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 won't my dryer start?
The most common causes are a tripped breaker or loose plug, a door that is not fully shut or a bad door switch, the control lock turned on, a blown thermal fuse, a failed start switch, a broken belt, or a bad motor or control board. Start with power and the door, since those are quick to check.
Unplug the dryer before you remove any panel. On a gas dryer, also turn off the gas valve. If you smell gas, leave the home and call PG&E gas safety right away.
What are the 7 most common causes?
1. No power
Electric dryers use a 240-volt circuit with a double breaker. One half can trip, so the display may light but the dryer won't run. Flip the breaker all the way off, then back on.
2. The door is not shut
The dryer won't start unless the door switch is pressed. A bent strike or a broken switch tab stops it. Listen for a click when you close the door.
3. The control lock is on
Many dryers have a child or control lock. Look for a lock icon and hold the lock button for a few seconds.
4. A blown thermal fuse
This safety part cuts power when the dryer gets too hot. On many models, the dryer then won't start at all. A blown fuse almost always means the vent is clogged, so clean the vent before the fuse is replaced.
5. A bad start switch
On dryers with a push-to-start button, the switch can wear out. The button may feel loose or do nothing.
6. A broken belt
Many dryers have a switch that stops the motor if the belt breaks. If the drum spins freely by hand, the belt may be broken.
7. A motor or control fault
A humming sound with no tumble can mean a failing motor. A dark display or an error code can point to the control board.
Dryer dead with a full load of wet laundry? Call now and a Mountain View technician can help today.
What can you check yourself?
- Reset the breaker and make sure the plug is pushed in all the way.
- Close the door firmly and listen for the switch click.
- Turn off the control lock and any delay start.
- Clean the lint screen and check the vent hose behind the dryer for crushing.
- Write down any error code on the display.
When should you call a technician?
Call if the dryer still won't start after these checks, if it hums but does not turn, if it trips the breaker again, or if you smell burning. Most dryer repairs in Mountain View run about $150 to $400 with parts and labor, and you get the price first.
See our dryer repair services. If your dryer runs but stays cold, read dryer not heating. Because a blown fuse often comes from lint, read our guide to dryer vent cleaning and fire safety.
The U.S. Fire Administration has more dryer fire safety tips.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my dryer hum but not start?
A humming dryer that won't tumble often has a broken belt, a stuck drum, a worn idler pulley or a motor that is failing. Turn it off so the motor does not overheat.
Can a clogged vent stop a dryer from starting?
It can. A blocked vent makes the dryer overheat, which can blow the thermal fuse. On many dryers a blown fuse stops the dryer from running at all.
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.