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%

    64% of the time it's the
    Timer

  • 14%

    14% of the time it's the
    Control Knob

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the
    Drum Belt

  • 9%

    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.

Pushing Start on a KitchenAid dryer but hearing silence often signals a bad latch or fuse. Basic resets fail if wiring’s compromised. Call dryer repair near me for a quick, thorough evaluation. Timely help revives your dryer and saves laundry from piling up.

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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

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my KitchenAid dryer start?
A broken door switch, blown thermal fuse, or defective control board could prevent your dryer from starting.
Could a broken door switch cause my KitchenAid dryer to not start?
Yes, if the door switch is faulty, the dryer won’t start. Replacing the switch should solve the issue.
How can I fix my KitchenAid dryer if it won’t start?
Check the door switch, thermal fuse, and control board for damage. Replacing any faulty parts should restore operation.
What should I do if my dryer still won’t start after replacing the door switch?
If the problem persists, inspect the control board for further issues.

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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.