April 19, 2023

DIY dryer repair

If your dryer won't start, doesn't heat or won't stop, Sears PartsDirect has the repair help you need to get the appliance working again. We have solutions to common symptoms, as well as dryer repair guides that cover major brands like Whirlpool, GE, Samsung and Kenmore Elite.

Check out our error code charts to find troubleshooting tips when the dryer stops and the control flashes lights in a peculiar pattern or a code appears on the digital display. Our troubleshooting videos can help diagnose common dryer problems; for example, if your dryer won't heat, follow the steps in our electric dryer won't heat or gas dryer won't heat videos. If the dryer won't start, check out the troubleshooting tips in our electric dryer won't start or gas dryer won't start videos.

For help with other dryer issues, head on over to our articles and videos page. Once you find out what needs fixing on your dryer, our DIY repair guides can help you replace the part. To find the owner’s manual or a complete list of replacement parts for your dryer, search for your model number.

Dryers

Most common symptoms to help you fix your dryers

Choose a symptom to see related dryer repairs.

Main causes: door switch failure, lack of power, broken belt, blown thermal fuse, bad drive motor, control system failur…

Main causes: clogged exhaust system, heating system failure, deposits on moisture sensor, control system failure…

Main causes: damaged door strike, worn door catch…

Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad power cord, wiring failure, bad control board, blown thermal fuse, bad door s…

Main causes: bad timer or electronic control board, door switch failure…

Main causes: bad gas valve coils, broken heating element, tripped safety thermostat or fuse, bad operating thermostat, c…

Main causes: bad drum support roller, damaged idler pulley, broken blower fan blade, worn drum glide bearing, bad drive …

Main causes: clogged exhaust vent, bad motor relay, loose dryer door catch, bad door switch, control system failure, fau…

Most common repair guides to help fix your dryers

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

How to replace a flame sensor in a gas dryer

How to replace a flame sensor in a gas dryer

If your gas dryer won't heat, a broken flame sensor is one possible cause. This guide and video explain how to replace a…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a thermal fuse in an electric dryer

How to replace a thermal fuse in an electric dryer

When the air in the dryer overheats—usually because the vent is clogged—the thermal fuse blows, stopping the dryer. You …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a dryer door switch

How to replace a dryer door switch

The dryer won't start if the door switch isn't working correctly. You can install a replacement dryer door switch in les…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your dryers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your dryer.

How to use your clothes dryer efficiently

How to use your clothes dryer efficiently

Get expert tips on using your dryer efficiently to save energy.…

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

Learn how to repair broken, frayed or damaged wires in your appliances.…

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…