Oven Convection Fan Not Working? 6 Causes and What to Do
A convection fan that will not spin is usually a failed fan motor, a seized blade, a door switch or a relay on the control board. Here is how to narrow it down.
Read the guideWhy is my dryer running but the drum is not turning?
The most common cause is a broken drive belt. Other causes are a worn idler pulley, worn drum rollers or glides, a failed motor or a bad door switch on some models. If the dryer hums but nothing moves, the motor may be stuck. If it runs smoothly with no drum movement, the belt has likely snapped. Unplug the dryer before you check anything.
Need help today? Our appliance repair Mountain View CA team fixes dryers of every major brand, usually the same or next day.
A quick clue: open the door and turn the drum by hand. If it spins very freely, with no pull, the belt is probably broken. If it is hard to turn or will not move, look at the rollers or motor.
What are the 5 most common causes?
1. Broken drive belt
The belt wraps around the drum and connects it to the motor. When it breaks, the motor runs but the drum does not. Many dryers also have a belt switch that stops the motor when the belt snaps, so the dryer may not start at all.
2. Worn idler pulley
The idler pulley keeps tension on the belt. When its bearing wears out, the belt slips. You may hear a squeal or a grinding noise before the drum stops.
3. Worn drum rollers or glides
Rollers and plastic glides hold the drum up as it turns. When they wear out, the drum drags, thumps or stops under a heavy load. Our guide to a dryer making noise covers these sounds.
4. Failed drive motor
If the dryer hums but the drum and blower do not move, the motor or its start switch may have failed. A humming motor can overheat, so turn the dryer off right away.
5. Door switch or control fault
On some models, a bad door switch or control board keeps the motor from starting even though the lights or display come on. If the dryer will not start at all, read dryer won't start.
What can you check yourself?
- Unplug the dryer, or for gas, unplug it and leave the gas valve alone.
- Turn the drum by hand. Very loose usually means a broken belt.
- Take out heavy items. An overloaded drum can stall a weak motor.
- Listen at start-up. A hum with no movement points to the motor.
- Check that the door closes firmly and the latch clicks.
- Clean the lint screen and check the vent. A blocked vent makes the motor work harder.
Burning smell, loud hum or a drum that stopped mid-load? Unplug it and call now for dryer help in Mountain View.
Is it worth fixing a dryer that will not spin?
Usually, yes. A belt, idler pulley or roller kit is one of the more affordable dryer repairs, and it often brings an older dryer back to normal. A motor is a bigger part but still often worth it on a dryer under about 10 years old. Most dryer repairs in Mountain View run about $150 to $400 with parts and labor.
Our repair or replace guide has a simple rule of thumb. Lint buildup makes motors and belts work harder, so keep the vent clear; see dryer vent cleaning and fire safety. Book dryer repair in Mountain View when you are ready.
The U.S. Fire Administration has simple dryer fire safety tips worth reading, since a stalled drum with the heat on can scorch clothes.
Other common repairs we see in Mountain View
If another appliance is acting up too, these guides can help: oven not heating up all the way, fridge water and ice dispenser not working, and washing machine repair for washers that leak, stall or will not spin.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep using a dryer if the drum won't spin?
No. The heater can stay on with the drum still, which can scorch clothes and overheat the dryer. Unplug it until it is fixed.
How long does a dryer belt last?
Many belts last 8 to 10 years or more. Overloading and heavy loads like comforters wear them out faster.
How much does dryer repair cost in Mountain View?
Most dryer repairs run about $150 to $400 with parts and labor. You get the price before any work starts.