Dryer is turning the drum but there is no heat to dry the clothes. This fault can be caused by a multitude of different components that may have failed. It can also be the result of a clogged dryer vent hose. Follow the steps in order below to fix your dryer that will not heat. NOTE: If you live in an older home, you may have a fuse box. Check to be sure the issue you are having is not being caused by a blown fuse.
Clothes Dryer Troubleshooting:
1. CHECK DRYER CONTROLS
Check that the dryer is not on “AIR FLUFF” mode.
If your dryer is on the correct setting then move to step 2.
2. CHECK AIR FLOW/VENT
Check to be sure dryer vent hose is not clogged and restricting airflow. If so, how to clean dryer vent hose.
If your dryer vent hose is not clogged and the dryer is able to properly vent out the air move to step 3.
3. CHECK POWER
Be sure you know how to use a multimeter to check for power before attempting this.
Remove power by unplugging the dryer cord from the wall.
Check for 220/240V across the two hot legs.
Check for 110/120V from neutral to each hot leg.
If you have the correct power voltage going to your dryer then move to step 4.
4. CHECK COMPONENTS
Remove power by unplugging the dryer cord from the wall before testing for continuity.
Thermal fuse – check for continuity
Thermal cutoff – check for continuity
Heating element – check for continuity
Operating thermostat – check for continuity
High limit thermostat – check for continuity
How to use a multimeter to check for continuity
When you check continuity on the above parts, remove a wire from the part so you do not read back through a different path.
If everything above has tested OK, then look for the wiring diagram that should be inside the control panel or find your service manual. This will tell you if certain contacts should be open or closed during different drying cycle settings.
Note: The troubleshooting method above will work on all electric dryers. Maytag, Whirlpool, Samsung, GE, LG, Roper, Frigidaire, Kenmore, Bosch, Hotpoint, Haier, Fisher & Paykel, Electrolux…
John Ribeiro,
You most likely have a bad timer motor on your dryer. Replace it and you should have your NO HEAT issue solved. Kenmore Dryer Timer Knob.
-RR
I have a Kenmore Electric Dryer model# 11060022010 that will not heat. I have checked the voltage and is good and have replaced the element, thermostats and fuse. The only way to get it to heat is by by turning the timer knob back and forth a few times.
Aaron,
It sounds as if something is flipping the breaker? This may mean your dryer is overheating and the thermal fuse does not blow but instead the breaker flips. You may want to check to see if the thermostats in your dryer are in working order. If not, the dryer can overheat and flip the breaker. Also, clean internal dryer and vent. You may have lint hidden in dryer you do not see and that may be the cause of your overheat issue. Get a canister vacuum and use a small wand and vac out the inside of your dryer with the dryer unplugged.
-RR
My dryer typically won’t heat up, but if I go and flip the breaker outside it usually resets and will heat up on the timed dryer setting. Then another day or so and there’s a good chance it won’t heat up. It always works mechanically. We’ve cleaned the vent and from what it sound like, the thermal fuse would need to be replaced if it was breaking in order for it to work again. Any ideas?
Pat,
Check the THERMAL FUSE at the back of the dryer.
-RR
I have checked the vent, the lint trap, the heating element, the voltage, etc. what else is it.
Cassie,
Have you checked the control board for loose wire harnesses or burnt areas? If everything you have described that you have done was replaced correctly, check the control board.
-RR
My Samsung dryer is not heating and it shuts itself off after a few minutes. I have replaced the thermostat, fuse , element and the cord. I have also cleaned out the lint from everywhere and checked the fuse box. What could still be the issue here?
Michael,
Have you tested with a meter that you are getting 240V, or assuming that since the breaker is 240V? Would also throw in there to look at all wires in dryer and trace each one to see if there is wire issue.
-RR
It has 240 volts coming in. It does have 2 breakers (locked together). Wires are connected. I tested the timer and found no faults. Venting system clear. At the end of my rope. Any more advice?