How to Fix a Dryer That Wont Turn On

It’s one of those modern-day frustrations that can bring your household routine to a screeching halt: you’ve got a mountain of wet laundry, you toss it in the dryer, press the start button, and… nothing. Just silence. No humming, no tumbling, nothing. Before you start picturing expensive repair bills or a week of air-drying clothes on every available surface, take a deep breath. A dryer that won't turn on is one of the most common appliance issues, and the fix is often surprisingly simple.

The good news is that you don't need to be an appliance expert to diagnose the problem. In many cases, the culprit is a simple power issue or a faulty safety switch that you can identify and even fix yourself.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the troubleshooting process step-by-step, just like we would over the phone. We’ll start with the easiest and most common problems first, helping you get your dryer—and your laundry day—back on track.

Why Won't My Dryer Start? Common Culprits

Before we dive in, let's look at the usual suspects when a dryer goes silent:

• No Power: This is the number one reason. It could be an unplugged cord, a tripped circuit breaker, or an issue with the outlet itself.
• A Faulty Door Switch: For safety, your dryer won't run if it thinks the door is open. A broken or stuck door switch can trick the machine into staying off.
• A Problematic Start Switch: The button you press to start the cycle can wear out or become disconnected.
• Internal Issues: Less common for a completely silent dryer, but problems like a blown thermal fuse or a faulty control board could be to blame.

Ready to play detective? Let's figure this out together.

Step 1: Confirm Your Dryer Has Power

It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how often the solution is as simple as restoring power. Electric dryers, especially, are power-hungry machines that use a special high-voltage outlet. Let’s make sure it’s getting the juice it needs.

Safety First: How to Check the Outlet

Before you do anything else, you need to verify that the wall outlet is working correctly. The safest way to do this is with a non-contact voltage tester, a handy and inexpensive tool for any homeowner.

1. Unplug the Dryer: Carefully pull the dryer power cord straight out from the wall outlet. Never wiggle it side-to-side, as this can damage the plug or outlet.
2. Test the Outlet: Turn on your non-contact voltage tester and bring its tip near the slots of the dryer outlet. For a 240V outlet (the large kind most electric dryers use), you should test all the slots. The tester will light up and/or beep if voltage is present.

If the tester detects power, that’s great news! It means the problem is likely with the dryer itself. You can skip ahead to Step 2.

If your tester detects no power, don't worry. The problem is with your home's electrical system, and we’ll tackle that next.

What to Do If There's No Power at the Outlet

If the outlet is dead, your next stop is the electrical panel.

1. Locate Your Electrical Panel: This is usually in a basement, garage, utility closet, or hallway.
2. Find the Dryer's Circuit Breaker: Look for a breaker labeled "Dryer," "Laundry," or something similar. Because electric dryers require 240 volts, it will be a "double-pole" breaker, which is twice as wide as standard breakers and has a single handle connecting two switches.
3. Check the Breaker's Position:
   • ON: The handle is pushed firmly to one side.
   • OFF: The handle is pushed to the opposite side.
   • TRIPPED: The handle is in the middle position, between ON and OFF.

If the breaker is tripped or in the OFF position, you've likely found your problem!

How to Safely Reset a Circuit Breaker

1. To properly reset a tripped dryer circuit breaker, you must first push the handle all the way to the OFF position.
2. Then, push it firmly back to the ON position. You should feel a solid click.
3. Go back to your dryer, plug it in, and try pressing the start button.

If your dryer roars to life, congratulations! You've fixed it. If the breaker trips again immediately, there's a more serious electrical issue. Do not keep resetting it. At this point, you should call a qualified electrician to inspect the circuit.

If you reset the breaker and the dryer still won't start, or if the breaker was already in the ON position, inspect the power cord and wall outlet for any signs of damage, like burn marks, discoloration, or melting. If you see anything suspicious, call an electrician immediately.

Step 2: Investigate the Door Switch

If your dryer has power but still won't start, the next logical place to look is the door switch. This is a small but critical safety component that prevents the dryer from running while the door is open. If it fails, the dryer will act as if the door is always open and refuse to start.

The Simple Click Test

This is the easiest test in the book.

1. Open the dryer door.
2. Close it firmly, listening carefully.
3. You should hear a distinct "click" as the door switch engages.

If you hear that click, the switch is likely working mechanically. You can move on to Step 3.

If you hear nothing, the switch or its actuator might be broken.

What to Do If You Don't Hear a Click

1. Open the door again and look along the frame of the dryer opening. You should see a small plastic or metal peg that pushes the switch when the door closes. This is the door-switch actuator.
2. Check if the actuator is broken, cracked, or missing.
3. Gently press it in with your finger. Does it move freely and make a clicking sound? Or is it stuck or unresponsive?

If the door-switch actuator is clearly broken or doesn't click when you press it, you've found the culprit. Replacing a door switch can be a DIY job for those comfortable with appliance repair, but it involves opening up the machine. For most people, this is a good time to call an appliance repair technician.

Step 3: Test the Start Switch

So, your outlet has power, and the door switch clicks, but the dryer is still silent. The final simple check is the start button itself.

1. Make sure the dryer door is firmly shut.
2. Select a cycle (like Timed Dry).
3. Press and hold the start button for at least two full seconds. Some dryers have a built-in delay, and a quick tap isn't enough to get them going.

If holding the button brings the dryer to life, the issue may have just been how you were pressing it. If it still does nothing, the problem is likely internal. The start switch itself might be faulty, or there could be an issue with the thermal fuse or main control board. These repairs are more complex and are best left to a professional.

When to Call a Professional (and What to Expect)

While it's empowering to fix things yourself, it's also important to know your limits. Here’s a quick summary of when to pick up the phone:

• Call an Electrician if:
  • The circuit breaker keeps tripping.
  • You see burn marks or damage on your outlet or power cord.
  • You suspect any issues with your home's wiring.
• Call an Appliance Repair Technician if:
  • The door switch is broken or unresponsive.
  • The dryer has power and the door switch clicks, but the start button does nothing.
  • You've gone through all the steps and are still stumped.

According to data from HomeAdvisor, the average cost for a professional dryer repair is typically between $100 and $400. A simple fix like replacing a door switch might be on the lower end of that spectrum, making it a worthwhile investment to get your appliance running safely again.

Get Your Laundry Day Back

A dryer that won't start can throw a major wrench in your plans, but it doesn't have to be a disaster. By methodically checking for power, testing the door switch, and ensuring the start button is engaged correctly, you can solve the majority of issues yourself without spending a dime.

For everything else, help is just a tap away. Download the Casa app today to get access to more easy-to-follow DIY guides, expert advice, and a network of trusted, pre-vetted professionals for those jobs that require a helping hand. With Casa, you’re never alone in managing your home.