Dryer light not working

Common reasons your dryer light not working

The most common reasons your dryer light is not working are a faulty thermal fuse, defective power supply board or a failed door switch.

  • 63%

    63% of the time it's the
    Thermal Fuse

  • 19%

    19% of the time it's the
    Power Supply Board

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the
    Door Switch

  • 5%

    5% of the time it's the
    Something else

Schedule your dryer repair now!

We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 22.2M dryers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

Call (646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.
Chat

Common dryer repair parts you may need

Replacing one of these dryer parts may fix your problem.

Thermal Fuse Replacement

A malfunctioning or blown thermal fuse might cause the light to stop working in certain dryers. This fuse acts as a safety measure, tripping when the dryer gets too hot. In some dryers, the control board will shut down all dryer functions if the thermal fuse blows. Consequently, if the light circuit is affected by the blown fuse, the light will cease to work. If your dryer light isn't functioning, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Expert inspect your dryer and replace the blown thermal fuse if necessary.

Power Supply Board Replacement

A faulty power supply board could be the reason why the dryer light isn't functioning. This board is responsible for distributing electrical current from the dryer's power cord to various components, including the electronic control board. If the power supply board fails to provide power to the light board or the circuit controlling the dryer light, the drum light will not operate. Should you encounter this issue, it's recommended to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect your dryer. If the power supply board is found to be defective, the technician will replace it accordingly.

Door Switch Replacement

If the dryer light isn't working, a malfunctioning door switch might be the culprit. This switch is designed to detect whether the dryer door is open or closed. However, if the door switch fails, it won't register when the door is open, resulting in the light not turning on even when the door is open. It's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect your dryer if you encounter this issue. If the door switch is found to be faulty, the technician will replace it accordingly.

What to expect when you experience a dryer light not working issue

How to fix the light not working problem

Fixing most issues with the dryer light not working typically requires replacing either the thermal fuse, power supply board, or door switch. However, since there could be various underlying causes, it's crucial to conduct a thorough diagnosis to address the problem accurately. Having an accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the extent of the repair needed.

Sears Home Services solutions for a dryer light that is not working

If the dryer light isn't functioning, several factors could be responsible. To avoid unnecessary part replacements, we advise having a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the underlying issue. Our technicians possess expertise in diagnosing various types of dryer malfunctions.

What to look for with a dryer light not working diagnosis

Understanding and diagnosing issues with modern appliances can pose challenges without adequate knowledge and training. Attempting repairs without employing proper diagnostic methods often results in merely 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 contemporary appliance models are growing progressively more complex.

No interior light means rummaging in the dark for leftover clothing. Replacing bulbs alone may not fix wiring or sockets. For a real fix, try dryer repair near me. Full illumination helps confirm your dryer’s empty after every cycle.

What our customers say about us

With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t the light in my dryer working?
A burnt-out light bulb, faulty light switch, or broken wiring could be preventing the light from functioning.
Could a burnt-out light bulb cause my dryer light to stop working?
Yes, a burnt-out light bulb is often the most common reason for the light not working. Replacing the bulb should solve the problem.
How can I fix my dryer light if it isn’t working?
Check the light bulb, light switch, and wiring for any issues. Replacing faulty parts should restore the light.
What should I do if my dryer light still isn’t working after replacing the bulb?
If the light continues to not work, the switch or wiring may need to be repaired or replaced.

Repair Dryer Resources

Banner image for blog article "Why is my Electric Dryer not Getting Hot?"
5 min readApr. 03

Find out why your electric dryer is not getting hot. Get expert tips to accurately diagnose and fix the heating problem.

Banner image for blog article "Why Does my Dryer Keep Stopping?"
6 min readApr. 02

Find out why your dryer keeps stopping in the middle of the cycle and how to fix the problem.

Title image for blog article "My Dryer Is Making a Loud Noise. When Should I Panic?"
9 min readMar. 24

Learn how to fix a dryer making grinding noise or other loud noises using our expert DIY tips.

dryer not heating
8 min readMar. 11

Learn 5 DIY troubleshooting tips to fix your dryer when it is not heating. Accurately diagnose why your dryer is not getting hot and fix the problem fast.

Glossary Terms

A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.

A dryer filter, commonly known as a lint filter, is a component of a clothes dryer that captures lint and other debris from clothes during the drying process, preventing them from clogging the dryer vent.

A dryer pedestal is a platform that elevates a dryer off the ground, making it easier to load and unload laundry while also providing additional storage space in some models.

A dryer rack is an accessory for clothes dryers that provides a stationary platform to dry items without tumbling, ideal for delicate or bulky items, or shoes that might be damaged by the usual drying cycle.