Reasons Why Your Dryer Won't Start & How to Fix?

Don't let a dead dryer ruin your laundry day!
There's no greater nuisance on laundry day than a dryer not starting. You've loaded it up and pressed all the right buttons, yet nothing happens—no tumbling, no heat. Before air-drying your clothes or visiting the local laundromat, check why dryers won't start and see if you can get them working again.

 

Reasons why a dryer won't start & How to fix?

The following are some typical reasons why a dryer won't start when used as directed: 

  • Controls Locked: The appliance has the "Controls Locked" setting enabled. The electronic control board operates the dryer's functions and coordinates the heating and spinning actions. Signs of a failing control board include unresponsive buttons or incorrect functioning. 
  • Tripped circuit breaker: If the circuit breaker that supplies power to the dryer has tripped, the dryer won’t start because the electricity won't flow to it.
  • Insufficient duration of holding down the start button: Some dryers require the start button to be held down for a specific amount of time to initiate the drying cycle. If it's not held down long enough, the dryer won't start.
  • Incomplete latching of the dryer door: Many dryers have a safety mechanism that prevents operation if the door isn't fully closed and latched.
  • Selection of an incorrect cycle: Choosing the wrong drying cycle or program may cause the dryer to not start. Make sure you've selected the appropriate cycle for the type of load you're drying.

 

Easily fix dryer won't start problem 

Finding out that your dryer refuses to start right after you've loaded it with freshly washed laundry can be quite a nuisance. But, don’t worry! Use the tips below to diagnose the issue with your dryer, and you'll soon have laundry day running smoothly again.

Turn Off "Controls Locked" Indicator Light

 If the "Controls Locked" indicator light is illuminated and the dryer won’t start when you press the start button, start by inspecting the "control lock" or "child lock" setting. Certain models incorporate these features to secure the control panel, preventing accidental activation of the dryer. To unlock the controls and enable operation, consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to deactivate this setting.

Check the Circuit Breaker

If you're running several large appliances simultaneously, it's common to trip the circuit breaker. If your dryer won’t start, inspect the circuit breaker to confirm that both fuses are securely in place and undamaged. Should the breaker have tripped, either replace the fuses or reset the breaker to restore power.

Firmly Press the "Start" Button

 If the "Start" button on your dryer isn't engaging the cycle, it might be due to insufficient pressure. Depending on your dryer model, you may need to firmly press the "Start" button for two to five seconds to initiate the cycle. Simply tapping or lightly pressing the button might not provide enough time to activate the dryer's motor. Additionally, if your dryer features digital control panels, be sure to handle them with dry hands only, as moisture can render the panel unresponsive.

Check the Dryer Door is Properly Closed

An unlatched dryer door, whether malfunctioning or improperly secured, can prevent the dryer from starting. Depending on your dryer model, it may feature one or two door latches that signal the motor to initiate the cycle. If the dryer door isn't fully closed or securely latched, the cycle won't begin. Check that the dryer door is properly shut and latched, and ensure no garments are blocking its closure.

Select the Correct Cycle

If your dryer begins but fails to produce heat, you may have chosen an inappropriate drying cycle. Certain dryers provide options such as Automatic or Timed Dry cycles, which can impact the appliance's operation. To gain a clearer understanding of your dryer's various cycles and settings, refer to the product manual for guidance.

 

Conclusion

Appliance Giant offers comprehensive solutions for resolving common dryer not starting issues. With expert guidance and a wide range of troubleshooting resources, customers can quickly diagnose and address problems like locked controls, tripped circuit breakers, faulty start buttons, door latch issues, and cycle selection errors, ensuring smooth laundry days ahead.