Why Is My Dryer Not Spinning? 9 Reasons and Solutions

There are two ways to answer the question: Why is your dryer not spinning? The first is that it's not getting electrical power. The second is that the machine is failing in some way. Here are the most common reasons for either situation and what you can do about it.  

1. It’s Unplugged 

The most common reason dryers don't spin is that they're simply unplugged from the electrical outlet. Even gas dryers require electricity to operate the motor that rotates the machine's drum. It's essential to unplug your dryer to clean the vent. Moving your dryer for whatever purpose usually involves unplugging it, too. It's not uncommon to unplug your dryer for any number of reasons, and it's easy to forget to plug it back in when the task is complete. 

How to Fix It

Simply looking at the end of your dryer cord to see if it's connected to its outlet will usually give you the answer. However, if the cord appears plugged in, check to see if the connection feels loose by wiggling the cord end a little. If it moves, consider replacing the outlet or hiring a local electrician to fix the issue.

2. Tripped GFCI Outlet

If, after looking at the cord to ensure it's indeed plugged in, the dryer still won't work, the GFCI outlet may need to be reset. It's not always easy to see if this is the case. In fact, the GFCI protection could be inside your electrical service panel instead of at the outlet.  

How to Fix It

To reset a GFCI outlet, unplug the dryer, press the test button, and then press the reset button. Remember to plug the dryer back in again after doing so. If the outlet doesn't appear to have GFCI protection, check in your electrical panel where you could find a GFCI breaker switch that needs resetting. Then try running your dryer again. 

3. Broken Belt

Your dryer's drive belt wraps around the machine's drum and rotates it when the motor operates. The belt is one of the more crucial links between a dryer that works and one that doesn't, and they can wear out or even break from time to time. If your dryer sounds like it's working but doesn't spin, there's a good chance the belt is to blame. 

How to Fix It

If you're an avid DIYer, you can remove the back panel of the dryer and inspect the belt for wear or see if it's broken. In either case, replacing the belt is the only real solution. Most homeowners choose to hire a pro for this type of repair. However, it is possible to accomplish the task as a DIY project. The cost to replace a dryer belt is between $60 and $190 on average. 

4. Overloaded Machine

Busy laundry day? Overloading your clothes dryer can seem like a good way to save some time on laundry tasks. However, doing so can put extra stress on your machine. A few too many clothing items in the dryer can cause the belt that rotates the drum to slip, meaning it won't spin your clothes. 

How to Fix It

It can seem less productive to break up a large, heavy, and wet pile of clothes into smaller loads. However, doing so can actually reduce the overall time it takes to dry large amounts of laundry and save unnecessary wear and tear on your dryer.  

5. Tripped Breaker

Overloading your dryer with wet clothes can overwork the machine and potentially trip the electrical breaker switch. Additionally, having too many outlets on the same circuit can have the same effect. A tripped breaker cuts off electrical power to your machine, and it won't operate at all. 

How to Fix It

At your home's breaker panel, move the affected breaker switch all the way to the off position and then back to the on position. If the breaker immediately trips again, call an electrician to diagnose the problem. 

6. Door Switch Failure

Many clothes dryers have visible mechanical door switches that tell the machine's motherboard that the door is closed and that it's safe to operate. If the door switch fails to relay the information, the dryer won't operate. 

How to Fix It

Check the door's edges and where it meets the machine's body for a small metal or plastic switch. In some cases, you can simply bend the switch back into shape so it makes proper contact. If, after bending the switch back into shape, the machine still doesn't work, the switch will need replacing. This is a good DIY project for skilled DIYers. However, most homeowners call in a pro for the task. 

7. Thermal Fuse Tripped

Your dryer has a number of safety features that help keep it from overheating and potentially being a fire hazard. One of these devices is a thermal fuse. It works by shutting down the machine if temperatures get too high. If your dryer's thermal fuse trips, the entire machine will shut down.

How to Fix It

Checking and replacing a thermal fuse is possible if you have an electrical continuity tester or multimeter and the skills to use it reliably. However, a failed thermal fuse most often indicates other mechanical problems with the machine. For this reason, hiring a professional for this repair is the best route. 

8. Mechanical Failure

There are a number of smaller parts your dryer's drum relies on to keep it spinning. Any one of the following conditions will cause your dryer to stop rotating properly. These conditions often come with grinding noises, squeaking, vibrating, or rattling sounds:

• Worn drum rollers or axels prevent smooth drum spinning.

• A worn idler pulley effectively loosens the drive belt.

• A worn drum bearing causes friction and prevents smooth spinning.

How to Fix It

If you're an avid DIYer with some patience and time on your hands, it's possible to identify any of these parts as the culprit and replace them. However, it can be challenging to put the machine back together again when the job is complete. If your dryer squeals, rattles, or vibrates heavily, it's best to call a pro for repairs. 

9. Motor Failure

It's possible that your dryer isn't spinning due to a failed drive motor. While it's not as common as some of the other reasons, it's not unheard of. 

How to Fix It

Dryer repair costs between $100 and $430, including most instances of motor failure where replacing the part is the best solution.  

When to Call a Pro

DIY dryer repair is possible, especially if you're working with an older machine. However, it's essential to make sure everything goes back in the right place after completing the repair work. 

An improperly replaced part can create a fire hazard and potentially do more harm than good. Most homeowners choose to hire a local dryer repair professional to handle the repairs. 

This is especially true when dealing with a modern machine in which sophisticated electronics make repair work more confusing.