You press the start button and... nothing. Your dryer is completely unresponsive. Before you panic and start shopping for a new dryer, there are several simple things you can check that often resolve the issue.
Quick Checks (Do These First!)
1. Circuit Breaker
Most overlooked cause! Dryers use a lot of power and can trip breakers.
- Check your electrical panel
- Electric dryers use 240V double-pole breaker
- Even if dryer has some power (light works), heating element may be on separate breaker
- Fix: Flip breaker completely OFF then back ON
2. Dryer Door Not Fully Closed
All dryers have a door switch safety feature. If door doesn't click closed, dryer won't start.
Check:
- Close door firmly until you hear a click
- Inspect door latch for damage
- Check if something is blocking door from closing completely
3. Start Switch
The start button itself can wear out with use.
Test: Hold start button for 2-3 seconds (some dryers require this)
Common Causes of No Start
1. Blown Thermal Fuse
Most common reason for complete no-start
The thermal fuse is a safety device that cuts all power if dryer overheats. Unlike household fuses, it doesn't reset - once blown, it must be replaced.
Why it blows:
- Restricted airflow from clogged vent
- Clogged lint trap
- Dryer was overheating
Symptoms:
- Dryer completely dead - no lights, no sound
- Or lights work but drum won't turn
Location: Usually on blower housing or near heating element
Cost: $150-$200 professionally replaced
Important: If thermal fuse blew, you MUST fix the underlying airflow problem or it will blow again!
2. Faulty Door Switch
The door switch tells the dryer when the door is closed. If it fails, dryer thinks door is open.
Symptoms:
- No response when pressing start
- Sometimes works if you hold door firmly
- No clicking sound when door closes
Test: Listen for click sound when closing door; use multimeter to test switch continuity
Cost: $100-$150 to replace
3. Defective Start Switch
The start button can wear out from repeated use.
Symptoms:
- Must press start button multiple times
- Button feels mushy or stuck
- Works intermittently
Cost: $100-$175 to replace
4. Broken Drive Belt
If belt breaks, motor may still run but drum won't turn. On some models, this prevents starting.
Symptoms:
- Motor hums but drum doesn't turn
- Can spin drum very easily by hand (no resistance)
Cost: $150-$250 for belt replacement
5. Bad Motor
Motor failure is rare but possible, especially on older dryers.
Symptoms:
- No motor sound when starting
- Burning smell
- Dryer worked fine then suddenly stopped
Cost: $300-$500 for motor replacement (often not worth it on older dryers)
Diagnostic Flowchart
Step 1: Check circuit breaker
- ✅ Breaker OK → Go to Step 2
- ❌ Keeps tripping → Call electrician or pro
Step 2: Does door close and click?
- ❌ No click → Check door latch/switch
- ✅ Clicks → Go to Step 3
Step 3: Do lights come on?
- ❌ No lights → Thermal fuse likely blown
- ✅ Lights on → Go to Step 4
Step 4: Does motor make any sound?
- ❌ Silent → Start switch or motor issue
- ✅ Humming → Drive belt may be broken
When to Call a Professional
Call for professional service if:
- Thermal fuse replacement needed (requires accessing internal components)
- Motor replacement needed
- You're not comfortable working with 240V electricity
- Multiple components seem to be failing
- Burning smell present
Repair Cost Guide
Bay Area average costs:
- Service call + diagnosis: $75-$100
- Thermal fuse: $150-$200
- Door switch: $100-$150
- Start switch: $100-$175
- Drive belt: $150-$250
- Motor: $300-$500
Repair vs Replace:
- If dryer is under 8 years old: repair makes sense
- If dryer is 10+ years old and repair exceeds $300: consider replacement
- New dryers cost $500-$1,000
Prevention Tips
Prevent thermal fuse failure (main cause of no-start):
- Clean lint trap after EVERY load
- Deep clean vent system annually
- Check vent hose for kinks
- Ensure exterior vent flap opens freely
- Don't overload dryer
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My dryer was working fine, now it's completely dead - what happened? A: Most likely the thermal fuse blew due to overheating from a clogged vent or lint trap. This is a safety feature preventing fires.
Q: Will my dryer start if the belt is broken? A: Depends on the model. Some dryers won't start with a broken belt, others will run the motor but the drum won't turn.
Q: Can I bypass the thermal fuse to make my dryer work? A: Never! The thermal fuse is a critical safety device that prevents dryer fires. Bypassing it is extremely dangerous.
Q: Why does my dryer work sometimes but not others? A: This indicates an intermittent problem with the door switch, start switch, or a loose wire connection.
Get Expert Help
If your dryer won't start and basic checks haven't fixed it, EasyBear offers same-day service:
- All dryer brands and models
- Both electric and gas dryers
- 90-day warranty on repairs
- Most repairs completed same day
Book dryer repair today and get your laundry routine back on track!
