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BACKSEP 29, 2025
How to Fix a Dryer That Wont Turn On
BACKSEP 29, 2025
Looking for more guidance? Take a look at our Repairs overview.
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.
Before we dive in, let's look at the usual suspects when a dryer goes silent:
Ready to play detective? Let's figure this out together.
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.
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.
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.
If the outlet is dead, your next stop is the electrical panel.
If the breaker is tripped or in the OFF position, you've likely found your problem!
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.
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.
This is the easiest test in the book.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
