If your dryer controls are not responding or the knob just spins without changing a setting, the most likely problem is a worn or cracked control knob that has stripped out and no longer engages the switch stem. That covers selector knobs, timer knobs and plain control knobs that slip on the stem and fail to turn the timer or cycle selector. If the whole display or timer is dead, check the power cord next for breaks, exposed wires or blackened terminals near the connections. A damaged cord can cause the dryer start button not working or the controls to go completely dark. If the start button is the only thing acting up and the door switch checks out, the thermal fuse is a common next suspect; you can verify it with a multimeter for continuity and replace it if it has blown. Need the right replacement? Enter your model number at RepairClinic.com to see the exact selector knob, power cord, thermal fuse or other part that fits your dryer.
01 - Magic Chef Dryer Power Cord
If the whole dryer display or timer is not working, the dryer's power cord could the source of the problem. Inspect the cord for any breaks or burn marks near the terminals. If the terminals appear blackened or wires are exposed through the cord's insulation, you should replace the power cord with a new one.
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A dryer selector knob needs to be able to engage and rotate the selector switch stem for that control to work. If the knob is cracked or stripped out and just slips on the stem a new knob will need to be installed to properly engage the switch.
A dryer control knob needs to be able to engage and rotate the switch stem for that control to work. If the knob is cracked or stripped out and just slips on the stem a new knob will need to be installed to properly engage the switch.
The dryer's timer knob needs to be able to engage and rotate the timer stem for the control to work. If the knob is cracked or stripped out and just slips on the stem a new knob will need to be installed to properly engage the control.
A dryer control knob needs to be able to engage and rotate the switch stem for that control to work. If the knob is cracked or stripped out and just slips on the stem a new knob will need to be installed to properly engage the switch.
If the whole dryer display or timer is not working, it's likely the timer itself is defective. However, this is not that common of a problem. 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.
If just the start button is malfunctioning and you've confirmed the door switch is working properly, then it's possible the thermal fuse has blown. You can use a multimeter to test the fuse for electrical continuity. If the thermal fuse has no continuity, you'll know it has blown and will need to be replaced.