Dryer won't start
Updated November 2026 · Sherman Oaks Appliance Repair Co.
Short answer: if the dryer is completely dead, check power first. If the lights work but the drum does not turn, the usual causes are the door switch, a blown thermal fuse, a broken belt or the drive motor.
What to check yourself
- Power. Reset the breaker fully off, then on. For a gas dryer, test the outlet with a lamp.
- The door. Close it firmly. You should hear the switch click. A bent door catch or lint in the latch keeps the switch open.
- Control Lock. A padlock symbol on the display means the buttons are locked. Hold the lock button for three seconds.
- Turn the drum by hand. If it spins with almost no resistance, the belt is broken.
Symptoms and causes
| What you notice | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| No lights, no sound | Power supply, terminal block, or control board |
| Lights on, nothing happens when you press Start | Door switch, thermal fuse, start switch |
| Hum or buzz, drum does not turn | Motor seized or its start winding failed, or something jammed in the blower |
| Motor runs, drum does not turn | Broken belt |
| Starts, runs a few seconds, stops | Start relay on the board, or a motor that overheats |
The belt and the belt switch
One long, thin belt wraps around the drum. It cracks with age and snaps. On many dryers a small switch at the idler pulley cuts power to the motor when the belt breaks, so the dryer appears dead. When we replace a belt we also check the rollers and the idler pulley, because a stiff roller is what wears a belt out.
The thermal fuse
On many models a blown thermal fuse stops the dryer from starting at all. As with a no-heat problem, the fuse blows because of overheating from a restricted vent. Replacing the fuse without clearing the vent does not last.
$89 diagnostic, waived when you go ahead with the repair. 90-day warranty.Call (747) 351-2983