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  1. Repair

Dryer not turning on

Common reasons your dryer not turning on

The most common reasons your dryer is not turning on are a defective electronic control board, defective power supply board or an open heating element.

  • 52%

    52% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 21%

    21% of the time it's the
    Power Supply Board

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 11%

    11% 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.

    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    If your dryer fails to turn on, a malfunctioning electronic control board might be the culprit, hindering the activation of the control panel. Wires link the user interface control board in the panel to the electronic control board within the dryer. If the electronic control board is faulty, it may fail to transmit power and appropriate signals to the user interface control and panel, resulting in the dryer's inactivity. In case your dryer remains unresponsive, it's advisable to schedule a visit from a Sears Home Services Technician to address and rectify the issue.


    Power Supply Board Replacement

    If your dryer fails to power on, a faulty power supply board might require replacement. This board is responsible for distributing electrical current from the dryer's power cord to various components, including the electronic control board and others. When the power supply board fails to deliver power to the electronic control board or the control panel, the dryer remains inactive. In such cases, it's recommended to schedule a visit from a Sears Home Services Technician to assess the dryer. If deemed necessary, the technician will replace the defective power supply board.

    Heating Element Replacement

    If your dryer fails to turn on, an open heating element might be the culprit. This means that the heating element is broken or damaged, potentially causing a short circuit against metal within the dryer cabinet. This could result in the circuit breaker for the dryer tripping. If you reset the tripped breaker and it immediately trips again when attempting to turn on the dryer, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect the appliance. If the heating element is found to be open or damaged, the technician will proceed to replace it.

    What to expect when you experience a dryer not turning on issue

    How to fix a dryer not turning on problem

    Fixing most issues with a dryer that won't turn on typically requires replacing components like the electronic control board, power supply board, or heating element. However, since there could be various reasons behind the problem, conducting a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for effective repair. An accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the cost of the repair.

    Sears Home Services advice for a dryer that is not turning on

    If your dryer isn't powering on, several factors could be the cause. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we suggest having a Sears Home Services expert conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the issue. Our technicians have the expertise to diagnose various types of dryer malfunctions accurately.

    What to watch for with a dryer not turning on diagnosis

    Figuring out issues with modern appliances can be tough without the right expertise. If you don't use proper diagnostic methods, you might end up just guessing and replacing parts unnecessarily. Appliances have gotten more complicated in the past decade, with many having electronic components that are hard to check. Doing repairs yourself on the newest models is getting harder.

    What our customers say about us

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    Excellent service from Daniel

    Daniel provided excellent service and was very quick to perform the repair. I have nothing good to say about the warranty program and the LACK of customer service and the inability to contact a human being to talk.


    Tammy M, Hilton, NY

    Satisfied customer

    Excellent technician Very thorough and detail oriented Would be happy to have him work on appliances again He managed to find our ranch headquarters in the middle of the desert


    Rose W, Las Cruces, NM

    Dryer service

    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.


    Terry F, Oklahoma City, OK

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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