Power
A tripped breaker, loose plug or damaged outlet stops everything.
Appliance problem guide
Dryer Not Turning On
When nothing happens at all, the cause is often power, the door switch, a child lock or a safety fuse.
Short answer
Check that the dryer is plugged in, the breaker is on, the door closes firmly and no control lock is set. If the dryer still will not start, a door switch, start switch, thermal fuse, belt switch or motor may need a technician.
For homeowners with a broken washer, dryer, oven, stove, cooktop or freezer. Not for refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, commercial appliances, parts orders or phone-only quotes.
What is usually behind it
Likely causes
A dryer checks several safety parts before the motor starts. A failure in any of them looks the same: nothing happens.
Door switch
If the switch does not detect a closed door, the dryer will not start.
Thermal fuse
On many models, a blown thermal fuse stops the whole dryer, not just the heat.
Belt or motor
A broken belt can trip a switch that stops the motor, and a failed motor may only hum.
Safe first checks
What you can safely check first
- Make sure the plug is fully seated and the breaker is on
- Close the door firmly and listen for the switch click
- Check for a control lock or child lock setting
- Try a different cycle or setting
- Listen for a hum when you press start
Safety: gas and electrical work
Unplug the dryer before moving it or looking behind it. Do not open the cabinet, test wiring or bypass switches yourself.
If you smell gas, do not switch anything on or off and do not use a phone near the appliance. Leave the house and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
When to call
When to call a technician
Call if the dryer has power but will not start, if it hums without turning, or if the breaker trips when you press start. Mention gas or electric and any recent noises.
Related services
Services that cover this problem
Start with dryer repair, part of washer and dryer repair.
Dryer Repair
Gas and electric dryers that will not heat, will not start or dry slowly.
Washer and Dryer Repair
Washers that will not drain or spin, and dryers that will not heat or start.
Markets and areas
Calling from your market
- Washer and Dryer in Birmingham, AL
- Washer and Dryer in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Washer and Dryer in Huntsville, AL
- Washer and Dryer in Mobile, AL
Markets
Regional areas
A broken belt, a seized drum roller or a failing motor or start capacitor can cause humming without movement. Stop pressing start to avoid overheating the motor, and call.
On many dryers, yes. The fuse sits in the circuit that powers the motor, so when it blows, nothing starts. The cause of the overheating should be found too.
A short in the heating element, the wiring or the motor can trip the breaker. Leave it off after one reset, unplug the dryer and call a technician.
Next step
Still not working after the safe checks?
Call to describe what the appliance is doing and get connected with an independent local provider.