Electric dryer won’t heat

Test the heating element

Often the time you find out that a dryer won't start is when you have a large, soaking wet pile of clothes that needs drying.

Most often when an electric dryer is working but not heating it is the heating element. Inspect the element and do an continuity test on the element. 

Unplug the dryer, disconnect the heating element and test the heating element with a multi-meter. 

If it is not broken and has continuity you can rule out the element and move on the parts like the thermal fuse. 

Check to make sure the dryer circuit breaker isn’t tripped and that you’re getting power to the dryer.The next step is to test the thermal fuse. 

The thermal fuse is located on the back of the dryer. Test the thermal fuse with a multi-meter. If measures "OL" then no continuity. If it reads zero with a probe at both ends of the fuse, the fuse still is good. If not, it needs replacing.

Often times a thermal fuse blows because the dryer exhaust vent is clogged with lint. McCombs sells lint brushes for cleaning out the lint trap and has a lint removal kit. 

Also check the thermostats for signs of burning or bad connections.

If thermal fuse is working, next check the start switch. While holding in the start switch, open dryer door open and push the door switch in. 

You should hear a "click" then release the door switch. You should hear another "click." 

If start switch is working, it could be the motor. McCombs sells dryer motors. 

What if the dryer is not working at all? 

If lack of power is the issue with your dryer, try doing the following steps. 

- Check the power cord.

- Open  door. If light now on, likely no power. Make sure to reset the breaker. 

- Check the timer by putting it on a time cycle. If timer meter works and light comes on when you open the door you know the door switch is good. When the switch is broken, it is unable to tell the control panel the door is shut, so the dryer will not turn on. The best way to tell if the switch is faulty is to take it out of the dryer and test it with a multi-meter.

Don't own a multi-meter? McCombs sells the CPH100 Supco HVAC Clamp multi-meter current probe. 

About Us

McCombs Supply Company, Inc.

In business since 1953, McCombs Supply Co., Inc. is a third-generation family-owned business that specializes in low prices and fast, reliable shipping.
Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, McCombs Supply Co., Inc. offers replacement repair parts for dishwashers, dryers, microwaves, range-ovens, refrigerators, washing machines, HVAC, commercial refrigeration, commercial cooking, pellet stove parts and more. Some of our manufacturers we distribute for include – Backer-Chromolox, Broan-Nutone, Exact Replacement Parts (ERP), EZ Flo, Fasco, Mastercool, ICM, JW Harris, Packard, Robertshaw, Sealed Unit Parts Company (SUPCO), White Rodgers, Englander, Breckwell, Harman, Lennox, Napoleon, St. Croix and Quadra-Fire.

We supply contractors, service technicians, housing developments, hospitals, retirement communities, institutions, and do-it-yourselfers.

Today, we have nearly one million SKUs in our system. We are constantly upgrading our cutting-edge technology to serve our customers better.

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