Why Won’t My Dryer Spin?

When your dryer stops spinning, it can quickly turn into a major inconvenience. Laundry piles up, and you're left wondering whether you need to call a professional or if it's something you can fix yourself. This article will explore the most common reasons why a dryer might stop spinning, how you can diagnose the problem, and what steps you can take to get it working again.

Broken Drive Belt

One of the most common reasons a dryer won't spin is a broken drive belt. The drive belt wraps around the drum, motor pulley, and sometimes an idler pulley, creating the necessary tension to spin the drum. Over time, the belt can wear out, become frayed, or snap altogether.

Signs of a Broken Drive Belt:

• You hear the motor running, but the drum isn't spinning.
• The drum is easy to turn by hand with little resistance.

How to Fix It:

• Safety First: Always unplug the dryer before attempting any repairs.
• Access the Belt: Depending on your dryer model, you may need to remove the top or front panel to access the belt.
• Inspect the Belt: Look for signs of wear, such as cracks or fraying, and check if the belt has snapped.
• Replace the Belt: If the belt is damaged, you'll need to replace it. Be sure to purchase the correct belt for your dryer model and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

Faulty Motor

The motor is responsible for turning the drum and the blower that circulates air. If the motor fails, the dryer drum won’t spin, and the dryer might not start at all. Motor failure is less common but can occur due to worn bearings, electrical issues, or other internal faults.

Signs of a Faulty Motor:

• The dryer makes a humming noise when you press start, but the drum doesn’t spin.
• The motor runs intermittently or stops mid-cycle.
• There's a burning smell coming from the dryer.

How to Fix It:

• Inspect the Motor: Access the motor by removing the dryer’s panel. Check for visible damage or obstructions that might be preventing the motor from turning.
• Test the Motor: You can use a multimeter to check the motor's continuity. If there's no continuity, the motor is likely faulty and needs replacement.
• Replace the Motor: Motor replacement is a more complex repair that might require professional assistance. If you’re comfortable with DIY repairs, follow the dryer’s service manual for motor replacement.

Worn-Out Drum Rollers or Bearings

The drum rollers and bearings help the drum rotate smoothly. If these components wear out, the drum may not spin, or it could make a grinding noise as it turns. Over time, the rollers can become worn or coated with lint and debris, leading to friction that stops the drum from spinning.

Signs of Worn Drum Rollers or Bearings:

• The drum is hard to turn by hand.
• The dryer makes a thumping or squeaking noise when in use.
• The drum wobbles as it turns.

How to Fix It:

• Access the Rollers/Bearings: Unplug the dryer and remove the necessary panels to access the drum rollers or bearings.
• Inspect the Rollers/Bearings: Check for visible wear, such as flat spots or cracks, and ensure they can spin freely.
• Replace if Necessary: If the rollers or bearings are worn out, replace them. It’s often recommended to replace all the rollers or bearings at the same time to ensure even wear and smooth operation.

Malfunctioning Idler Pulley

The idler pulley maintains tension on the drive belt so it can grip the drum and turn it. If the idler pulley is malfunctioning, the belt may slip or come off entirely, causing the drum to stop spinning. The pulley can wear out or become stuck, preventing it from maintaining the necessary tension.

Signs of a Malfunctioning Idler Pulley:

• You hear a loud squealing or grinding noise.
• The belt slips off the pulley.
• The drum doesn’t spin or spins inconsistently.

How to Fix It:

• Inspect the Idler Pulley: Access the pulley by removing the dryer’s panels. Check for signs of wear, such as cracks, and see if the pulley spins freely.
• Replace if Necessary: If the pulley is worn or stuck, replace it. Ensure the new pulley is installed correctly and that the belt is properly aligned.

Broken Drum Glides or Slides

Drum glides or slides support the front of the dryer drum as it spins. These components are usually made of plastic or felt and can wear out over time. When they do, the drum can become misaligned, making it difficult or impossible to spin.

Signs of Broken Drum Glides or Slides:

• The dryer makes a scraping noise as it runs.
• The drum is hard to turn manually.
• There’s visible damage or wear on the glides or slides.

How to Fix It:

• Inspect the Glides/Slides: Access the drum glides or slides by removing the front panel of the dryer. Look for wear, cracks, or missing pieces.
• Replace if Necessary: If the glides or slides are worn out, replace them. This is typically a straightforward repair, but ensure the drum is properly aligned when reassembling the dryer.

Door Switch Failure

The door switch is a safety feature that prevents the dryer from running when the door is open. If the switch is faulty, the dryer might not start or may stop mid-cycle because it incorrectly senses that the door is open.

Signs of a Faulty Door Switch:

• The dryer doesn’t start when you press the button.
• The dryer stops mid-cycle for no apparent reason.
• There’s no audible click when you press the door switch.

How to Fix It:

• Test the Door Switch: Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the door switch. If there's no continuity, the switch is faulty.
• Replace the Door Switch: Replacing a door switch is usually simple. Unplug the dryer, remove the door panel, and replace the faulty switch.

Thermal Fuse Issues

The thermal fuse is another safety device that protects the dryer from overheating. If the dryer overheats, the thermal fuse will blow, cutting off power to the motor and preventing the drum from spinning. A blown thermal fuse typically indicates another underlying issue, such as a blocked vent or malfunctioning thermostat.

Signs of a Blown Thermal Fuse:

• The dryer doesn’t start or stops mid-cycle.
• The drum doesn’t spin, and the dryer doesn’t heat.
• There's no power to the motor.

How to Fix It:

• Test the Thermal Fuse: Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the thermal fuse. If there's no continuity, the fuse is blown.
• Replace the Thermal Fuse: If the fuse is blown, replace it, but also investigate the underlying cause of the overheating. Check the venting system for blockages and ensure the thermostat is functioning properly.

Electrical Issues

Sometimes, the problem isn't with the dryer itself but with the electrical supply. If the dryer isn’t receiving enough power, it may not have the energy to spin the drum.

Signs of Electrical Issues:

• The dryer won’t start or run consistently.
• The drum doesn’t spin, but the control panel lights up.
• The dryer stops mid-cycle and won’t restart.

How to Fix It:

• Check the Power Supply: Ensure the dryer is plugged in and that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If your dryer uses a 240-volt outlet, ensure both phases are providing power.
• Inspect the Power Cord: Check the power cord for any visible damage or signs of wear. If the cord is damaged, replace it.

Control Board or Timer Failure

The control board or timer regulates the dryer’s cycles and motor. If these components fail, the dryer may not receive the correct signals to start or spin.

Signs of Control Board or Timer Failure:

• The dryer won’t start or spins inconsistently.
• The control panel doesn’t respond or displays error codes.
• The drum stops spinning mid-cycle.

How to Fix It:

• Inspect the Control Board/Timer: Access the control board or timer by removing the control panel. Look for signs of damage, such as burnt components or loose connections.
• Replace if Necessary: If the control board or timer is faulty, it may need to be replaced. This is often a more complex repair and may require professional assistance.

Load Imbalance

Finally, sometimes the problem can be as simple as an unbalanced load. If the dryer is overloaded or the clothes are bunched up, the drum may not spin properly.

Signs of Load Imbalance:

• The dryer vibrates excessively.
• The drum spins slowly or not at all.
• The clothes are unevenly dried.

How to Fix It:

• Redistribute the Load: Stop the dryer and redistribute the clothes evenly inside the drum. Avoid overloading the dryer in the future to prevent similar issues.
• Remove Some Items: If the dryer is overloaded, remove some items and try running the cycle again.

Fixing a Non-Spinning Dryer

When your dryer stops spinning, it’s important to troubleshoot the issue methodically. Many problems, such as a broken drive belt or a faulty door switch, can be easily fixed with a bit of DIY know-how. However, more complex issues like motor failure or control board problems may require professional assistance. By understanding the common reasons why your dryer might not be spinning, you can take the appropriate steps to diagnose and fix the problem.