How Does an Electric Dryer Work? - Appliance Repair Tips

Dryer not heating properly, taking too long to dry, not tumbling, starting or stopping? This video provides information on how an electric dryer works and offers troubleshooting tips to assist you in diagnosing and repair.
Here is a list of the most commonly replaced parts associated with each dryer symptom:
Dryer not heating: heating elements, fuses
Dryer making noises: belts, bearings, seals
Dryer won’t start: heating element, high limit switch, thermostats
Dryer will not tumble: belts or switches
Dryer takes too long: coils, thermostats, heating elements
Dryer will not shut off: door switches or timers
Dryer shuts off too soon: thermostat, heating coils or fuses
Dryer too hot: thermostats or fuses
How to disassemble your dryer:
• Whirlpool/Kenmore Drye...
For more DIY videos including part replacement and help finding your model visit the repair help section of our website:
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All of the information provided in this dryer troubleshooting video is applicable to the following brands: Amana, Frigidaire, GE, Kenmore, LG, Maytag, Roper, Samsung and Whirlpool.
RepairClinic has millions of replacement parts for appliances, lawn equipment, power tools, and heating & cooling equipment including washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, lawn mowers, snowblowers, furnaces, and air conditioners. Our customer care team is available to help by phone or live chat, seven days a week: 1-800-269-2609. We guarantee the fastest shipping possible-all in-stock parts ship the same business day. Return any part for any reason with our generous 365-day return policy.
In addition to providing replacement parts, RepairClinic.com offers free online troubleshooting information and DIY repair videos. Use our website to choose from a series of problems to discover the likely causes and the correct replacement part(s) for your particular model. Once you’ve determined the solution, our expertly-produced video tutorials will guide you through every step of the repair.
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[@thunderw96]

Somewhat shocked by how well made this video is. I have 0 issues with my dryer... but now I feel confident enough to say I may be able to diagnose any problems down the road and keep those problems from arising at all. Thank you!

[@kamakaziozzie3038]

You were shocked..on the operation of an electric dryer. no pun intended 😄

[@ayeitzdj]

Pun intended

[@kevj1349]

Today I became a master dryer technician in less than ten minutes. Thank you!!

[@anniecreasy8014]

This helped me get my dryer working again. Thanks so much.

[@repairclinic]

Great! We're glad you found it helpful.

[@shelia12047]

This is the best explanation of dryer functioning and possible problems. I've seen. Thank you :-)

[@dailylife3001]

Such a simple and awesome explanation

[@S8LAD]

This is very educational. Direct and quick to the point. I didn't know how dryers work. Now I feel like an expert.

[@repairclinic]

S8LAD Thanks for the comment!

[@Iplaygames12183]

So I was just thinking about how I don't know how things work and I looked up how a dryer works this help a lot thank you

[@tay5901]

Awesome videos. I'm going to go through and try to watch most of them. I like how not only you're helping teach how to repair but also teaching about most of the components that go into the functioning of the appliances.

[@GM8101PHX]

In Arizona all new dryer installations require metal tubing, either flexible or rigid. My house was built as clothes dryers were coming on the market. I had to wire a 220V circuit for the dryer and because I have heard of many houses burning down because of blocked vents I insured my vent goes through the exterior wall of the laundry room directly outside. No more than 18 inches long and all metal. Dryer roof vents are a hazard because the machine has to not only vent the heated humid air, but also blow the lint out of the vent chute. I understand some houses do not give the option as laundry machines are placed in the center of the house. Your machine should come with 4 options for venting, the rear, bottom through the floor and both sides of the cabinet. Never defeat the venting or the grounding tong on the 220V receptacle for your dryer. If in doubt have a professional recommend the best alternatives!! Usually the cabinets for both the washer and dryer do not have venting on either side so the pair can sit touching side by side. However the rear of the dryer and under the cabinet is where the machine draws in fresh air to operate. Never close the bottom of the machine and always allow about 6 inches from the back of the machine to the wall, and do not prevent air from getting behind both machines. Using the hot air concept of hot air rising, it is good to make sure the source for the machines getting air is as close to the bottom as can be. Just as us humans need air so do the machines to prevent them from over heating. Lint filters in both machines if equipped should be cleaned after each cycle of use. Ensure your hot and cold water lines to the washer are in good condition, and it can be wise to modify the space to incorporate a flood pan under the washer, this pan would rain outside preventing serious damage to the flooring around the machine. An aluminum pan a few inches deep with a 3/4" CPVC drain line out will serve well. Your water heater as well should have a pan under it to the outside.

[@mariovasquez4727]

Very professionals as always,very easy to follow 🆙

[@oscarmilla1048]

very good thanks

[@repairclinic]

You're welcome! If you would like to give us a review, here is our link: g.page/r/CcVUrahZNozMEBM/review Have a great day!

[@bhampresson]

Outstanding

[@repairclinic]

You're welcome! We are always happy to help. If you would like to give us a review on Google, we would much appreciate it: g.page/r/CcVUrahZNozMEBM/review We hope that you have a great day!

[@miriammiriamxoxo]

Interesting, I've been wondering why my dryer heats sometimes and sometimes doesn't. I guess it is too close to the wall and doesn't have proper airflow and that's why the heating element shuts off. Thanks!

[@repairclinic]

You're welcome.

[@lynnbeauregard4518]

great video

[@dapperbleach1598]

dude i dont have these things but i love the cool facts thanks

[@repairclinic]

No problem! We're glad you enjoy our videos.

[@pravinnarayan8485]

This is a great video my 3 year old son showed me this video and watchs this video alot he tells me how to repair drys how. Thanks you. very educational.

[@repairclinic]

That's awesome! You have a smart 3 year old!

[@elevatorman5468]

Lol.

[@camronwilliams2590]

How is he doing now?

[@Flowerbby3435]

This was a perfectly well done video guys. Amazing.

[@luz1706]

This is a great video I'm drying my sister's clothes and it works amazing

[@jamie7364]

great instructional video - thank you

[@HDRIDER1456]

thank you repair clinic your videos helped me to fix 2dryers one the fuse was blown and the other one tested fine so I cleaned the vents out and it worked just fine after .....thank you repair clinic

[@repairclinic]

Nice job Jimmy!

[@RakibulIslam-yz3gn]

Very good and helpful video.

[@JamesHarris-rl3jh]

Thanks! For the video. It was very informative . 👍

[@davidaman-ore3253]

Thanks for the education

[@Bobherry]

Please make more How does an ... work videos!!!

[@lobecosc]

That was very interesting and helpful.

[@rjhustle21]

The video mentions the switch on the motor at 4:04.

[@repairclinic]

Awesome! Congrats!

[@henriettadanso4690]

My dryer heat very well but the clothes does not dry after the cycle is done

[@Abundance172]

Great video

[@isaacnelson4125]

My dryers timer is like that too!

[@offbeat_link]

Lgh new new eel let C de to ur cv j it few Th koi yd’s to I is koi web by

[@darkaricus4226]

Forever i will keep watching this video for ever YAY

[@aenimosity7]

Great video, thanks!!

[@sailingeden9866]

Great video. Could you make a video about the motor and the centrifugal switch?

[@candacekyte2657]

whirlpool gas dryer. airflow and venting is good. Gas ignites and turns off properly as it cycles. It just doesn't get very hot regardless of temperature setting.

[@johncasor9698]

fire should be on for about one min then off about one min check this for 5 cycle times on/off . then if gas coils are bad . you will see on this test that around the 3 cycle of gas on/off that gas flame is on for a short time like 20 sec. a short time...

[@FIXYZ123]

Which software did you use for simulation of the dryer?

[@repairclinic]

FIXYZ123 We don't have that information.

[@carlosbanegas7577]

very good

[@saurabhmathur5688]

My dryer is giving a E5 error within of 5 seconds of start the cycle. E5 error is temperature sensor failure. There are three(3) sensors that I was able to locate in the duct. I disconnected all three and reconnected them but still it is showing the same error. Please suggest what can be done to fix this

[@juansanchez-kb4ij]

what's the motor switch? I have a state electric dryer with only timer and push start button and it won't heat I use a multimeter test all the fuses for continuity and they all good this will be my second dryer that I have to scrap if I don't find out what's going on with these state dryers there has to be a solution

[@QQTrick1QQ]

There was no mention of the motor switch that activates the heating element. The motor has to get to a certain speed to tip the switch so if the motor is not turning fast enough it will not heat, a slow motor might be full of lint and blowing it out might fix the problem.

[@stephensnell1379]

You mean trip

[@demetriuscooks9871]

I need to get this out,. Why my family? Belt buckles don't dry in a machine right. They will not hear otherwise. 😮. The machine was obtained five days ago.

[@LeviKleinschmidt]

Thanks!

[@repairclinic]

No problem!

[@JasonSmith-qx3zh]

I took picture of how my dryer was wired then Lost them. How do I go about getting the wire hooked up right?

[@rathdean]

Good video, but they swap back and forth between dryer types

[@denelll.bennettsurvivorwar8224]

Great Video! Thanks!

[@handymanbrian8269]

im going to remove the cheap dial timer on my GE electric dryer, and use relays and a 120v digital timer switch to control. i was trying to figure out if there is a delay from heating element and motor turn-on times

[@stephensnell5707]

Do not do that because it may not fit and may cause your drier to not run Just leave it as it is

[@DogsLuvUNoMatterWhat]

Please help...my whirlpool dryer would not heat or stop running...I replaced the heating element....it is making heat but still not shutting off... is this a timer issue?

[@techrickyross]

my dryer Is a Frigidaire affinity FARE4044MW0 And the belt can sometimes slips

[@kef103]

And vertical up thru the roof 30 feet is a joke

[@pauline.7566]

Does the wash machine dryer produce distilled water?

[@lifefruit9917]

No problem with my dryer just curious

[@drummerdoingstuff5020]

Not in a laundry room…. Hmmm, there’s a conundrum

[@faymills1026]

we have a whirlpool dryer Model LEB6000PQ1 serial No. Ms5104240 dryer is not drying. We have replace the Thermal fuse and the cycling thermometer still not drying. What should I look for next.

[@repairclinic]

We recommend using the repair help section of our website. Enter your model number there and you'll have access to part, model and symptom specific repair help: www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/Dryer-Repair-Help

[@benjaminprivott1193]

Hello, my GE dryer is not functioning properly. When it gets turned off there is something still spinning for a few seconds. Do you have any suggestions and thanks!

[@repairclinic]

benjamin privott There are a few possible causes for this. Enter your model number in our website's repair help system: www.repairclinic.com/repairhelp?TLSID=1773.

[@debbierawlinson7200]

How do you repair the baffles it came off

[@repairclinic]

Debbie Rawlinson Normally you have to disassemble the dryer, by removing the top so you can get to the baffle's mounting screws on the outside of the drum. Enter your model number on our repair help section to find a disassembly video. www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/Dryer-Repair-Help?TLSID=1773

[@TheSuperCobby]

I have a GE electric dryer DWSR483 it heats and rotates just fine when I hit the start switch. But when I remove my hand from the switch it immediately shuts off. It won't stay on. Is it the start switch or a relay? I'm just not really sure what's going on. There are different answers all over the Internet.

[@repairclinic]

+justin cobb That start switch is only supposed to be momentary. We would suspect a defective timer.

[@TheWASHINGMACHINEBOY]

+RepairClinic.com no it is that the switch next to the motor wont turn on. when the motor spins the centrifugal force of that spinning moves a wire from the start winding into the other winding which keeps the motor on

[@TheSuperCobby]

+Hays Coleman it ended up being the interlock switch down near the motor. all fixed now :)

[@Floridarailz]

Did you check the belt?

[@brad5575]

Nice video Now, If you will excuse me , my dryer is running I need to go catch it

[@cosmokramer179]

Am I the only one who just felt the need to look up how dryers work?

[@Ajtori93]

My mom Whirlpool dryer will get hot,but the drum wont rotate!I think its the belt!I took it apart and the belt isn't broken and has no tear sin it,but it has slack in it when I lift touched the belt around by the bottom by the pulley!Do you think its the belt?

[@repairclinic]

You'll find our website's free troubleshooting and repair help to be helpful: www.repairclinic.com/repairhelp?TLSID=1773. Be sure to enter your mother's dryer model number.

[@johnyoung8977]

Maytag Dryer model # LDE 412 Series 02 ; it is leaving black marks -streaks on clothing,I have cleaned inside of the drum with no remedy.Any ideas please? ( I had seen a video showing to wipe the gasket at back of drum but this model looks like it is just a felt seal)

[@DancingSpiderman]

Yer sposed to WASH YER UNDERWEAR BEFORE u put them in the dryer Try that solution; get back to me

[@DancingSpiderman]

+Dancing Spiderman the black streaks mean yer poop toob is bleeding upstream. Should go see a Butt Dokter right away pronto. I cain't hep u with that issue. Good Luck.

[@angelaedmunds6859]

When I turn my dryer on all the red lights come on the top of the dryer it is a indesit

[@kinkisharyocoasters]

120-160 degrees isn't quite as hot as I would have imagined it gets in a dryer. I mean that's like sauna temperature

[@ChocoTeas]

There was a broken belt in our dryer, we fix it but when we put it all back on. It spin but only on really light loads not a normal loads. Help please.

[@stephensnell1379]

You mean load It's never a good idea to overload a tumble dryer at all as it can cause trouble over time

[@priscilla-aquilamatthews9876]

Heating element thermostat cut off dryer will shut off dryer

[@Ou8y2k2]

Hello ***** I have a Whirlpool Dryer LER5636EQ1. The dryer would spin, but wouldn't heat and then it would turn off. I replaced heating element thermal cut-off (thermal fuse) RepairClinic Item # 2651, and now it spins and heats up, but doesn't stop. The timer doesn't move from the start position. The thermal fuse has continuity as does the operating thermostat, heating element, and thermal cut-off kit. Could it be the timer or centrifugal switch on the motor? Also, are all high-limit thermostats and heating elements hooked up in series? I forgot to take a picture of my machine, but there are 4 connectors; two are aligned vertically and two are aligned horizontally. I connected the horizontal connectors to the heating element and the vertical connectors to the high-limit thermostat and the machine spins and heats up. Did I hook it up correctly? If not, could that have fried the Timer motor/assembly?

[@repairclinic]

***** If the thermal cut off on the heating element blew than you likely have an air flow problem. Normally, a clogged exhaust vent is the culprit. In order for the timer to advance the cycling thermostat has to be satisfied, however, if you have an air flow problem this will never occur because the heat is being shut off by a high limit instead of a cycling thermostat. We don't have your wiring diagram so we cannot comment on where wires connect. The elements and thermostats are all in series.

[@Ou8y2k2]

***** Before I replaced the cutoff kit, I unclogged the lint chute assembly and blower wheel. Since my initial comment, I have tested the timer with an air dry cycle set for 10 minutes. The timer advanced, and the end of cycle buzzer sounded, and the machine shut off. I am going to set it for a timed, heated cycle, and see if it advances and stops correctly. I've been told that if it stops during the cool down section of the cycle, then the high limit thermostat is wired incorrectly.

[@marystout5658]

The dryer powers up but when I try to set the cycle it does not start

[@johncasor9698]

check door switch....

[@lakecrab]

My dryer IS defying physics. Have voltage and continuity yet coil does not heat. The drum rotates...no lint blockages. Installed a new $20.00 door switch which was needed but NOT in a dryer that won't work otherwise.

[@tier3rd375]

Check all of the components including the heating element itself. This includes the limit switched and thermal fuses. Also make sure you are getting 208 or 240 volts at your receptacle.

[@ahmadjmms]

i have a GE dryer and it run just fine for about 15 min after that it shuts off by it self and i turn it on after 5min its works just for 3min and shutt off again please help :(

[@johncasor9698]

it is in the motor. there is a thermistor that is powering down motor , it is a type of fuse that will reset itself when it cools down... you have to replace the motor...

[@mauricelahham1720]

Ahmad Jamal get kenmore

[@benbidle7945]

I have a GE dryer when I turn the starter switch on and release it it kills it what is it anybody out there can help me

[@lestergalo7439]

Broken belt more than likely

[@sethhorst6158]

How does the giant industrial ones work?

[@helenrecollet56]

dryer runs and heat is good . but machine keeps saying to clean the lint tray , and is clean . but keeps repeating to clean the lint tray . where else is the lint tray .on a maytag , bravo .

[@johncasor9698]

it is just a reminder. dont worry....

[@jeronwhite3113]

Mines does the same thing, and will continue to say clean lint try it’s only a reminder. It says it before each use.

[@RockyRocks18]

What about the Gasoline?

[@elevatorman5468]

Isn't that an ironing board plug?

[@stephensnell1379]

Don't be daft

[@kasan8495]

Dryer lore

[@angelaedmunds6859]

When iturn

[@edwinjilabaasa]

Too much unnecessary physics

[@lyndonrampersad5606]

Fff

[@joshypoo2006]

man just get to the fucking point!