Dryer won't start after a loud bang
A loud bang and a dead dryer usually indicate a blown thermal fuse or a tripped breaker caused by an internal component failure. This prevents the machine from powering on or turning, leaving users stuck trying to locate and test hidden parts like fuses without a bank login or prior repair experience.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Removing the drum to check the beltDid this help you?
- 2Pulling the machine out and removing the back panel to access internal thermals and the heating elementDid this help you?
- 3Checking the thermal fuse for continuityDid this help you?
- 4Manually pushing the drum a tiny bit to get it moving so it starts running.Did this help you?
- 5Checking and rewiring the power cord terminals according to the wiring diagramDid this help you?
- 6Verifying the breaker is onDid this help you?
- 7Using a meter to verify 240V presentDid this help you?
- 8Hiring an electrician to inspect the setupDid this help you?
- 9Checking for continuity on the start button and thermal fuseDid this help you?
- 10Checking the belt safety switchDid this help you?
- 11Checking the timer using a console schematicDid this help you?
- 12Bypassing the door switch for testing purposesDid this help you?
- 13Turning off the breakerDid this help you?
- 14Cleaning out the lint trapDid this help you?
- 15Trying to spin the drum by handDid this help you?
- 16Checking the door latch and drive beltDid this help you?
- 17Inspecting for a blown thermal fuse or vent blockageDid this help you?
- 18flipping the breaker on and offDid this help you?
- 19pushing the start button for 5 secondsDid this help you?
- 20holding the power button for 5 secondsDid this help you?
- 21cleaning venting and sensor bars with rubbing alcoholDid this help you?
- 22googling answersDid this help you?
- 23testing components with a multimeter for continuityDid this help you?
- 24hiring a professionalDid this help you?
- 25Wiggling or rotating the dryer setting dial back and forth before pressing startDid this help you?
- 26Running the dryer in timed dry mode instead of auto modeDid this help you?
- 27Guessing and replacing parts like the door switch and start buttonDid this help you?
- 28Using a basic multimeter in continuity mode to test the switchesDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Plugged in the washer and all good there, but the dryer is not able to turn on.”source ↗
“When inspecting the prongs, I noticed the top one was slightly open. I’m guessing I need to replace the power cord?”source ↗
“My dryer stopped working and tripped the fuse box.”source ↗
“if I push the drum just a tiny bit to get it moving it starts running perfectly.”source ↗
“I also noticed a burning smell now whilst running.”source ↗
“This dryer stopped turning on.”source ↗
“I have confirmed with a volt meter that there are 240V at the outlet. I tested for continuity on the start button and the thermal fuse.”source ↗
“Any other thoughts? Should I just suck it up and buy a new dryer?”source ↗
“All cycles run for 3min then stop”source ↗
“Is there a way I can check if it's the thermostat that is causing the issue?”source ↗
“This was what was setup by the installers when they first brought in the dryer. It worked at the previous house.”source ↗
“all it does it click when i press start and it’s completely silent with no spinning.”source ↗
“i don’t have money to pay anyone to fix it so any ideas on how to fix it myself?”source ↗
“when I try to start it it gives me the blinking "dry" light and the solid cool light.”source ↗
“I have literally tried everything on the internet. I've flipped the breaker on/off, tried pushing the start for 5 seconds and tried holding the power button for 5 seconds before and then after following info on the internet, etc so I'm really thinking it must be a thermal fuse and the drum spins pretty firmly so I don't believe it's the belt so last resort I'm reaching out to Reddit :-)”source ↗
“It's an 80 series, heard a loud bang and it will no longer turn on.”source ↗
“Not sure where to find it and check.”source ↗
“usually doesn't start when I press push to start button. I usually have to wiggle or rotate the dryer setting dial back and forth and then press start button again.”source ↗
“It will then worked in timed dry mode but it auto mode, the cycle is not long enough.”source ↗
“I changed the door switch and push to start button and I have the same problems.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 23Washing machine light goes straight from sense to done
- 2Dishwasher lights blinking and won't start
- 4Furnace won't turn on after new AC installation
- 9Dryer sparked during reassembly and won't turn on
- 6Gas dryer runs and tumbles but stops heating after a few minutes
- 3Washing machine finishes cycle but drum won't spin