Dryer stopped working

Common reasons your dryer stopped working

The most common reasons your dryer stopped working are an open heating element, faulty thermal fuse or a worn drum bearing.

63% of the time it's the
Heating Element

17% of the time it's the
Thermal Fuse

10% 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 your dryer has ceased operation, it's possible that an open heating element is to blame. An open, or broken, heating element might come into contact with metal inside the dryer cabinet, leading to the tripping of the circuit breaker. If you reset the tripped breaker and it immediately trips again when you initiate a heated cycle, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect the dryer. The technician will replace the heating element if it's found to be open.

How to replace a dryer heating element

Thermal Fuse Replacement

If your dryer fails to start, a faulty or blown thermal fuse could be the culprit. Positioned on the blower housing, the thermal fuse acts as a safety measure, tripping when the dryer reaches excessive heat levels. In most electric dryers, this results in the motor being disabled. Similarly, in certain gas dryers, a blown thermal fuse halts motor operation. A common cause of overheating and subsequent thermal fuse failure is a clogged exhaust vent system. If your dryer isn't functioning, it's advisable to request a visit from a Sears Home Services Technician, who will replace the blown thermal fuse if necessary.

How to replace a thermal fuse in an electric dryer

Drum Bearing Replacement

When the dryer ceases to operate, a worn drum bearing may be to blame, causing the drive motor to overheat. Friction from this worn part can lead to overheating, triggering the motor's overload protection mechanism. Furthermore, a worn drum bearing can impede the drum and blower wheel's rotation, potentially causing the thermal fuse to blow. If your dryer malfunctions, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect it. They'll assess the condition of the drum bearing and replace it if it's worn.

How to replace a dryer drum glide bearing

What to expect when you experience a dryer stopped working issue

How can I fix a dryer that stopped working?

Addressing most issues where the dryer has stopped working typically entails replacing components such as the heating element, thermal fuse, or drum bearing. However, given the variety of potential causes, a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for resolving the problem effectively. An accurate diagnosis is vital for determining the cost of the repair.

Sears Home Services solutions for a dryer that has stopped working

If your dryer has ceased to function, there could be various reasons behind it. To avoid unnecessary part replacements, we suggest having a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the root cause of the issue. Our technicians possess expertise in diagnosing all sorts of dryer malfunctions.

What to consider with a dryer stopped working diagnosis

Understanding and diagnosing modern appliances without adequate knowledge and training can pose challenges. Attempting to address issues without employing proper diagnostic methods may result in replacing parts based on guesswork. Over the past decade, appliances have evolved significantly, with many incorporating intricate electronic components that are challenging to assess. Consequently, do-it-yourself repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming progressively more complex.

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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.

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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

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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