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.

If your dryer remains silent—no lights or motor sound—severed wiring or control-board damage might be behind it. Flicking breakers won’t cure internal meltdown. Let dryer repair near me handle it. Reclaiming power keeps laundry day efficient and frustration-free.

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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.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t my dryer turning on?
The issue could be a blown fuse, a faulty door switch, or a defective power cord. Inspect and replace any damaged components.
How can I fix my dryer if it’s not turning on?
Check the fuse, door switch, and power cord. Replace any defective parts to restore power to the dryer.
Could a blown fuse cause my dryer to stop turning on?
Yes, a blown fuse will interrupt the power supply, preventing the dryer from turning on. Replacing the fuse will fix the problem.
What should I do if my dryer isn’t turning on?
Inspect the fuse, door switch, and power cord. Replace any broken parts to get your dryer started again.

Repair Dryer Resources

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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.