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HomeRepair HelpDryer RepairDryer stopped spinning Repair
Dryer stopped spinning
If your dryer stopped spinning or your dryer drum is not turning, the most likely cause is a broken drive belt — reach into the drum and try turning it by hand; if it spins very easily the belt is probably snapped and needs replacing. Less commonly a faulty timer can interrupt drum rotation, but that is rare, so check the more common parts first. Next make sure the power cord is seated firmly in the outlet since a loose plug can cut power and stop the drum. Inspect the blower wheel for lint clogs or trapped clothing that can bind the wheel and prevent the drum from turning, and check the idler pulley for wear or seizing since it provides tension to the drive belt. Finally, if the drum binds or the dryer runs then stops repeatedly, the drive motor may be overheating or failing. You can enter your model number at RepairClinic.com to see the exact replacement drive belt, idler pulley, blower wheel, motor, or other part that fits your dryer.
01 - Dryer Drive Belt
The drive belt is a very long, slender belt that wraps all the way around the dryer drum, around a tension pulley, and then around the drive motor pulley. Over time, the belt can break from normal use. If the belt is broken, the dryer won’t turn. To quickly determine if the belt is broken, reach into the dryer and turn the drum by hand. If the drum spins very easily, the belt is likely broken. Next, inspect the belt to confirm that it is broken. If the belt is broken, replace it.
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02 - Dryer Timer
A dryer drum that has stopped spinning unexpectedly could be caused by a faulty timer. However, this is very rarely the case. Before replacing the timer, check all the more commonly defective parts. If you determine that all of the other components are working properly, test the timer by using a multimeter and consulting the wiring diagram. If the timer is defective, replace it.
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03 - Incoming Power Problem
Confirm the power cord is plugged tightly into the wall receptacle. A loose plug can provide intermittent power to the dryer and cause it to stop spinning during the cycle.
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04 - Dryer Blower Wheel
The blower wheel works with the drive motor to draw air into the dryer drum. Clumps of lint, socks, and small articles of clothing can escape the lint filter and get caught in the blower wheel. Since the blower wheel is usually attached to the same drive motor shaft that drives the drum belt, an obstructed blower wheel may prevent the drum from spinning. To determine if the blower wheel is working properly, remove the dryer vent and assess the strength of the air flow. If the air flow is weak, check the blower wheel for obstructions. If no obstructions are present, try rotating the blower wheel by hand. If the blower wheel...
Common
05 - Dryer Idler Pulley
The dryer's idler pulley puts tension on the drive belt so the belt can rotate the drum during operation. A defective idler pulley can cause the dryer drum to stop spinning. Inspect the idler pulley and make sure it spins freely on the shaft. If the idler pulley is stuck, worn or damaged, we recommend replacing the drum drive belt in addition to replacing the idler pulley.
Common
06 - Dryer Drive Motor
The drive motor turns the drum and the blower wheel to exhaust the air. If the dryer runs, stops for a while, and then starts again, this likely indicates that the motor is overheating, causing the dryer to shut off until the motor cools down. First, remove the belt from the motor and check the blower wheel to ensure that it is not obstructed. Next, with the belt removed, try rotating the drum by hand. If the drum does not rotate freely, determine what is causing the drum to bind. If the drum turns freely and the blower wheel is clear of obstructions, the drive motor might be defective. If you suspect the motor is at fault...
Common
07 - Dryer Idler Assembly
The dryer's idler assembly puts tension on the drive belt so the belt can rotate the drum during operation. A defective idler assembly can cause the dryer drum to stop spinning. Inspect the idler pulley and make sure it spins freely on the shaft. If the idler pulley is stuck, worn or damaged, we recommend replacing the drum drive belt in addition to replacing the idler assembly.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dryer drum not turning?
How can I quickly tell if the drive belt is broken?
My dryer starts then stops after a few minutes. What causes that?
Why is my dryer making noise when the drum turns?
How do I enter my model number or part number to buy the correct replacement part?