My electric dryer has quit working Help!

Nancy Jenkins
by Nancy Jenkins
Many weeks ago my dryer in the upstairs area of the house ceased to work when I pressed the button. It is a top load electric. I checked the circuit breaker to see if it had made it not work. Should I unplug it since it is not running? It is a real bother, with my bad ankle, to go to dryer downstairs.
  7 answers
  • Ruth Heuer-Jones Ruth Heuer-Jones on Dec 28, 2014
    Nancy, find your model number and search that at the brand names site. Find the operators manual and discover what may be the cause. I replaced my dryer's circuit board myself and saved a house call fee. If your dryer is newer this should help. If it is older it could be a loose wire or motor. I once had a dryer that was 40 years old and the only thing I ever changed on it was the belt.
    • See 2 previous
    • Nancy Jenkins Nancy Jenkins on Dec 28, 2014
      I keep any booklets etc to do with washer, fridges and other items and leave for buyers of house.
  • Ruth Heuer-Jones Ruth Heuer-Jones on Dec 28, 2014
    The brand name has a model number and a serial number. My information tags were on the inside of the the door on the dryer and on the washer. I then went to my computer and searched the company for the manual. If your dryer is newer and uses push buttons then it has a circuit board probably. But it may also have a reset fuse. My circuit board was in the top portion where the push buttons are.located. My problem is not necessarily your problem or cure. I find the search engines on the internet are very useful to discover possible problem solving solutions. Perhaps on the brand names site you will find a trouble-shooting guide to help you get started. Sorry if this doesn't help.
  • Ruth Heuer-Jones Ruth Heuer-Jones on Dec 28, 2014
    I keep all my booklets also. A sensible thing and generous when selling or leaving. If you can't find the brand name either I can't think of any other way except through a professional repair person. Sorry and good luck.
  • Darla Darla on Dec 29, 2014
    You probably should unplug it until you can get it fixed. Better safe than sorry.
  • Nancy Jenkins Nancy Jenkins on Dec 29, 2014
    Thanks Darla, now to raise the cash for appliance person to come to see if dead dryer or can be fixed. Could the cold from vent for it from outside done it? Has been quite cold.
  • Carole Carole on Dec 29, 2014
    Sounds more age related to me. If the dryer was there when you bought the house 9 years ago it may not have been a new one even back then. Things are not made to last these days. I would save the money on the house call and put it towards buying a new one. You might be able to buy on interest free credit. Stores are crying out for people to buy stuff as retailers struggle to keep pace with the online market. You can haggle and see what deal they can do for you. Shop around. Sorry but I think dryers can be dangerous if not properly maintained or faulty and they have been known to cause house fires. Especially if the lint is not cleaned out after every use. I would definitely not be messing about trying to fix an electrical fault myself as in unqualified hands, messing with electrics could result in a nasty electric shock or fire. I would unplug it and go online to price a new dryer. If you have a seconds store where the cartons are damaged but the goods might only have a little scratch and are therefore classed as seconds (even though they are new) you could also try there as they sell for a lot less. People are wary of buying anything in damaged packaging. The store is obliged to point out any little dings or scratches and as for the item being fit for purpose it is sold for, you should also get a guarantee for it. You could also try something like one of those auction sites for new items where you can pick up something really cheap. We have greysonline where they sell anything from bed linen to electrical goods, computers and all sorts. If you research and see a make and model you like the look of first, you can bid on items here (which are new and will be delivered to you) and pick up a bargain. We bought two laptop computers doing this. Good luck.
  • Nancy Jenkins Nancy Jenkins on Jan 02, 2015
    I am looking into "Easy Home" next week for new dryer pay per month and don't need credit card as I found with Sears , Canada. Thank you for all your suggestions.