Short answer
Check power, the control lock, and that the door latches firmly. If the dryer hums but the drum doesn't turn, a broken belt or motor fault is likely. If it's completely dead with power present, a blown thermal fuse (often caused by restricted airflow) or a door switch is common.
Safe checks
- Breaker and outlet
- Control lock / child lock
- Door closes and latches
- Start button held as long as the manual says
Possible causes, in the order they're usually ruled out
- PowerBreaker, outlet, cordYou can check
- Door & controlsDoor switch, start switch, control lockCheck, then technician
- Thermal fuseBlown after overheatingTechnician
- DriveBroken belt or failed motorTechnician
Symptom pattern
| What happens | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Nothing at all | Power, door switch, thermal fuse, control |
| Hums, no tumble | Broken belt, seized roller, motor |
| Starts then stops | Overheating from poor airflow, motor overload |
Stop if
Safety
- It hums for more than a few seconds without turning — switch it off to protect the motor
Possible causes in more detail
| Part | What happens when it fails |
|---|---|
| Door switch | Dryer won't start; drum light may not come on |
| Thermal fuse | No start at all on many models; no heat on others |
| Start switch | Pressing start does nothing though the control lights up |
| Drive belt | Motor hums or runs, drum doesn't turn; some models won't start at all |
| Motor | Hum, burning smell, or nothing |
Don't attempt
Leave this to a professional
- Bypassing the door switch or thermal fuse
- Working inside the cabinet with the dryer plugged in
- Any gas-line work on gas dryers
How it's diagnosed
The technician confirms power at the outlet or terminal block, then works through the start circuit: door switch, thermal fuse, start switch, belt switch, and motor. If the thermal fuse is open, they should also check airflow, because a fuse rarely fails without a reason.
Cost outlook
Door switches, fuses, and belts are inexpensive parts; a motor or control board is the larger repair, and on an older dryer that's the point to weigh replacement.
What to request
A symptom points to likely causes; only testing confirms one. If the checks above don't solve it, request a diagnosis for dryer repair and mention what you've already checked.
Common questions
What does a thermal fuse do?
It permanently cuts power when the dryer overheats. Replacing it without fixing the airflow problem usually leads to another failure.
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