Quick answer
A dryer that is dead or will not start usually has a tripped breaker, a loose plug, a faulty door switch, a blown thermal fuse or a failed start switch. Check the breaker and the door first. Appliance Repair Philly repairs dryers across Philadelphia, and the diagnostic is $60 flat, credited toward the repair.
Check these first
- Door. Close it hard. A dryer will not start if the door switch does not register.
- Breaker. Electric dryers use a double breaker. Switch both halves off and on.
- Plug. Pull the dryer out and check the plug is fully seated. A loose plug can burn the outlet, so stop if it looks scorched.
- Start button. Many dryers need the start button held in for a second or two.
- Child lock. Look for a lock symbol on the display and hold the button to turn it off.
- Cycle selection. Turn the dial to a different cycle and try again.
What happens in each case
| What you see | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Completely dead, no lights | Breaker, outlet, power cord, thermal fuse, control board |
| Lights on, no start | Door switch, start switch, thermal fuse, motor |
| Hums but the drum does not turn | Broken belt, seized motor, jammed drum |
| Starts, then stops after a short time | Thermal fuse, overheated motor, lint buildup, vent |
| Clicks only | Start relay, motor |
Related: if the dryer turns on but gives no heat, see dryer not heating.
Likely causes
Door switch
The door switch tells the control the door is closed. A worn switch blocks all starting. It is a small part and a common repair.
Thermal fuse
This safety part cuts power when the dryer overheats. On some models, a blown fuse stops the whole dryer, not just the heat. It almost always blows because of a clogged vent, so the vent must be cleared as well.
Start switch or control board
Wear on the start button or a damaged board stops the dryer from running. Boards are more expensive.
Motor
The motor hums and tries to start, or is silent. A seized drum or a broken belt makes the motor work and trip the overload.
Power supply
A 240 volt dryer needs both legs. A worn outlet or terminal block can cause a no-power condition.
Safety
Unplug the dryer before you touch the back panel. Do not remove a burnt cord or outlet yourself. Burn marks around the plug mean stop using the dryer. Gas dryers need a qualified technician for any gas work.
What it costs
| Fault | Typical total with part |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic | $60 flat, credited to the repair |
| Door switch or start switch | $120 to $220 |
| Thermal fuse | $100 to $200 |
| Belt | $130 to $230 |
| Motor | $250 to $400 |
| Control board | $250 to $450 |
Repair or replace
Under 10 years old, repair almost everything above. At 12 or more years, a failed motor or board is worth comparing against a new dryer. See the cost guide.
How it works
- Call or send the brand, model and whether it is electric or gas.
- Call to check the next open appointment; availability depends on the schedule.
- Diagnosis and a clear price. The $60 is credited if you go ahead.
- Repair and test. Ask what the repair includes when you book.
More on the whole appliance: dryer repair. We come to Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Bensalem, Willow Grove, Abington, Huntingdon Valley, Southampton and Feasterville-Trevose.
FAQ
Why won’t my dryer start even though it has power?
Usually the door switch, the thermal fuse or the start switch.
Why does my dryer hum but not turn?
A broken belt, a seized motor or a jammed drum.
How much does it cost to fix a dryer that won’t start?
Most repairs are $100 to $300. The $60 diagnostic is credited toward the repair.
Do I need an electrician?
If the outlet or the breaker is the problem, yes. We tell you at the visit.
Can a clogged vent stop my dryer from starting?
Yes. A blocked vent blows the thermal fuse, and on some models that stops the dryer completely.