Common Dryer Problems

Published on
June 22, 2022 at 6:04:00 PM PDT June 22, 2022 at 6:04:00 PM PDTnd, June 22, 2022 at 6:04:00 PM PDT

Below are some tips to help you pinpoint the problem with your dryer. It’s necessary to understand the problem at hand so that you’ll know what’s involved, how to go about fixing it and have a better idea of how long it will take.


1. A noisier than usual dryer

This could be caused by a problem with the drum glides. To perform an inspection, first unplug the dryer, then remove the dyer’s outer cabinet to check the glides. If you see any visible signs of wear and tear, it is likely the time to replace them with new ones. We suggest calling a local professional to take a look at the problem.


2. A dryer that refuses to start

In this instance, there are several things to check to determine what could be causing the issue. Is the door closed properly? If it is, it could be a faulty door switch. Another culprit could be the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse ensures the dryer does not overheat and, on newer appliances, turns the dryer off if any unusually-high temperatures are sensed. The start switch is another area that could be causing the issue.


3. A low, continuous humming noise

When your dryer does not start and emits a low humming noise, the drive motor could be the root cause of the sound. The troubleshooting of this part does call for a live voltage test, so this task should be performed by a local professional.


4. Main control board failure

The dryer’s main control board does eventually fail. A sign of this failure could be burn marks around the main control board’s panel. If you see signs of burn marks, this means it has ‘shorted out’. Although this part is not something that can be repaired, you will be able to replace it with a new one and your dryer will be as good as new.


5. Timer failure

The timer is often a problem, causing the dryer to not function. A defective timer blocks the power from getting to the drive motor. Once you have unplugged your machine, try checking it with a multi-meter.


There could be other root causes besides the dryer itself. The dryer’s exhaust duct could have a blockage, preventing the airflow from flowing to the exterior of the home.


For more troubleshooting tips, this informative article might just have the answers you need: Clogged vents and duct cleaning.


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