i just got a dryer from a friend, it turns on and spins and everything but isnt getting any heat. i just can't figure out why.
2007-08-30 04:03:11 · 10 answers · asked by ? 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Eight well meaning folk, but not a nice blue hat between them.
Is it electric ? If so, was it working in your friends house ? Is he really your friend ? If the answer to all these is yes, then check to make sure you are getting 240V to the dryer. Check the breakers first to make sure (The dryer motor will run on 120V, but not heat. Do you have it selected to time dry ? Air fluff will supply no heat. If these things are ok, then hoof it over to http://appliancequickfix.com/ so they can help you track down your problem without guessing.
2007-08-30 09:03:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely two items are the heating element burnt out or the thermostat for heating element failed open.
Either is an easy fix once you get the replacement parts and take the back access panel off the dryer (unpluged first of course).
If you have a meter you can measure both those parts for open circuits. Both should not be open circuit. If one is there is the cause.
If you don't have a meter locate the thermostat (looks like thick coin with two wires sticking out of it attached to a metal duct). Pull the wires off it and tape the metal ends together tightly. Replug the dryer and see if the heat is coming out now. If it is the thermostat was the problem. If not unplug and put the wires back on it and buy a new heating element and put it where the old one was.
2007-08-30 06:24:33 · answer #2 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had two dryers act in a similar manner recently, mine and my girlfriends. On mine simply removing the back, vacuuming out the lint (yes, I had been negligent) cleaning all the contacts (canned compressed air works great) took care of the problem. My girlfriends was a different story. There was no lint buildup at all so my assumption was the heating element. I replaced that (and the thermostat just in case) and still no luck. Then I found that some loose wires had melted down (evidently it arced with one of the other wires) one of the posts at the terminal block, it would still spin but evidently with the 3 prong 220 wire it needs all 3 to run the heating element (mind you I am no electrician). So I replaced the 220 volt power supply cord and the terminal block and voila. I still don't know why it never threw the breaker but it didn't. Anyway, the heating element may have not needed to be replaced but it drys better than it did before so no complaints from the pretty one between us. It's important to keep the lint screen clean and the dryer vent clean, heat build up can trigger the heating element to shut down.
2007-08-30 07:24:09 · answer #3 · answered by Sid 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On most north-american models, the top can be flipped open. Unplug the dryer, open the front door and remove the screws visible along the top of the front panel. Pull the dryer away from the wall and flip the top open. Check inside for any loose connection. To check the element is a little more labor intensive: you must remove the front panel, the belt and pull the drum out to access them (at least that's what I remember from fixng my dryer years ago...).
2007-08-30 04:48:23 · answer #4 · answered by J C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If its an electric dryer, it could be the heating element was jarred loose in the move. Try to reinstall it or replace it. You can access it from the backside of the dryer. They are inexpensive if you need a new one.
Good Luck
2007-08-30 04:09:20 · answer #5 · answered by bill43352003 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The heater element has burned out, or the wiring to it. It isn't that big of a fix, just be sure to unplug the dryer before you start. Good luck.
2007-08-30 04:08:18 · answer #6 · answered by Fordman 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It could be the heating element, thermostats, timer, power supply, internal fuses, motor switch. If you can't read a wiring diagram & use a voltmeter to test parts, you better call a professional.
2007-08-30 04:12:44 · answer #7 · answered by applpro 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You ought to read this article. It has many words of wisdom in it. There are many reasons why you can have no heat. This article speaks about most of the reasons.
http://www.apwagner.com/appliancerepaircenter/Dryers.htm
2007-08-30 09:05:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it gas or electric? Please specify. If electric check your circuit breaker at your main panel first. If it gas check the valve make sure it is on. Then proceed to follow what has been advised by all the great answers here.
2007-08-30 08:26:31 · answer #9 · answered by Drain Man 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like the belt slipped off, or broke, without the tension from the belt---no heat, or it may be the heating element.
2007-08-30 04:07:41 · answer #10 · answered by misskitty 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋