryer once done.
9. Reinstall the dryer cabinet panel and secure with the retaining screws.
10. Plug in the dryer and run a test cycle before drying clothes to verify all new parts are working properly.

Repair Instructions:

The moisture sensor checks how damp the clothes are. It tells the control board when the clothes are dry. If the sensor is broken, it may wrongly show the clothes are dry. Then the drum would stop turning too soon. But this rarely happens. Before replacing the sensor, check the parts that often break first. If those are all working, the moisture sensor likely needs replacing. Follow instructions to remove and replace it safely. Take care not to damage the wiring. Test that the dryer heats and spins after fixing. The sensor helps the dryer know when to stop.

How to Replace Dryer Moisture Sensor

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

2. Open the dryer cabinet and locate the moisture sensor bar in the drum.
3. Remove the mounting screws and detach the old sensor bar. Disconnect the wires.
4. Install the new moisture sensor bar using the mounting screws.
5. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect the wires to the proper terminals.
6. Reassemble the dryer cabinet and double check all connections.
7. Plug in the dryer and verify the sensor by running a test cycle.
8. It should shut off once clothes are dried. If not, recheck wire connections.
9. Run a full cycle with wet clothes and make sure the dryer shuts off when they are dry.
10. Adjust dryness level if needed to fine tune the moisture sensor.

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:

An electric dryer heater needs 220 volts to work right. If the voltage is wrong, the dryer can run but not heat up. Check that the dryer is getting the proper 220 volt power supply. This will allow the heating element to heat the air so the dryer can dry properly.