Speed Queen dryer not turning on

Common reasons your Speed Queen dryer is not turning on

The most common reasons your Speed Queen dryer is not turning on are a defective electronic control board, defective power supply board or an open heating element.

  • 61%

    61% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 19%

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

  • 10%

    10% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 10%

    10% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Speed Queen dryer

Electronic Control Board Replacement

When your dryer is not turning on, a defective electronic control board could be preventing the control panel from powering up. Wires connect the user interface control board in the control panel to the electronic control board inside the dryer. When a defective electronic control board fails to send power and proper signals to the user interface control and control panel, the dryer won’t turn on. When your dryer is completely dead, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and fix the problem.

Power Supply Board Replacement

If the dryer is not turning on, a defective power supply board may need replacing. The power supply board distributes electrical current from the dryer power cord to the electronic control board and other components in the dryer. When the power supply board doesn’t send power to the electronic control board or the control panel, the dryer won’t power up. When your dryer is completely dead, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and check the dryer. The technician will replace the power supply board if it’s defective.

Heating Element Replacement

An open heating element could be causing the problem when your dryer is not turning on. An open (or broken) heating element can short against metal inside the dryer cabinet and cause the house circuit breaker for the dryer to trip. If you reset the tripped breaker and it trips right away when you try to turn the dryer on, then you should have a Sears Home Services Technician check the dryer. The technician will replace the heating element if it’s open.

Why is my Speed Queen dryer not turning on?

Power issues with your Speed Queen dryer can stem from your home’s power supply. A bad power cord, wiring failure or defective electronic control board in the dryer can also prevent the dryer from powering up.

Image of homeowner shutting off the circuit breaker for the stove

Check the power supply

Follow these basic troubleshooting steps to check the power supply going to your dryer:

  1. Make sure that the dryer power cord is properly plugged in.
  2. Reset the house circuit breaker for the dryer to make sure the outlet is getting power.
  3. For a gas dryer, plug a night light or small appliance into the electrical outlet for the dryer to test for power. If the item doesn’t get power from the outlet, have an electrician repair the electrical outlet in your home.

diagram-showing-how-to-wire-an-electric-dryer-power-cord

Examine the power cord and its wiring connections

Unplug the dryer and check the power cord for damage. Replace the power cord if it’s damaged.

For an electric dryer, check the power cord wire connections on the terminal block at the back of the dryer (with the dryer still unplugged). The image above shows how the power cord wires should be connected on an electric dryer.

Reconnect any loose power cord wires.

Check control board wiring

With the dryer still unplugged, check the wiring connection on the main electronic control board. Reconnect any loose wires.

If you see damage to the control board such as burn spots, you’ll likely need to replace the main control board.

Here’s a safe DIY video that shows how to replace the main electronic control board on a common type of dryer:

If you’re not completely confident that you can repair the dryer on your own, schedule dryer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.

What to expect when you experience a Speed Queen dryer not turning on issue

How is the not turning on problem fixed?

Correcting most not turning on problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, power supply board or heating element. 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 turning on

When the dryer is not turning on 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 turning on 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.

If your Speed Queen dryer stays completely dark, suspect a power cord issue or a fried control board. Flipping breakers rarely addresses internal meltdown. Rely on dryer fix near me for safe electrical repairs. Regaining power keeps your laundry schedule on track.

What our customers say about us

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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 Speed Queen dryer turn on?
A faulty power cord, tripped circuit breaker, or defective start switch are common reasons a dryer won’t turn on. Inspect these components to identify the issue.
Could a blown thermal fuse prevent my Speed Queen dryer from turning on?
Yes, if the thermal fuse is blown, it can prevent the dryer from turning on. Replacing the fuse should restore normal operation.
How can I test the start switch on my Speed Queen dryer?
To test the start switch, unplug the dryer and use a multimeter to check for continuity when the switch is pressed. If there’s no continuity, the switch will need replacing.
What should I do if my Speed Queen dryer won’t turn on even after checking the power supply?
If power supply and basic components are working fine, the issue might lie with the motor or control board, requiring professional diagnosis.

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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.

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