April 20, 2023

Dryer articles

These dryer articles and videos from Sears PartsDirect can help you get the best performance from your dryer. From how to keep your dryer clean to troubleshooting heating problems, we have the tips and advice to keep your dryer working load after load. For more DIY advice, check out our dryer repair help section for error code information, common symptoms and their causes and step-by-step repair instructions.

Dryers

Articles and videos common to all dryers

December 30, 2022
Introduction image for article explainging how a heat pump dryer works.

Learn how a ventless heat pump dryer works and about the advantages of owning this appliance.

October 24, 2022
Introduction image for article on easy DIY home appliance fixes.

Get advice on simple DIY fixes for appliances that you can safely do on your own.

August 30, 2022
Image for intoruduction section describing Sears PartsDirect website features.

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.

August 19, 2022
Introduction image for article on DIY appliance repair safety.

Find out how to stay safe when repairing your appliances.

August 11, 2022
Introduction image for article on the new Search Bar feature on Sears PartsDirect.

Learn about a new feature added to the Search Bar on Sears PartsDirect

August 5, 2022
Image article introducing the Sears Technical Institute.

Learn about Sears Technical Institute and the advanced technical content being developed for aspiring appliance techs.

June 29, 2022
Introduction image for Sears and Sears PartsDirect questions article.

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.

March 25, 2022
Introduction image for clothes dryer parts.

Learn about the main parts of common clothes dryers

January 4, 2022
PHOTO: Remove the heating element.

Learn how to replace a Maytag dryer heating element

August 18, 2021
Using a wiring schematic to trace a current.

Find out what’s wrong with your appliance by following a circuit.

August 17, 2021
How to read a wiring schematic.

Learn how to decipher symbols so you can buy the right part for your problem.

September 26, 2019
Protect your smart appliances from hackers with these steps.

Find out how to protect your smart appliances from malevolent invasions by hackers.

May 9, 2019
Electric dryer won't heat troubleshooting.

These easy tests will help you check the heating element, high-limit thermostat, timer, thermal cut-off fuse and operating thermostat.

June 20, 2016
Electric dryer won't start troubleshooting.

Learn what four things to check if your electric dryer won't start or run.

April 26, 2016
Gas dryer won't start.

Check these three things if your gas dryer won't start or run.

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