Electrolux dryers are popular for their reliability and durability. They dry laundry with more speed and efficiency than air drying, and their technology is also equipped to protect your clothes from musty odors or fading. But what do you do when your Electrolux dryer won't start? We've done the research to get to the bottom of this issue.
If your Electrolux dryer doesn't start, it could be because of:
- Enabled 'Delayed Start' function
- An improperly closed door or defective door switch
- Faulty power source
- Blown thermal fuse
- Faulty start switch
- Broken dryer belt
- Broken drive motor
- Faulty timer
- A damaged electronic control board
So how do you know which issue is causing your Electrolux dryer not to start? And how do you fix it? Keep reading! We'll get into each problem and give you the solution for it step by step.
Troubleshooting An Electrolux Dryer That Won't Start
It's frustrating when your dryer won't start. Not only are you left with a whole bunch of wet clothes, but you also don't know where to begin looking for and fixing the problem!
If you've switched your dryer off and on again and again to no avail, there may be other issues causing its inability to operate. Here are 12 of the most common reasons why your Electrolux dryer won't start and what you can do to solve the issue:
1. Enabled 'Delayed Start' function
The delayed start function is there to set a scheduled cycle for you ahead of time. Check to see if this is activated by looking into the display. If it's activated, you will see a countdown on the display. If your dryer doesn't have a display, check if there's a light next to a time indicator such as '4h' or '12h.'
To disable this function, press down on the 'Start/Pause' button once until you see 'O' on the display. You can also consult your user manual to find out how to disable this function.
2. Improperly closed door or defective door switch
Your dryer door has to be properly shut in order to start its cycle. A flashing 'Start/Pause' light indicates that it's not closed all the way through. Remove a few clothes and close the door until you hear a clicking sound.
If you don't hear that sound, check the door switch for electrical continuity using a multimeter or ohmmeter. To do this, you'll first need to unplug the dryer and remove the door switch. It's typically located near the door opening.
Set your multimeter at the lowest possible resistance. Then, put the multimeter leads on the door switch's terminals. Press the switch. The display should read '0' ohms of resistance. If it doesn't, it means your switch does not have continuity.
If the door switch has continuity, it's likely that the latch or hinge is broken. Call for professional repair services right away in this case.
3. Faulty power source
Problems with the power source of your dryer can keep it from starting properly. First, check the power cord of your dryer. Be sure to check the entire length of the cord for signs of fraying or damage. If this is the problem, change the power cord before attempting to use the dryer again.
Another issue could be a faulty power outlet. Try to plug another device or appliance into the outlet. If it won't operate, it's likely that the outlet is defective and needs to be replaced.
Lastly, check the circuit breaker or fuse box in your home. Issues with either of these two can lead to a malfunctioning dryer, so be sure to fix a tripped breaker or blown fuse as quickly as possible.
4. Blown thermal fuse
Electrolux dryers often come with a thermal fuse that shuts off the appliance when it overheats. It's typically located on the exhaust duct inside a back panel.
To check whether a blown thermal fuse is the reason why your Electrolux dryer won't start, use a multimeter or an ohmmeter to test it for electrical continuity. If it has no continuity, it means the fuse is blown and will need to be replaced.
To replace a blown thermal fuse, remove the back panel to access it using a screwdriver. Then, remove the thermal fuse by disconnecting the wires and removing the mounting screw. After this, screw in the new thermal fuse and reconnect the wires to it. Put in the back panel once again, plug in your dryer, and see if it works.
5. Faulty start switch
When you press start and the dryer doesn't make any noise at all, the start switch may be faulty. Use a multimeter to test the start switch for electrical continuity. If it has no continuity, it means you need to replace the start switch.
To do this, start by removing the knob or start button. Then, take out the back panel using a screwdriver. Once you have access to the old start switch, disconnect the wires then press on the locking tab with a screwdriver to release it. After this, you can remove the switch itself.
Place the new start switch in alignment with the locking tab and rotate it until it sets into place. Reconnect the wires and reattach the back panel. Put the start knob or button back and restart the dryer.
6. Broken dryer belt
The dryer belt is responsible for rotating the dryer drum while the armature on the motor spins, which allows your clothes to tumble and dry. The motor may keep running when the belt stops working, but the dryer drum doesn't rotate.
To replace a broken dryer belt, unplug the dryer first. Then, you will need to remove the top panel, the front panel, and the bulkhead. This will give you access to the belt that's around the drum.
Press down on the idler pulley to detach the belt. Remove the old belt and replace it with a new one. Make sure your new belt is suitable for the model of your dryer.
7. Broken drive motor
The drive motor is responsible for turning the dryer belt which enables the drum to rotate. It also turns the blower fan that encourages air circulation and pushes out moist air into the vents. If you can hear a humming noise from your dryer without it starting or tumbling, your drive motor may be the culprit.
Replacing a broken drive motor requires some work, but the good news is that you can do it on your own at home; watch how to do it, below:
8. Faulty timer
A dryer's timer lets you know how long a drying cycle will run. However, since it has its own motor and gears that deliver electricity all throughout the dryer, a faulty timer may lead to your dryer's inability to start. You can check to see if the timer is faulty by removing it and using a multimeter to check for electrical continuity.
If your timer is faulty, you will need to replace it. First, you need to unplug your dryer and pull off the timer's control knob. Then, remove the back panel from the dryer using a screwdriver. Next, mark the wires in the dryer control panel before disconnecting them.
After this, remove the faulty timer with your screwdriver. Install the new timer and screw it into place. Then, reattach the back panel and the control knob. Plug in your dryer to see if it works.
9. Damaged electronic control board
Your dryer's electronic control board is the heart of the appliance: it is responsible for how the electrical components in the dryer function. If it suffers from any form of damage, your dryer definitely won't start.
While there are ways to diagnose and fix an electronic control board by yourself, this is a job best left to professionals, given how delicate and expensive it can get.
Where is the fuse on an Electrolux dryer?
The location of the thermal fuse of your Electrolux dryer may differ depending on the model. It is typically found on the exhaust duct or blower housing of the dryer.
How much is a dryer fuse?
A blown thermal fuse will need replacing, and a new one typically costs around $5 to $10. However, you will need to factor in other costs for a professional fuse replacement job.
Is there a reset button on my Electrolux dryer?
There's no reset button on Electrolux dryers, but you can reset yours easily. Simply press down and hold the 'Temperature' and 'Dryness' buttons at the same time. This is the factory reset for Electrolux dryers.
In Closing
There are a lot of different reasons why your Electrolux dryer won't start. You can try to fix the issue by starting with simple solutions, then moving on to more advanced techniques. However, it's best to have your appliance checked by a professional repair technician to avoid further damage.
Was this article helpful to you? If so, you can find out more about dryer troubles by reading these related posts: