How to Repair a Dryer

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If a clothes dryer won't run or isn't drying materials thoroughly, you can often repair it by following a series of common troubleshooting tips. After making sure the circuit didn't trip, follow these steps to learn how to repair your dryer.

Steps

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  1. Let the dryer cool for about 10 minutes, then press the "reset" button. If this doesn't work, try some of the steps below.
  2. Close the gas-supply valve if it is a gas-fueled dryer.
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    • Disconnect the vent from its collar and remove lint from the screen inside. The vent is located behind the dryer.
    • Use a vent-cleaning brush to remove lint from inside the vent itself.
    • Use a garden hose or auger to remove clogs if the vent pipe or tubing is badly clogged. Disassemble the joint near the end of the hose or auger and remove the clog.
    • Hold a piece of tissue near the crack of the door while the dryer is running. If it flutters, the door is not properly sealing hot air inside it, and the gasket needs to be replaced with an identical model.
    • Adjust and clean the door latch if the dryer is not running. If it still will not run, check the door switch.
  5. Remove the control panel and use a volt-ohm-millimmeter to test the switch.
    • Set the VOM to the RX1 scale.
    • Connect the probes of the VOM to the 2 switch leads after disconnecting them and press the switch closed.
    • If the VOM reads 0, the switch is not the problem. If the VOM's needle jumps up, the switch needs to be replaced.
  6. You can remove the back panel of the dryer to get to the control panel or operating thermostat.
    • Clip the probes of a volt-ohm-millimmeter (set to RX1) to each terminal on a thermostat.
    • If the VOM reads 0, the thermostat is not the problem. If the VOM's needle jumps up, the thermostat needs to be replaced.
    • Take off the front panel and remove the drum from the cabinet.
    • Suck out any lint with a vacuum.
    • Make sure the tensioner spins. If it doesn't, replace it.
    • Wrap a new belt around the motor pulley if the motor runs but the drum doesn't rotate.
    • Unscrew and remove the panel that covers the gas flame.
    • Turn the dryer on and observe the flame. A deep blue flame and a whistling sound means it is receiving too much air. An all-yellow flame means it is not getting enough air.
    • Adjust the shutter accordingly with the thumbscrew.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    My dryer starts and heats, but it doesn't spin. What can I do next?
    Community Answer
    It sounds like either the band that spins the drum is broken or the drum itself is jammed. Best bet is to call a repair service, because it's potentially a fire hazard.
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  • Question
    My dryer is spinning but not getting hot. It's about 12-years-old. Is it time for a new one or should I have it serviced?
    Community Answer
    You probably need a new igniter. Call for service or, if you are a little handy, you could do it yourself.
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      Warnings

      • Always unplug an appliance or shut off the power to its circuit before using a VOM or doing most repair work.
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      • Don't place the dryer so close to the wall that it pinches off airflow to the vent.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Ratchet set
      • Screwdrivers
      • Hose or auger
      • Volt-ohm-millimeter
      • Vacuum


      You Might Also Like

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      References

      1. http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-repair-a-dryer.htm
      2. http://www.hometips.com/repair-fix/clothes-dryer-troubleshooting.html
      3. http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Home-Repair/Appliance-Repair/clothes-dryer-repair-guide

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