KitchenAid dryer not starting
Common reasons your KitchenAid dryer is not starting
The most common reasons your KitchenAid dryer is not starting are a defective timer, stripped control knob or a broken drum belt.
64% of the time it's the
Timer
14% of the time it's the
Control Knob
13% of the time it's the
Drum Belt
9% of the time it's the
Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a KitchenAid dryer
Timer Replacement
When your dryer is not starting, a defective timer could be causing the failure. The timer has internal cams that open and close switches or contacts to operate the various electro-mechanical components in the dryer, mainly the drive motor and the heating element. If the timer is defective, it won’t start the drive motor. When your dryer won’t start, have a Sears Home Services Technician examine the dryer and replace the timer if it’s defective.
Control Knob Replacement
When the dryer is not starting, a stripped control knob may not be positioning the stem of the control timer at the start of a drying cycle. The stem on the control timer has a flat side that should tightly fit into the D-shaped hole on the back of the control knob. When you see a crack around the D-shaped hole or the hole is worn out, you’ll need to replace the timer knob. Other problems can prevent the dryer from starting. When your dryer won’t start, schedule a Sears Home Services Repair Expert to visit your home and fix the dryer.
Drum Belt Replacement
When your dryer won’t start a cycle, a broken drum belt could be causing the problem. The drum belt wraps around the dryer drum and connects to the drive motor pulley. The drive motor rotates the belt to spin the drum. Over time, the drum belt becomes worn and can break. A switch on the idler pulley prevents the motor from starting when it senses that the drive belt is broken. When the dryer won’t start, have a Sears Home Services Technician check your dryer and replace the drum belt if it’s broken.
What to expect when you experience a KitchenAid dryer not starting issue
How is the not starting problem fixed?
Correcting most not starting problems usually involves replacing the timer, control knob or drum belt. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a dryer that is not starting
When the dryer is not starting it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dryer failures.
What to look out for with a dryer not starting diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dryer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
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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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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.
Additional possible KitchenAid dryer symptoms you may experience
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