Dryer Won't Start, Drum Won't Turn or Noisy

What usually causes it

• Door switch. If the dryer cannot confirm the door is shut, it will not run.
• Start switch or control. Worn start buttons and control faults keep the motor from getting power.
• Thermal fuse. On many models a blown thermal fuse stops the motor completely.
• Drive belt. A broken belt lets the motor run while the drum stays still. On many models a belt switch shuts the motor off.
• Drum rollers and idler pulley. Worn rollers thump. A dry idler pulley squeals.
• Drum glides and bearing. Worn front glides scrape. A worn rear bearing squeaks.
• Motor. A motor that hums but will not turn may have a bad start switch or seized bearings.

Dryer not starting

A dryer that will not start may have a door switch, start switch, thermal fuse or power problem.

Check first: Check the door latch and both breakers (electric dryers use a double breaker).

Dryer drum not turning

If the motor hums and the drum does not move, the belt has usually broken or slipped off, or the motor is failing.

Check first: Stop the dryer; do not force the drum by hand.

Dryer making noise

Squealing usually means worn drum rollers or an idler pulley. Thumping can be a worn belt or rollers. Ticking is often a loose item.

Check first: Empty the drum and check under the lint screen for coins or buttons.

Safe checks you can do

• Check the breaker. Electric dryers use a double breaker.
• Make sure the door latch clicks and the door switch actuator is not broken.
• Turn the drum by hand with the door open. If it spins freely with no resistance, the belt is likely broken.
• Listen for whether the motor hums when you press start.
• Note whether a noise is a thump, squeal or scrape.

Parts that fail most often

• Belts, idler pulleys and drum rollers are wear parts and are often replaced together.
• Door switches fail on dryers with heavy daily use.

How your home affects it

In older homes

Older homes in the Houston area often have smaller kitchens and laundry closets built for smaller appliances, older wiring, and shut-off valves that have not been turned in years. Old vent hoses and short standpipe drains are common, and both can make a good machine look broken.

In new construction

Newer homes in the Houston area usually come with builder-grade appliances, and many early problems are installation issues rather than failed parts. Upstairs laundry and long dryer vents through the attic are the norm, and both need attention early.

In apartments and condos

In apartments, condos and townhomes around the Houston area, space is tight and the building often has its own rules for access, parking and shut-off valves. Stacked washer-dryer pairs in closets are common and take extra care to pull out and service.

In garages

Plenty of homes in the Houston area keep a second fridge, a freezer or the laundry in the garage, where summer heat regularly passes 100°F. Garage laundry usually has a short vent, which makes it easier to tell an airflow problem from a dryer problem.

During storm season

Storm season around the Houston area brings power outages, surges and sometimes flooding, and appliances often show problems right after the lights come back on. Do not run a washer or dryer that sat in floodwater. Have it checked first.

When to call for repair

• The dryer does nothing when you press start and the breaker is on.
• The motor runs but the drum does not turn.
• Loud thumping or squealing continues.

If a dryer smells like burning or you see smoke, stop it and leave it off. If you smell gas, leave the house and call the gas utility from outside.

Need help? We do dryer repair across Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. Call (832) 345-9300, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Every repair comes with a 1-year warranty on labor.

Common questions