View Full Version : Dryer does not have any heat
luvharp1229
Apr 9, 2007, 10:07 AM
What happens when my dryer has no heat?
ballengerb1
Apr 9, 2007, 11:56 AM
Is this a gas dryer or electric? Try to give us some more info about the old operation before it stopped working.
Clough
Apr 9, 2007, 12:20 PM
If yours is a gas dryer, then I would first try the following.
Open the panel on the bottom of the front of the dryer for access to where the burner is. Or wherever a panel is located on your specific brand. You should be able to do this without having to remove or turn any screws.
Tap on the burner with some hard object like the handle of a long, large screwdriver. Things may have built up on the burner causing it to not ignite.
Vacuum and make sure that the area around the burner is clean
I had this problem over a year ago where my dryer would not heat. The burner was not igniting. In desperation, I thought that I needed to replace the dryer. Tried the above, and it has worked fine ever since then.
Emland
Apr 9, 2007, 12:46 PM
If it is electric most likely your heating element died. Ours did a few years ago. Paid a repairman about $150 and he replaced the element and cleaned out all the lint.
RalphS
Apr 9, 2007, 02:51 PM
Most dryers made the last 8 to 10 years do not have an access panel anymore, so it's more difficult for the average handyman to diagnose the problem with "No Heat".
Most gas dryers not heating usually have one of 3 or 4 common components that are at fault.
1. Thermal Fuse
2. Ignitor
3. Burner Coils
4. Flame Sensor
And if you have slight heat, it's is usually an air flow problem.
Clough
Apr 9, 2007, 04:11 PM
So, how would a handyman gain access to what needs to be repaired concerning the dryer not heating if there is no panel?
ballengerb1
Apr 9, 2007, 05:13 PM
So if Luvharp ever gets back here we can find out what kind of dryer he has. Clough, the top of the dryer pops off with a little prying at the seam. What you can't reach from there, tip it over on its back.
RalphS
Apr 9, 2007, 05:17 PM
So, how would a handyman gain access to what needs to be repaired concerning the dryer not heating if there is no panel?
Clough, a quick answer is, "A REAL B*TCH!"
I 've been in the business since 1970 and it's been constantly getting harder to diagnose service problems. Not only with having easy access but also with the manufacturers using more electronic boards. Back in the olden days every dryer had access panels so one could easily find and repair the problem. You could pop the lower panel and see exactly what the flame looked like, see if the ignitor lit, take voltage readings, all while the dryer was running. Now you have to take the front off, which in many models holds the drum up so there is no way to run the dryer, taking a lot longer to do the repairs.
The handyman has a lot harder time trying to figure it out but if you do it everyday you kind of know exactly what to look for.
In 37 years I've seen this industry slowly but steadily go down the tubes. :(