April 26, 2016

Gas dryer won't start troubleshooting video

Gas dryer won't start.
Gas dryer won't start.

If your gas dryer won't start or run, it could have a bad door switch, a broken start switch or an issue with the power supply. Learn about a few easy tests you can run, including how to use a multimeter to make sure current is flowing between the components, to locate and fix the part causing the problem.

Plus, check out our dryer DIY repair help page the next time you have a DIY repair project with your gas dryer.

Tools and parts needed

Hi, this is Wayne with Sears PartsDirect. Today, we're going to talk about troubleshooting a gas dryer that won't start. If your dryer won’t start, the most likely causes are a lack of power, a defective door switch or a bad start switch.

First, let’s rule out a power issue. Open the dryer door and check if the light inside the dryer turns on. If it doesn’t turn on, check the house circuit breaker. Try resetting the breaker to make sure it’s not tripped. If that doesn’t work, check your power cord and make sure the power socket works.

Door switch

Once you’ve confirmed that the dryer is getting power, with the dryer door closed, set a Timed Drying cycle and listen for the faint sound of the timer motor running inside the console. If the timer motor runs and the light comes on when you open the door, you know that the door switch is okay. You can skip ahead to the next segment where we’ll show you how to check the start switch.

If not, we’ll check the door switch with a multimeter next. For safety, always make sure to disconnect the power before you check continuity. To access the door switch, pull out the lint screen. Remove the screws that secure the lint screen housing to the top panel. Release the clips and lift the top panel to access the door switch. Unplug the door switch from the wire harness.

With the dryer door closed, put your meter leads on the door switch wires that connect to the blue and white wires on the other end of the plug. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance. If you measure no continuity, on this meter that’s an “OL,” then the door switch is broken and needs to be replaced. Here’s a video that will walk you through that process.

Push-to-start switch

The next thing we’ll look at is the start switch. Reassemble the dryer and then plug it back in. Open the door and push the door switch in. While holding the door switch in, push the start switch. You should hear a click as the relay engages. Then release the door switch and you should hear a click as the relay disengages. If you heard the clicks, the start switch is probably okay.

If you didn’t hear the clicks, let’s check continuity on it. With the dryer unplugged, remove the console back panel. Unplug the wires from the start switch. Have someone hold the start switch in and check resistance on the spades for the light blue wires. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance with the start button pressed in. If you measure no continuity, then you’ll need to replace the push-to-start switch. Here’s a video for you.

If all of the components have checked out okay, then the motor windings or internal centrifugal switch could be defective. You should get a qualified technician to check this out.

Hey thanks for watching. Check out our other repair videos here on the YouTube channel, and if you like them, subscribe.

Symptoms common to all dryers

Choose a symptom to see related dryer repairs.

Main causes: bad timer or electronic control board, door switch failure
Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad power cord, wiring failure, bad control board, blown thermal fuse, bad door switch
Main causes: clogged exhaust vent, bad motor relay, loose dryer door catch, bad door switch, control system failure, faulty drive motor
Main causes: bad drum support roller, damaged idler pulley, broken blower fan blade, worn drum glide bearing, bad drive motor
Main causes: door switch failure, lack of power, broken belt, blown thermal fuse, bad drive motor, control system failure
Main causes: damaged door strike, worn door catch
Main causes: bad gas valve coils, broken heating element, tripped safety thermostat or fuse, bad operating thermostat, control failure
Main causes: clogged exhaust system, heating system failure, deposits on moisture sensor, control system failure

Repair guides common to all dryers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your dryer.

How to replace a dryer drum support roller

If your dryer thumps or squeals, replace the drum support roller to restore quiet to your home.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 90 minutes or less
How to replace a dryer thermistor

The thermistor senses the air temperature in the dryer. If your dryer overheats or doesn't heat at all, the thermistor could be the problem.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a dryer idler pulley

The idler pulley exerts pressure keeps the drive belt tight so it can rotate the drum. A worn idler pulley squeals or squeaks when the dryer is running. Follow these instructions to replace it.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 90 minutes or less

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