When a dryer will not start, the problem is usually power, the door, or the start switch. Work through the list below before you call. It takes about ten minutes.
Safety first. Unplug the dryer before you take any panel off. Never test wires with the dryer plugged in unless you know how.
Nothing at all when you press start
- Power. Check the breaker. Electric dryers use a double breaker, and a half-tripped breaker can leave the lights and controls dead.
- Cord and plug. Look for a loose or burnt plug at the outlet.
- Door. Close it hard and check that the latch catches. A dryer will not run with the door open.
- Child lock or control lock. Some control panels lock. Check the manual for how to unlock it.
It hums but the drum does not turn
If you hear a hum or a click and the drum stays still, a belt or the motor can be the cause. Turn the drum by hand with the dryer unplugged. If it spins with no weight, the belt may be off or broken. See noise, drum and belt repair.
Parts that usually fail
- Door switch. Tells the dryer the door is closed.
- Start switch. The button itself can wear out.
- Thermal fuse. On many dryers a blown thermal fuse stops the dryer from starting.
- Control board, timer or motor. Less common. A technician should test these before you buy a part.
When to call
Call if the breaker trips again, if you smell burning, or if the controls are dead and the power is fine. Check the Kenmore problems and error codes page for your model first.
Questions people ask
Why does my dryer click but not start?
A click often means the start switch or the motor is trying to work. A broken belt, a worn motor or a failed part can all cause it. A technician can test it.
Can a bad door switch stop the dryer?
Yes. If the dryer thinks the door is open, it will not start.
Is it worth repairing an older dryer that will not start?
It depends on the part and the age of the machine. [Provider to add a plain rule of thumb]
How we test a dryer that will not turn on
When a dryer won’t start, nothing happens when you press the button, or the dryer hums and stops. A dryer that won’t turn on is usually missing power, a closed door signal or a working start circuit. We check these in order, with the dryer unplugged whenever we touch a part.
- Power. We check the outlet, the plug and the breaker. An electric dryer needs both halves of its double breaker.
- Door switch. If the dryer thinks the door is open, it will not start. A worn switch is a common cause.
- Start switch and controls. A worn start switch or a failed control board can stop the cycle from starting.
- Thermal fuse and motor. On many dryers a blown thermal fuse stops the motor, and a motor that hums but does not spin points to a different fault.
If a Kenmore dryer won’t spin or won’t start, tell us the model number and what you hear. That helps us bring the right part.
Dryer will not start? Call us.
Call and tell us what the dryer is doing.