How to Troubleshoot a Failing Electric Dryer With No Heat

Find out why your dryer won't heat.

If your electric dryer is failing and will not heat, you can fix the problem yourself instead of spending money on a repairman. Be sure to purchase the correct part if you do find any items that require replacement. You can find the part number on the old part, or you can look it up in your owner's manual. If you have misplaced your owner's manual, check the manufacturer's website to download a new one.

Things You'll Need

• Volt meter
• Ohm meter
• Owner's manual
• Replacement parts as needed

Instructions

1. Go outside to the circuit breaker box, and check the switches that control the electric dryer. Household dryers run off a dual circuit breaker, so they can still tumble if one switch is tripped, but the heating element will not have enough power to operate. Check the fuse for each circuit breaker, and replace any that are blown.

2. Remove the dryer's power cord from the electrical outlet. Test the outlet with a volt meter or plug in a different appliance to see if the outlet is supplying enough power to the dryer. If there is a problem with the outlet, call an electrician to inspect your home's wiring.

3. Examine the power cord for any signs of a short. Because the dryer can still run with less voltage, a short circuit may not interfere with its ability to tumble but will prevent the heating element from turning on.

4. Review your owner's manual to find out if you have an electric dryer with a thermal fuse assembly mounted to the exhaust duct in the rear. If this fuse is blown out, you must replace the entire plastic assembly. Purchase replacement parts at appliance stores, home improvement stores or online.

5. Remove the panel that covers the heating element cabinet. Connect an ohm meter to each end of the element. If the ohm meter does not register a continuous circuit, the heating element is defective; replace it. Clear out the dryer's ducts before running the dryer with the new heating element installed. Clogged ducts may have caused the old heating element to fail prematurely, so make sure the problem does not recur with the new one.

References

• Repair Clinic: Electric Dryer Troubleshooting