Dryer won't start
A dryer that won't start is often something simple: a tripped breaker, a door that isn't closing the switch, or a child lock. If the dryer has power but won't run, a blown thermal fuse is a common cause, and it almost always blows because the vent is clogged. Work through what happens when you press start to find which one you're dealing with. A blown thermal fuse is a symptom, not the problem. The vent is usually why it blew.
What a dryer needs to start
A dryer needs power, a closed door and a working start switch to run. It also has a , a small safety part that blows if the dryer overheats. On many dryers a blown fuse stops the dryer from starting at all, and on others it only cuts the heat. If it runs but stays cold, see our dryer not heating guide.
Electric dryers use a double breaker. If it has partly tripped or failed, the drum may turn but won't heat, or the dryer may not start at all. Gas dryers plug into a regular outlet for the drum and controls.
Why a dryer won't start
It may not look tripped.
Lint or a broken part stops it from closing.
Almost always from a clogged vent.
Control lock is on or the button has failed.
| You notice | Likely cause | Start at |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing at all | Power | Step 2 |
| Lights on, won't start | Door switch, lock or start switch | Step 3 |
| Hums or clicks, drum doesn't turn | Belt, motor or jammed drum | Call a pro |
| Starts, then stops | Overheating from a clogged vent | Step 6 |
Let's fix it
- Notice what happens when you press startNothing at all points to power. Lights on but no start points to the door, the start switch or a lock setting. A hum or click with no tumbling points to the motor or a jammed drum. Starting then stopping often means overheating.
- Check the powerMake sure the plug is fully in. Check the breaker; an electric dryer's double breaker may look on even when it has tripped. Reset it once by turning it fully off, then on. If it trips again, stop and call an electrician.
- Check the door and lock settingsClose the door firmly. Look inside the door opening for the small switch and make sure lint or a bent part isn't keeping it from pressing in. Check that the control lock or child lock isn't on; many dryers show a lock light.
- Press and hold startOn many dryers you have to hold the start button for a second or two. If the display lights up but nothing happens when you hold it, the start switch or the controls may have failed.
- Test the thermal fuseUnplug the dryer or turn off its breaker, and turn off the gas valve on a gas dryer. Remove the back panel. On many dryers, the thermal fuse is a small part on the exhaust duct near the blower; some models put it elsewhere, so check the wiring diagram, often taped inside a panel. Don't confuse it with the high-limit thermostat on the heater housing. Set a multimeter to continuity and touch the fuse's two terminals. No beep means it's blown. Replace it with the exact part for your model.
- Clean the vent before running it againA blown fuse is a warning that the dryer got too hot. Clean the lint trap housing and the vent duct all the way outside before using the dryer again, or the new fuse will blow too.
- Test a full cyclePut everything back, restore the power and gas, and run a load. Check outside that air is blowing strongly from the . If the dryer hums without turning, stop it and call a repair tech.
Watch it done
- The dryer starts when you press start
- It runs through a full cycle without stopping
- Warm air blows strongly from the vent outside
New fuse blew again? The dryer is overheating; call a repair tech.
If it still won't start
If it runs but makes a loud noise, there's a separate guide for a dryer making noise.
If the dryer starts but stops after a few minutes, it's probably overheating. Clean the vent and check the vent hood outside for a stuck flap or a bird's nest.
If it hums but the drum won't turn, a broken drive belt or a failing motor is likely. Turn it off right away so the motor doesn't overheat.
What a pro typically charges (a rough estimate; prices vary by area): A repair visit usually runs $100–$250. Replacing a thermal fuse or door switch typically costs $120–$250, and a motor $300–$550 including labor.
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Dryer won't start questions
Why won't my dryer start but has power?
Usually the door switch, a control lock, the start switch or a blown thermal fuse.
What causes a dryer thermal fuse to blow?
Almost always overheating from a clogged lint trap housing or vent.
Where is the reset button on a dryer?
Most dryers don't have one. A few models have a motor reset button on the control panel or near the back; check the manual.
Can I run a dryer without a thermal fuse?
No. Never bypass it. It's a fire safety part.