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  1. Repair

Dryer not spinning

Common reasons your dryer not spinning

The most common reasons your dryer is not spinning are a broken drum belt, open heating element or a worn drum bearing.

  • 32%

    32% of the time it's the
    Drum Belt

  • 26%

    26% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 9%

    9% of the time it's the
    Drum Bearing

  • 33%

    33% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Common dryer repair parts you may need

    Replacing one of these dryer parts may fix your problem.

    Drum Belt Replacement

    If your dryer isn't turning, a damaged drum belt might be the issue. The drum belt loops around the dryer drum and links to the drive motor pulley. This motor spins the belt to rotate the drum. After a while, the belt can wear out and snap. A safety switch on the idler pulley stops the motor from running if it detects a broken belt. If your dryer won't start, contact a Sears Home Services Technician to inspect and replace the broken drum belt if necessary.


    Heating Element Replacement

    If your dryer isn't turning, a malfunctioning heating element might be the issue. The dryer's electronic control board will recognize when the heating element is open or broken. If it detects a faulty heating element, it won't initiate the dryer motor until the problem is resolved. If your dryer isn't spinning, arrange for service with Sears Home Services, and we'll dispatch a technician to your home to repair the dryer.

    Drum Bearing Replacement

    A worn drum bearing can cause the dryer to stop spinning by overheating the drive motor. Friction from the worn bearing can lead the motor to overheat, triggering the overload protection that safeguards it from harm. Moreover, a worn drum bearing can hinder the rotation of the drum and blower wheel, potentially causing the thermal fuse to blow. If your dryer stops spinning, contact a Sears Home Services Technician to inspect the appliance and replace the worn drum bearing if necessary.

    What to expect when you experience a dryer not spinning issue

    How to fix a dryer that is not spinning

    Addressing most issues where the dryer isn't spinning typically entails replacing components such as the drum belt, heating element, or drum bearing. However, given the variety of potential causes, a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for effectively resolving the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential for understanding the cost of the repair.

    Sears Home Services advice for a dryer that is not spinning

    If your dryer isn't spinning, there could be various reasons behind it. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we suggest having a Sears Home Services expert conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact cause of the issue. Our technicians are skilled at diagnosing a wide range of dryer problems.

    When you’re searching for GE dryer repair near me to fix a problem, schedule an appointment with Sears Home Services.

    What to consider with a dryer not spinning diagnosis

    Understanding and fixing issues with modern appliances can be hard without the right knowledge and training. If you don't use the correct diagnostic methods, trying to repair your dryer might just involve randomly replacing parts. Appliances, especially those made in the last decade, have become very advanced, with electronic components that are tricky to assess. Doing DIY repairs on the latest models is getting tougher.

    Dryer Gets Hot but Won’t Spin Troubleshooting

    When your dryer gets hot but won’t spin, unplug the dryer and check the drum belt. A broken drum belt won’t spin the drum even though the dryer will heat. Replace the dryer drum belt if it’s broken.

    Another failure that can cause your dryer to get hot but not spin is a wiring failure. A short in the heating element or wiring going to the heating element cause the dryer to heat even though it won’t spin. It’s best to have a service technician diagnose and repair this type of problem. Don’t use the dryer until it is repaired when you suspect that a short is causing your dryer to get hot but not spin.

    In dryers with an electronic control board, a bad relay on the control board and a short circuit in heating element wiring could cause the dryer gets hot but won’t spin symptom. As noted above, if you suspect a short circuit in the dryer, stop using the appliance until you have it repaired.

    When you need to have your clothes dryer repaired because it gets hot but won’t spin, trust Sears Home Services to repair your dryer quickly and correctly. Our experienced technician know how to fix every brand and type of dryer.

    Why is My Dryer Getting Hot but Not Spinning?

    Understanding the reasons why your dryer is getting hot but not spinning will help you determine how to troubleshoot the problem. The dryer motor must be running for the dryer to heat. The centrifugal switch on the dryer drive motor completes the electrical circuit through the heating element or gas valve. When the motor isn’t running, the heating system won’t get current unless there is a wiring short in the heating system circuit.

    If the dryer drive motor is running and dryer is getting hot but not spinning, a broken drum drive belt is the most likely cause of the problem. Checking the drive belt is an essential troubleshooting step when your dryer is getting hot but not spinning.

    If the dryer motor is not running while the dryer is heating, then a short circuit in the internal electrical system of the dryer is likely causing the problem. Stop using the dryer and have it examined by a Sears Home Services technician to avoid getting shocked by the internal short.

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    He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.


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    Glossary Terms

    Natural gas is a fossil fuel used primarily for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. It's a hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting mainly of methane, but it also contains smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons and sometimes sulfur compounds.

    A gas dryer is a laundry appliance that uses natural gas or propane to generate heat to dry clothes.

    A furnace flame sensor is a safety device designed to detect the presence of a flame when the furnace is on, ensuring that gas flows only when it is ignited to prevent dangerous gas leaks.

    A microwave diode is an electrical component that allows current to flow in one direction only, playing a crucial role in converting incoming electrical power into the microwave energy that cooks the food.

    Common dryer symptoms to look out for