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…
Written by Keith Schneerer
Certified Appliance Tech · Founder, RemoveAndReplace.com
Keith has spent 30+ years repairing machines, starting as a military mechanic and later maintaining food processing equipment before moving into appliance repair. He founded RemoveAndReplace.com to share field-tested repair advice.
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Yes all of the wires have been checked; everything looks fine. I wanted to ask when checking the cycling thermostat fuse in front of the dryer (on the blower housing) it shows continuity on the outside prongs but does not show anything on the two inside prongs. Is this unusual? The only other item to check sounds like it may be the timer (not too sure, thats why I’m on here). Thanks in advance for all of your efforts.
Alan,
Have you checked all wiring and wiring harnesses to be sure all electrical is checked good?
Any burnt, loose, or brittle wiring may be your issue.
Test all components in the dryer with a meter to be sure all is working.
-RR
RR, the thermal fuse has been checked and has continuity
Vicky,
Check thermal fuse, then thermostats, then elements…
-RR
Alan,
Have you checked the THERMAL FUSE at the back of the dryer?
-RR
Maytag dryer still not heating after replacing the thermostat and heating element
My dryer turns on but does not heat; i replaced the element and thermostat.
However it still does not heat.
I pulled the controlled thermostat in the front i tried to check for continuity: the prongs on each end gave me a reading while the two prongs in the middle did not?
Is that normal?
My Maytag dryer spins but won’t get hot.