Dryer not heating: Common Causes & How to Fix

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:

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:

Gas dryers have gas valve solenoids that open to let gas flow to the burner. If they fail, the dryer won't heat up. To check, look at the igniter. If it glows but doesn't light the gas, the solenoid is bad. If one or more solenoids are defective, replace them all together. That way the dryer will heat right. The igniter working but not lighting the gas means the gas valve solenoid isn't opening. Replace all the solenoids so the gas can flow again.

How to Replace Dryer Gas Valve Solenoid

1. Unplug the dryer and turn off the gas supply. Make sure all power is disconnected.

2. Open the dryer cabinet and locate the gas valve and solenoid.
3. Disconnect the gas supply line and wires from the old solenoid.
4. Remove the mounting screws to detach the solenoid from the gas valve.
5. Attach the new solenoid to the valve using the mounting screws.
6. Reconnect the gas supply line to the inlet side of the new solenoid.
7. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect wires to the proper terminals.
8. Check for gas leaks by spraying soapy water on connections. Bubbles indicate a leak.
9. Turn on gas supply and plug in dryer. Verify heat function on a cycle.
10. If igniter fails to light, recheck wiring connections on the new solenoid.

Repair Instructions:

The igniter uses heat to light the gas burner. If the igniter is broken, the gas won't ignite and the dryer won't heat up. Use a multimeter to test if the igniter has continuity. No continuity means the igniter is burned out. If there is no continuity, replace the igniter. This should allow the igniter to heat up and ignite the gas again so the dryer can heat.

How to Replace Dryer Igniter

1. Unplug the dryer and turn off the gas supply valve. Make sure all power is disconnected.

2. Open the dryer cabinet and locate the igniter assembly on the burner housing.
3. Disconnect the igniter wires and remove the mounting screws. Detach the old igniter.
4. Install the new igniter assembly using the mounting screws to secure it in place.
5. Reconnect the wires to the igniter, matching wire colors. Refer to the wiring diagram.
6. Turn on the gas supply and plug in the dryer power cord.
7. Run a test heating cycle and inspect that the igniter is glowing red to ignite the gas.
8. If it fails to light, recheck the wire connections on the new igniter.
9. Allow the dryer to fully heat and cool down to verify proper operation before drying clothes.
10. Replace the dryer cabinet once done.

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:

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 assembly. This should fix it so the assembly heats the air again and the dryer can heat properly.

How to Replace Dryer Heating Element Assembly

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. Disconnect the wires from the terminals on the heating element assembly.
4. Remove the mounting screws and carefully slide out the old assembly.
5. Install the new heating element assembly using mounting screws to secure it in place.
6. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect the wires to the proper terminals.
7. Reassemble the dryer, replace the cabinet panel, and double check connections.
8. Plug in the dryer and verify heat function on a test cycle before drying clothes.
9. Monitor the heating element during operation for proper brightness when activated.
10. If it does not heat, recheck the wire connections on the new assembly.

Repair Instructions:

On gas dryers, the flame sensor detects heat from the flame. If it's not working, the dryer won't heat up. First check the igniter and thermal fuse. Then use a multimeter to test the sensor. Check for continuity at room temperature. If there's no continuity, the sensor is defective. Replace it if there's no continuity. That should fix it so the sensor can detect the flame again and allow the dryer to heat. Checking the main parts first, then testing the sensor will show if it needs to be replaced.

How to Replace Dryer Flame Sensor

1. Unplug the dryer and turn off the gas supply valve. Make sure all power is disconnected.

2. Open the dryer cabinet and locate the flame sensor on the burner assembly.
3. Disconnect the sensor wire and remove the mounting screw. Detach the old sensor.
4. Install the new flame sensor using the mounting screw to secure it in place.
5. Reconnect the wire to the terminal on the new sensor. Refer to the wiring diagram.
6. Turn on the gas supply and plug in the dryer power cord.
7. Run a test heating cycle and inspect that the burner ignites properly.
8. If the burner fails to light, recheck the wire connection on the new sensor.
9. Allow the dryer to fully heat and cool to verify proper operation before drying clothes.
10. Replace the dryer cabinet panel once done.

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 high-limit thermostat watches the temperature inside the dryer. It turns the burner off if the dryer gets too hot. If the thermostat is broken, it might turn the burner off even if the dryer is not too hot. But this rarely happens. Before replacing the thermostat, check the other parts that often break. If the other parts are all working, use a multimeter to test if the thermostat is working. See if electricity can pass through it. If the thermostat does not let electricity through, it needs to be replaced. Only replace it if testing shows it is broken.

How to Replace Dryer High Limit Thermostat

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

2. Open the dryer cabinet and locate the high limit thermostat on the blower or heater housing.
3. Note which two wires are connected to the old thermostat, then disconnect them.
4. Unscrew or detach the old high limit thermostat and remove it from the housing.
5. Install the new high limit thermostat in the same location and secure it.
6. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect the two wires to the proper terminals.
7. Reassemble the dryer and double check that all connections are secure.
8. Plug in the dryer and verify heat shuts off on a test cycle once it gets too hot.
9. If it fails to do so, recheck the wire connections on the new high limit thermostat.
10. Run a full cycle to confirm proper dryer temperature regulation.

Repair Instructions:

The dryer has a part called a thermistor. The thermistor checks the temperature of the heating part of the dryer. When the heating part gets hot enough, the thermistor turns the heat off. This helps prevent the dryer from getting too hot. If the thermistor is broken, it might not turn the heat on at all. So the dryer won't heat up like it should. The thermistor is an important safety part. It makes sure the dryer doesn't overheat. If your dryer isn't heating, the thermistor could be faulty. It may need to be replaced.

How to Replace Dryer Thermistor

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

2. Open the dryer cabinet and locate the thermistor on the blower housing or heating element.
3. Note which wires are connected to the old thermistor, then disconnect them.
4. Unscrew or detach the thermistor from the dryer housing and remove it.
5. Install the new thermistor in the same spot as the old one and secure it.
6. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect the wires to the proper terminals.
7. Reassemble the dryer, close up the cabinet, and double check connections.
8. Plug in the dryer and verify temperature sensing on a test cycle.
9. If it is not working, recheck the wire connections on the new thermistor.
10. Run a full cycle allowing it to heat up and cool down to test thermistor function.

Repair Instructions:

The cycling thermostat turns the heat on and off to keep the air temperature right. If it is broken, the dryer won't heat up. But this rarely happens. Before replacing the thermostat, check the parts that often break first. If those parts are all working, use a multimeter to test the thermostat. Check if electricity can pass through it. If electricity cannot pass through, the thermostat needs replacing. Only replace it if testing shows it is broken. Follow safety tips when testing. Make sure to unplug the dryer before testing inside.

How to Replace Dryer Cycling Thermostat

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

2. Open the dryer cabinet and locate the cycling thermostat on the blower housing.
3. Note which two wires are connected, then disconnect them from the old thermostat.
4. Unscrew or remove the retaining clip to detach the old cycling thermostat.
5. Install the new cycling thermostat in the same spot and secure it.
6. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect the two wires to the proper terminals.
7. Reassemble the dryer cabinet and double check all connections.
8. Plug in the dryer and verify it cycles heat on and off during a test cycle.
9. If it fails to cycle properly, recheck the wire connections on the new thermostat.
10. Allow it to fully heat up and cool down to confirm proper thermostat function.

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:

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 gas valve in a dryer opens to let gas flow to the burner tube. The gas ignites into a flame. This flame heats the air moving through the drum. If the gas valve is broken, it may not open to allow gas to reach the burner. Then the dryer cannot heat the air. Without hot air, the clothes will not dry. Before replacing the gas valve, check that the gas supply line has pressure. Make sure the igniter clicks. If those are okay, the gas valve likely needs replacing. Follow safety precautions when working with gas appliances. Make sure to shut off the gas supply before starting.

How to Replace Dryer Gas Valve Assembly

1. Unplug the dryer and turn off the gas supply line. Make sure all power is disconnected.

2. Open the dryer cabinet and locate the gas valve assembly.
3. Disconnect the gas supply line and wires leading to the valve assembly.
4. Remove the mounting screws to detach the old valve assembly.
5. Install the new gas valve assembly using mounting screws to secure it in place.
6. Reconnect the gas supply line to the inlet side of the new valve.
7. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect wires to proper terminals.
8. Check for gas leaks by spraying soapy water on connections. Bubbles indicate a leak.
9. Turn on gas supply and plug in dryer power cord.
10. Verify ignition and heat function on a test cycle before drying clothes.

Repair Instructions:

Make sure the dryer is set to the right heat setting. The setting may have accidentally been changed to no heat. Check that it's on a heating option, not air fluff or air dry. That should allow the dryer to heat up again.

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.