Is Your Clothes Dryer Not Spinning in Flower Mound? 5 Reasons Why and How To Fix It

When it comes to ideal places to live, Flower Mound ticks many of the boxes. From its convenient proximity to Dallas and Fort Worth to its breathtaking parks and trails and incredible schools, it's easy to see why it was voted #4 Best Place to Live in America by 2021's Money Magazine! When it comes to suburban living, you can't get much better than Flower Mound. Another perk to living in this dynamic town is its easy access to a Flower Mound appliance repair professional when your appliances begin to falter. When your clothes dryer's not spinning, for example, and you're not sure how to go about fixing the problem, you'll want an expert on hand you can turn to.

You can depend on our team of appliance repair specialists when that dryer's not spinning and making unusual noises, leaving a sopping mess of wet clothes. Whether the drive belt is damaged or the motor has reached the end of its life, our team's extensive experience and renowned expertise in all appliance repairs will see your dryer through any common issue.

In this blog post, we'll explore some common reasons why your dryer's not spinning and guide you through some troubleshooting tips. Let's get started!

5 Reasons Your Dryer's Not Spinning and Troubleshooting Guide

We depend on our dryers to add convenience to our lives, so when they break down, and your dryer won't spin, it can be a major inconvenience and put added stress on an already busy day. Perhaps you begin a clothes-drying cycle and hear a noticeable thumping sound. This is a telltale sign that your drum, and, by extension, your dryer, is not spinning. When the dryer's not spinning, it's often an indicator that the machine has gotten overheated and could be a fire hazard.

So, what working components are affected when a dryer won't spin, and how do you go about fixing it? Read on to find out.

1. Malfunctioning or Broken Drive Belt

Problem:

Without a working drive belt, your dryer drum will not be able to function. When your dryer's not spinning, this is because the belt acts as the connecting piece between the drum and motor, enabling rotation. Without these working components, the machine will not perform to optimal function.

Solution:

To check if the drive belt is the driving force behind your common dryer not spinning issue, you'll need to remove the front or rear panel, depending on the specific dryer brand and model. Your owner's manual will be able to guide you on its location. Once the panel is removed, you will be able to access the dryer belt. Inspect this piece for damage, cracks, holes, or misalignment. If the belt is damaged and the dryer won't spin, it will need to be replaced right away.

2. Faulty Motor Issue

Problem:

The motor powers the drive belt and enables the drum to spin. If the motor is damaged or broken, the drum won't spin and will not be able to agitate clothes to dry them, resulting in a dryer not spinning issue.

Solution:

Since the motor is located in the same area as the drive belt, the process of locating it will be the same when faced with a dryer not spinning. According to your dryer's manual, remove either the front or rear panel. First, test the drum by manually rotating it. If there is resistance, or it won't move at all, the dryer motor is likely at fault. Next, you can test the motor with a multimeter to see if the electric circuit is open or closed. If the multimeter does not indicate continuity, then it will need to be replaced.

3. Blown Thermal Fuse

Problem:

The thermal fuse in your dryer is a safety feature. When it is triggered by overheating, the dryer not spinning will avoid a potential fire hazard. Once the fuse has been triggered, it will need to be replaced.

Solution:

To check if your thermal fuse has blown, you will first need to disconnect it from the unit. It will be located at the back of the machine on the bottom, next to the exhaust duct. Disconnect the wires from the thermal fuse and remove it from the machine. You can then use a multimeter to test if it has blown or not. A fuse that has not blown will read at zero ohms. Any other numbered reading will indicate a blown fuse, and a new one will need to be installed.

4. Blocked Airflow

Problem:

There are two ways in which blocked airflow can happen when your dryer's not spinning. One possible reason is that the exhaust vent is blocked. The job of the exhaust vent is to carry hot air out of the dryer and deposit it outdoors, which will prevent overheating. The second reason is that your lint trap needs to be cleaned. The lint screen helps prevent lint from entering the exhaust vent, so when the lint has nowhere to go, it will block the air vent.

Solution:

Luckily, cleaning out a dirty exhaust vent is relatively simple for a dryer not spinning problem. Simply detach the vent from the machine with a swift tug after unplugging the unit. Next, vacuum out the exhaust vent entrance and re-attach duct connections.

5. Broken Door Switch

Problem:

When you have a working door switch, it will latch the door in place with a plastic peg so that the dryer may start. When this peg is bent or damaged, it will result in a dryer not spinning.

Solution:

When your dryer won't spin, you can try straightening out the peg if it has been bent. Otherwise, you will need to get a replacement door switch.

Additional Issues

So, what if you've checked out all these issues, and you still can't get to the bottom of the issue? No need to fret! There are a few additional issues it could be, such as:

  • Idler pulley issue: when the idler pulley is damaged, it will cause the belt to slip out of alignment and cause the drum to stop spinning.
  • Dryer settings issue: when your dryer's not spinning, your unit settings could be incorrect. Or perhaps the control lock is on, preventing the dryer from turning on entirely.
  • Failed drum rollers: Drum rollers are bound to wear over time. If you try to spin the drum manually and it doesn't easily turn, your rollers could be worn out. Luckily, it's an easy fix, with just a replacement piece needed.
  • Worn drum bearings: When the drum bearings are worn out, the drum will become unstable. Try spinning the drum. If it feels wobbly or off-kilter, then it's likely a drum-bearing issue.
  • Worn drum roller axles: The axles are the component that connects the drum rollers to the drum. If the axles are worn out, then the rollers will not be able to operate and this will prevent the drum from spinning.
  • Power source/power cord issues: When all else fails, always check your power source. Try unplugging the machine and plugging it back in. If this works, then it may be a circuit breaker issue. Go to your home's electrical panel and check the dryer fuse. If the switch is set to off, then you'll need to turn it back on.

Preventative Maintenance: Avoiding Future Repairs

It's important to keep up with regular maintenance when it comes to your dryer not spinning. Once your unit has been fixed, there are a few DIY things you can do to keep your dryer healthy and happy. Some of these include:

  • Cleaning out the lint screen after every cycle
  • Checking for any blockages in the exhaust vent and cleaning accordingly
  • Ensuring the drum belt is in working order
  • Cleaning any vents or screens for proper airflow

All of these simple tasks will help the longevity of your dryer and prevent the need for repairs, replacements, and any potential dryer not spinning issues.

When Your Dryer’s Not Spinning, Call Our Appliance Specialists Today

Now that you know some of the common causes behind your dryer not spinning and some DIY solutions, it's time to call in our appliance service providers for additional assistance with your dryer repair. Whether you need help when your dryer won't spin, or you require any of our other services, such as refrigerator repair, dishwasher repair, oven repair, and more, there's no better company for fixing broken appliances in Flower Mound!

Need a fellow customer's opinion? No problem! Just check out our many 5-star customer testimonials to see the difference we make for you and your family's appliance needs. Our appliance experts are more than ready to handle whatever appliance hassles you throw our way, and since we're your neighbors, too, we'll make sure you're taken care of. Whether you live in Flower Mound, Frisco, Lewisville, or Denton, we've got you covered.

Contact our appliance repair experts today to talk to one of our customer service reps and book an appointment for appliance care with one of our valued professionals.