How to Troubleshoot a Clothes Dryer with No Heat

A dryer is of little use if it won't heat. If this has happened to you, then you might want to do a little checking before you call the repairman. Problems such as a blown fuse can easily be fixed on your own. The problem may not even be with your dryer, but with the wiring. The following steps will guide you through some of the most common problems that will cause gas or electric dryers to stop producing heat.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Volt meter Continuity meter/tester Ohm meter (gas dryers)

For Gas or Electric Dryers

1. Check the setting on the dryer. It's a simple thing, but sometimes people forget that they turned down the dryer for a delicate load.

2. Check the fuse box. Electric dryers require 240 vaults to run, which means they have a dual breaker switch. If one of the breakers clicks off, the dryer has enough power to run but not enough to produce heat. You may need to replace the fuse to prevent this from happening again.

3. Check the outlet with a volt meter. As said earlier, electric dryers require 240 vaults to run. If there is not enough power to the outlet, but the fuses are fine, then there is a problem with the wires in your house. You will need to call an electrician.

4. Check the thermal fuse. Depending on the type of dryer, this fuse will be located either in the front of back of your dryer. It is usually an inch long and mounted in white plastic. Test the fuse using a continuity meter. If the fuse has been blown, replace it.

5. For electric dryers, locate the heating element on your dryer and test it for continuity using a continuity meter. If it is not working, you will need to replace it.

Gas Dryers Only

1. Check the igniter using an ohm meter. Disconnect the clear plastic connector (called a molex) that attaches the igniter to the burner circuit. Place the probes of the ohm meter on the contacts. It should be below 100 ohms of resistance. If it is above 100 ohms, replace the igniter.

2. Using an ohm meter, test the continuity between the two contacts on the flame sensor. If there is no continuity, replace the flame sensor.

3. If none of the above works and you notice that your dryer starts out hot but finishes cold and/or you hear a chattering sound when running the dryer, then your problem is likely with the coils. There is no test for the coils. Your only option is to replace them to determine if this is the cause.

Tips & Warnings

• Unplug your dryer and disconnect the gas before working on a dryer.

Resources

• Why Won't My Dryer Make Heat?
• Repair Clinic: Dryers