Dryer burning smell
Common reasons your dryer burning smell
The most common reasons your dryer has a burning smell are an open heating element, broken idler assembly or a worn drum bearing.
56% of the time it's the
Heating Element
23% of the time it's the
Idler Assembly
11% of the time it's the
Drum Bearing
10% 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.
Heating Element Replacement
If the heating element in your dryer breaks and shorts against metal inside the cabinet, it could emit a burning smell. You might detect a metallic odor or burning insulation from the wiring when the damaged element makes contact with metal. If you notice a burning scent emanating from the dryer, turn it off immediately and schedule a visit from a Sears Home Services Technician to inspect it. The technician will examine the heating element and replace it if necessary.
Idler Assembly Replacement
If you detect a burning smell from your dryer, it may be due to a worn or broken idler assembly. A faulty idler assembly fails to properly tension the drive belt on the drum, causing it to slip across the drum and heat up rapidly. If you notice a rubbery burning odor emanating from the dryer, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect it. The technician will replace the idler assembly if necessary.
Drum Bearing Replacement
If you detect a burning smell emanating from your dryer, it might be due to a worn drum bearing. The drum bearing is responsible for reducing friction between the drum and the cabinet during rotation. However, when the drum bearing wears out, friction between the drum and the cabinet can lead to overheating, resulting in a burning odor reminiscent of metal or plastic. If you notice such an odor from your dryer, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect it and replace the worn drum bearing if necessary.
What to expect when you experience a dryer burning smell issue
How is the burning smell problem in a dryer fixed?
Addressing most instances of a burning smell typically requires replacing the heating element, idler assembly, or drum bearing. Nevertheless, given the various potential causes, conducting a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for resolving the issue. An accurate diagnosis is vital for determining the extent of the repair needed.
Sears Home Services advice for resolving a dryer burning smell
If your dryer emits a burning odor, it could stem from various causes. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we advise consulting a Sears Home Services expert to conduct diagnostic tests and pinpoint the underlying issue. Our skilled technicians specialize in diagnosing a wide range of dryer malfunctions.
What to look for with a dryer burning smell diagnosis
Understanding and diagnosing modern appliances without adequate knowledge and training can be challenging. Simply replacing parts without employing proper diagnostic methods may not effectively resolve the issue with your dryer. Over the past decade, appliances have evolved significantly, with many now incorporating complex electronic components that are challenging to assess. Consequently, do-it-yourself repairs on newer appliance models are becoming progressively more intricate.
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Repair Dryer Resources
Learn 5 DIY tips to fix your dryer when it is not heating.
Learn how an electric dryer works to get your clothes dry.
Learn how steam dryers work and how to keep them working smoothly.
Learn how a gas dryer works so you can use it safely and efficiently.
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 French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
A furnace is a major appliance that heats air distributed throughout a home or building via a ductwork system.
Common dryer symptoms to look out for
- Dryer won't turn off
- Dryer won't start cycle
- Dryer will not heat up
- Dryer vibrates
- Dryer stopped working
- Dryer not working
- Dryer not turning on
- Dryer not starting
- Dryer not spinning
- Dryer not heating
- Dryer not drying clothes properly
- Dryer not drying
- Dryer not draining
- Dryer not cooling down
- Dryer noisy
- Dryer no sound
- Dryer no power
- Dryer no heat
- Dryer makes noise when tumbling
- Dryer light not working
- Dryer leaking water
- Dryer leaking from bottom
- Dryer leaking
- Dryer isn't heating
- Dryer gets hot but takes long time to dry
- Dryer drum roller replacement
- Dryer door not closing
- Dryer display not working