T
The Daily Insight

When I push the start button on my dryer nothing happens

Author

Olivia Owen

Published Apr 01, 2026

A broken power cord, failed push-to-start switch or a bad timer can also prevent the dryer from starting. Some dryers use a motor relay to control the drive motor, so a broken motor relay can prevent the dryer from starting. … In electric dryers, a blown thermal fuse can keep the dryer from starting.

How do you fix the start button on a dryer?

  1. Shut off the power. Unplug the dryer. …
  2. Pull the knob off. Pull the control knob straight up and off of the front of the push-to-start switch. …
  3. Remove the back panel. …
  4. Remove the push-to-start switch. …
  5. Install the new push-to-start switch. …
  6. Reattach the back panel. …
  7. Reinstall the control knob. …
  8. Restore power to the dryer.

How do I know if my thermal fuse is bad on my dryer?

Multimeter Test Remove the two wire leads from the thermal fuse and touch a multitester probe to each wire terminal on the fuse. If you get a reading of infinity, the fuse is fine. Any reading less than infinity indicates a triggered thermal fuse you will need to replace.

Why won't my dryer start all of a sudden?

Common dryer issues include a faulty door switch or start switch and control problems such as a broken dryer timer or faulty electronic control board: … If the drum light doesn’t turn off, a failed door switch is the likely reason the dryer won’t start. A blown thermal fuse often prevents an electric dryer from starting.

How do I know if my dryer thermal fuse is blown?

  1. Unplug your dryer and ensure it is no longer connected to the gas or electric.
  2. Locate the thermal fuse, as above.
  3. Disconnect the thermal fuse from the wires.
  4. Test the fuse with a multimeter.
  5. If the needle on your multimeter does not move, your thermal fuse is blow.

How does a dryer start switch work?

The dryer’s start switch is a momentary contact push switch that allows electricity to energize the motor. Once the motor has begun to spin, an expanding contact within the motor, called a centrifugal switch, expands to maintain contact after the start switch has been released.

What happens when a thermal fuse blown on dryer?

A thermal fuse will blow when the temperature gets too high, not when it’s drawing too much current. … When it blows, the dryer stops generating heat. It’s necessary to replace it before the dryer will run again.

Is there a reset button on electric dryers?

Many dryers are equipped with a reset button on the control panel. If the motor won’t run, let the dryer cool for about ten minutes. Then push the reset button. If there are no problems with the motor, switches, or electrical system, this should restart the dryer.

Does unplugging a dryer reset it?

Resetting your dryer is easy. Unplug it (or turn off power at the circuit breaker), wait some time for the electrical charge to clear out of the dryer (usually 1 to 5 minutes at most), and then power it up again. That’s it. That’s all it takes to reset.

What causes a dryer to stop spinning?

A broken drive belt is the most common reason a dryer won’t spin. … A working belt should provide some resistance, so if the drum turns very easily and loosely, the belt is probably broken. Unplug your dryer and remove the lid so you can inspect the belt to confirm that it’s broken.

Article first time published on

What would cause a whirlpool dryer not to start?

Sometimes a Whirlpool dryer not starting is more of a power issue than a dryer malfunction. … Make sure the dryer is correctly plugged into the proper electrical outlet. Check for tripped breakers or blown fuses. If needed, reset any tripped breakers and replace blown fuses.

What causes a whirlpool dryer not to start?

The thermal fuse is the most common problem with Whirlpool dryers not running. … The vent being stopped normally causes dryers to overheat. So if your thermal fuse is bad you should check the vent. To check the thermal fuse, first unplug dryer and remove back.

How much does it cost to replace a dryer thermal fuse?

PartMaterial CostTotal CostThermal fuse$5-10$80-$130Dryer thermostat$3-20$180Bearing$50$130-$250Roller$10-30$90-$230

Can I bypass a thermal fuse on a dryer?

Locate and Bypass the Fuse The thermal fuse will look like a thin strip of white plastic with a wire coming out of each end. In order to bypass the thermal fuse, use electrical tape to tape the two ends together. The thermal fuse will then be bypassed. Turn the dryer on to a heat cycle for no more than 90 seconds.

Where is a dryer fuse located?

After disconnecting your dryer from the power source, remove the back panel of your dryer to locate the thermal fuse. It is usually located on the blower housing and/or the heating element.

Does a Whirlpool dryer have a reset button?

Whirlpool dryers can do many things, such as monitor moisture levels and temperature, reduce noise, periodically tumble clothes to remove wrinkles, steam clothes and adjust the overall drying time according to fabric and load size. However, one thing a Whirlpool dryer cannot do is reset itself by pushing a button.

Where is the door switch on a dryer?

Locate your dryer’s door switch. It will be located around the door opening in the front panel. You may be able to pop the switch out of place, or remove it by removing only a single screw. If you are unable to access your dryer’s door switch this way, you will have to remove the front panel of your dryer.

Where is the door switch located?

THE DOOR SWITCH IS THE FIRST PATENTED DOOR SENSOR The Door Switch is the only door sensor that extends above the top of the door.

How much is a start switch for a dryer?

$42.72. Dryer push-to-start switch, 2-terminal.

Why does my Maytag dryer not start?

If your Maytag dryer won’t start, just clicks, and multimeter testing of the fuse reveals no continuity, it’s either blown or defective. In both cases, the fuse can’t be repaired and must be replaced. Even if you don’t suspect overheating, a blown thermal fuse warrants a dryer vent inspection.

What do you do when your Maytag dryer won't start?

Make sure both fuses are intact and tight, or that either circuit breaker has not tripped. You can test the breaker by turning the breaker off and then back on. Replace the fuse(s) or reset the circuit breaker(s). If the problem continues, call an electrician.

Can you reset a Maytag dryer?

The Maytag dryer might display an error code if a problem has arisen with the dryer. … To reset the dryer if an error code occurs, press “Power/Cancel” twice and then reselect a cycle and press “Start.”