Dryer Stopped Working in the Middle of a Cycle? What to Do

If your dryer stops working in the middle of a cycle, check the dryer vent, lint trap, and overload switch. If those are all clear, try resetting the dryer. If it still doesn’t work, call a professional.

Common Causes of a Dryer Stopping Mid-Cycle

There are a few common causes for a dryer to stop working in the middle of a cycle. Here is a more detailed look at each one:

Overheating

Dryers have a safety feature that automatically shuts them off if they overheat. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

• A clogged dryer vent. The dryer vent removes hot air and moisture from the dryer. If the vent is clogged, the hot air and moisture can’t escape, which can cause the dryer to overheat.
• A full lint trap. The lint trap catches lint and other debris from your clothes. If the lint trap is full, it can block airflow and cause the dryer to overheat.
• An overloaded dryer. If you overload the dryer, it will have to work harder to dry your clothes. This can cause the dryer to overheat.
• A faulty thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is a safety device that melts if the dryer gets too hot. If the thermal fuse melts, it will shut off the dryer to prevent a fire.

Power Outage

If there is a power outage, your dryer will stop running. Check to see if the power outage affects other home appliances. If so, you’ll need to wait for the power to be restored before your dryer can resume its cycle.

Mechanical Problem

There could also be a problem with the dryer’s motor, belt, or other internal components. Some common mechanical problems include:

• A broken belt. The belt connects the dryer’s motor to the drum. If the belt breaks, the drum will not turn, and the dryer will not be able to dry your clothes.
• A faulty motor. The motor is responsible for turning the dryer drum. If the motor fails, the dryer cannot dry your clothes.
• A faulty thermostat. The thermostat controls the temperature of the dryer. If the thermostat fails, the dryer may overheat or not heat up.

Other Possible Causes

In addition to the common causes listed above, there are a few other things that could cause your dryer to stop working in the middle of a cycle, such as:

• A faulty door switch. The door switch prevents the dryer from running if the door is not closed correctly. The dryer may not start or stop mid-cycle if the door switch fails.
• A faulty electrical connection. If there is a problem with the electrical connection to the dryer, it may not start or stop mid-cycle.
• A faulty timer. The timer controls the length of the dryer cycle. If the timer fails, the dryer may stop mid-cycle or run for too long or not long enough.

If you’ve checked all the common causes and your dryer is still not working, it’s best to call a professional appliance repair technician to diagnose the problem.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some troubleshooting tips for getting your dryer back up and running:

• Check the dryer vent. A clogged vent is one of the most common causes of a dryer stopping mid-cycle. Inspect the vent for any blockages, such as lint or debris, and clean it using a vent brush or vacuum cleaner.
• Empty the lint trap. A full lint trap can also cause the dryer to overheat and shut off. Remove the lint trap from your dryer and clean out any accumulated lint.
• Make sure the dryer is not overloaded. Overloading the dryer can strain the motor and cause it to shut off. Be sure to leave enough space in the dryer for proper airflow.
• Reset the dryer. A simple reset can sometimes fix the problem. Unplug the dryer from the power source for a few minutes, then plug it back in.
• Call a professional appliance repair technician. If none of the above troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, it’s best to call a professional appliance repair technician. They have the expertise and tools to diagnose and fix any mechanical problems with your dryer.

Here is an article about dryer troubleshooting that may be helpful:

Dryer Troubleshooting

Conclusion

We hope this blog post has helped you troubleshoot your dryer and get it back up and running. If you’ve tried all the tips above and your dryer is still not working, please don’t hesitate to contact a professional appliance repair technician.

We understand that dealing with a broken dryer can be frustrating, but we want to assure you that solutions are available.

Following the troubleshooting tips in this blog post can increase your chances of fixing the problem yourself. And if you need help, some qualified professionals can diagnose and repair your dryer quickly and efficiently.

Here are some relevant FAQs about dryer troubleshooting!

Why is my dryer taking longer than usual to dry clothes?

Short answer: Clogged dryer vent, full lint trap, or faulty heating element.

Detailed answer: There are a few reasons why your dryer might take longer than usual to dry clothes. One possibility is that the dryer vent is clogged. This can restrict airflow and prevent the dryer from drying clothes efficiently. Another possibility is that the lint trap is full.

This can also restrict airflow and cause the dryer to overheat, leading to longer drying times. Finally, it’s also possible that the dryer’s heating element is not working properly. If this is the case, the dryer will not be able to generate enough heat to dry clothes quickly.

Why does my dryer make strange noises?

Short answer: Slipping or broken dryer belt, loose dryer drum, or faulty blower fan.

Detailed answer: Dryers can make a variety of strange noises for a variety of reasons. One possibility is that the dryer belt is slipping or broken. This can cause the dryer to make a squealing or grinding noise. Another possibility is that the dryer drum is loose.

This can cause the dryer to make a banging or rattling noise. Finally, it’s also possible that the dryer’s blower fan is not working properly. If so, the dryer may make a humming or whistling noise.

Why does my dryer smell burnt?

Short answer: The dryer is overheating.

Detailed answer r: If your dryer smells burnt, it’s an overheating sign. Various factors, such as a clogged dryer vent, a full lint trap, or a faulty heating element, can cause this. It’s important to address the problem immediately to prevent a fire.

How often should I clean my dryer vent?

Short answer: If you use your dryer frequently, at least once a year, or more often.

Detailed answer: It’s recommended to clean your dryer vent at least once a year. However, if you use your dryer frequently, you may need to clean it more often. You can clean your dryer vent yourself using a dryer vent cleaning brush, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.

How do I prevent dryer fires?

Short answer: Clean your dryer vent regularly, empty the lint trap after every use, do not overload the dryer, do not dry flammable materials, and have your dryer inspected by a qualified professional regularly.

Detailed answer: There are a few things you can do to prevent dryer fires:

• Clean your dryer vent regularly.
• Empty the lint trap after every use.
• Do not overload the dryer.
• Do not dry flammable materials in the dryer.
• Have your dryer inspected by a qualified professional regularly.