Dryer Troubleshooting
Dryer troubleshooting guides for two failures: a dryer that tumbles but won't heat, and one that won't start at all. For no heat, gas and electric dryers fail through different components, so the diagnosis splits early. Samsung units add their own heating error codes and a built-in vent-blockage test.
Common Dryer Problems
The dryer guides cover two failures: a dryer that won't start at all, and one that tumbles fine but never gets warm. Both often trace back to the vent. A restricted vent lets the dryer overheat until the one-time thermal fuse blows. Depending on the model, a blown fuse can kill the heat or stop the dryer from starting. Replace the fuse only after the vent is clear, or the new one will blow too.
Choose by Symptom
Won't start at all? Make sure the door is fully latched and the dryer is getting power. Tumbles but no heat? Check whether it's gas or electric. A gas dryer won't heat if its shutoff valve is closed. An electric dryer needs a full 240V, and a half-tripped breaker leaves enough power to tumble but not to heat.
Start troubleshootingSafety First
Unplug the dryer before opening any panel. On a gas model, also close the gas shutoff, because unplugging does nothing to the gas line. If the vent, power and gas checks don't bring the heat back, the fuse and element sit behind panels you can reasonably leave to a pro.
View safety tipsPopular Dryer Guides
Dryer Not Heating? Here's How to Find Out Why
Dryer tumbles and runs but clothes come out cold and damp. Work through this in order — gas and electric split early since the causes are different.
SamsungSamsung Dryer Not Heating: HC/hE Codes and the Vent Blockage Test
Already checked power, vent, and the thermal fuse? Here's what's Samsung-specific — the HC/hE heating error codes and Samsung's built-in Vent Blockage Test.
Dryer Won't Start? Here's How to Find Out Why
Press start and nothing happens — no tumble, no sound, no heat. Work through this in order: two causes need zero parts, so rule those out first.