HOW TO FIX A DRYER THAT WON’T SPIN
You rely on your dryer to help you power through laundry day, but when your dryer won’t spin, that may be a sign that your appliance isn’t working like it should. There are some possible reasons behind this, such as worn drum bearings and a broken dryer belt. Read on for helpful tips on how to address issues related to a dryer that stopped spinning.
WHY IS MY DRYER NOT SPINNING?
Dryers that are used according to owners manual guidelines do not usually malfunction, but your dryer may not be spinning for several reasons. The dryer belt and dryer motor are two parts that can cause your dryer to not spin if they aren’t working properly. It can also be as simple as a tripped circuit breaker or an unplugged appliance.
This list will guide you through dryer parts and other issues that could be the reason your dryer won’t spin.
1. UNPLUGGED DRYER
An unplugged dryer is a simple fix. Double check that your dryer is plugged in and ensure that your plug is in good condition and fully connecting to the outlet. If your dryer has been unplugged, just plug it back in and continue with your laundry day.
2. POWER CORD INCORRECTLY INSTALLED
Electric dryers need a 240-volt power supply connected to your wall outlet and the dryer should be connected to a three or four wire power cord. Make sure the dryer is completely plugged into a proper wall outlet, and has been installed properly. Check with a qualified electrician for solutions to this issue. You can help avoid this issue with a Maytag® dryer by planning for professional installation.
3. BROKEN DRYER BELT
Your dryer belt may experience wear and tear over a long period of time, which may cause the belt to break and your dryer could stop spinning. The dryer belt helps to rotate your dryer drum, helping your clothes to dry properly. If you hear your dryer motor running, but your dryer isn’t spinning, this may be an issue with the dryer belt. To fix a broken dryer belt, you should reach out to a professional to help you fix this issue.
4. BROKEN DRYER DRIVE MOTOR
Your dryer’s drive motor gives power to the pulley wheel and drive belt, which helps rotate your dryer drum. If your dryer stops spinning mid cycle, makes a loud noise, makes a squeaking noise or fails to start at all, the drive motor might need to be replaced. Scheduling an appointment with a professional is recommended for this repair.
5. SEIZED DRYER DRUM
Take a look inside your dryer and try to move the drum by hand. Typically, the drum should not be difficult to move by hand. If you’re finding that it’s difficult to move the drum, it’s possible that your dryer drum has seized. Contact a professional repair technician to get help properly diagnosing this issue.
6. MALFUNCTIONING DRUM ROLLERS
If your dryer makes a loud, rumbling sound and doesn’t spin, it’s possible your dryer’s drum rollers are malfunctioning. Keep in mind that drum rollers are typically installed in sets and all of them could need replacing at the same time.
7. CIRCUIT BREAKER BOX
Check your circuit breaker box to ensure that your dryer fuse hasn’t flipped. If you notice your dryer fuse has flipped, simply turn it back on and check to see if this helps your dryer to spin again.
8. DRYER DOOR WON’T LATCH
If the door to your dryer won’t latch, your dryer may not start properly and may not begin to spin. When completing a load of laundry, push against both the top and bottom latch of your dryer door so each one clicks into place.
9. BROKEN ELECTRONIC CONTROL BOARD
Your dryer’s electronic control board communicates with and sends power to various parts of your dryer. If your dryer is experiencing issues with starting or spinning, you may need to enlist the help of a professional to help you properly identify and fix the issue. It’s not recommended that users attempt to fix this problem themselves.
10. CONTROL LOCK IS ON
The Control Lock button is a safety feature that prevents your dryer from starting unintentionally. If your dryer still isn’t starting, it could be that the Control Lock button was accidentally pushed. Check your owner’s manual to see how to address this, or depending on your model, you may be able to check the Control Lock option to see if it’s engaged; if so, switch it off.
CAN I FIX MY DRYER MYSELF?
After troubleshooting the reason behind why your dryer stopped spinning, it’s possible you’re able to fix the issue yourself. However, there are some issues that require professional help.
If you own a Maytag® dryer, you can schedule a Maytag® authorized service appointment for your dryer.
CAN I STILL USE A DRYER IF IT DOESN’T SPIN?
It’s not recommended you continue to use your dryer if it doesn’t spin, as the drum spins in order to circulate air throughout wet clothes, helping them to dry properly. You also should refrain from continuing to use your dryer if it’s malfunctioning to prevent damage to your appliance. Instead, schedule a Maytag® authorized service appointment for your dryer.
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