Dryer Not Spinning or Tumbling: Causes and Fixes

A dryer that runs but won't tumble usually has a broken or slipping drive belt, a worn idler pulley, seized drum rollers or a failed drive motor. If it won't start at all, the cause is more often simple: the door isn't latched, a control lock is on, or the breaker has tripped. Start with the free checks below, then call a technician for anything inside the cabinet.

First, figure out which problem you have

Pay attention to what happens when you press Start. The answer points you in different directions.

• Nothing happens, no sound: this is usually a power, door or control issue. Our guide to a dryer that won't start goes deeper on that.
• You hear the motor run, but the drum stays still: Whirlpool and Maytag both say this usually points to a broken drive belt.
• The drum turns slowly, stops under load, or rumbles loudly: look at overloading, the drum rollers or the motor.
• The display counts down but nothing moves: Samsung says a dryer that isn't spinning usually needs service once simple causes like Child Lock are ruled out.

What you can check safely yourself

Unplug the dryer before you reach inside the drum or move it away from the wall. If you have a gas dryer and you smell gas at any point, stop. Leave the house without flipping switches, and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.

1. Power and the breaker

Make sure the plug is fully seated and the outlet isn't damaged. Electric dryers need a 240-volt supply, and Whirlpool and Maytag both list a tripped breaker or blown dryer fuse among the first things to check. Turn the dryer breaker fully off, then back on. If the breaker keeps tripping, stop and call an electrician.

2. The door and latch

A dryer won't run with the door open. Maytag notes that some models have both a top and bottom latch, and both need to click into place. Whirlpool explains that the door switch in the door opening shuts the dryer off when the door is ajar, so a worn switch can keep a closed dryer from starting.

3. Control Lock or Child Lock

Whirlpool, Maytag and Samsung all list a lock feature that blocks the Start button. Look for a lit lock icon and check your owner's manual for how to turn it off. Samsung also suggests unplugging the dryer or switching off its breaker for about 60 seconds to reset the controls.

4. Error codes and a quick start test

If the display shows a code or blinking lights, deal with that first. On Samsung dryers with a digital timer, Samsung suggests selecting Time Dry, holding Start, and watching whether the timer counts down. If it counts down but the drum doesn't move, the dryer needs service. Our Samsung dryer error codes guide explains the common Samsung ones.

5. Load size

GE says a heavy, wet load of towels or jeans can make the drive belt slip. Take some items out and try again. If the drum turns with a smaller load, overloading was the problem.

6. Turn the drum by hand

With the dryer unplugged, reach in and rotate the drum. Two results tell you a lot:

• It spins very freely, with almost no resistance: GE says this usually means the belt is broken or loose.
• It's stiff or hard to move: Whirlpool and Maytag say the drum may be seized, which needs a technician to diagnose.

Parts that usually fail and what a technician tests

Once the simple checks are done, the cause is almost always a mechanical or control part inside the cabinet. A technician will usually open the front or top panel and check these in order.

Drive belt

The belt wraps around the outside of the drum and connects to the motor. Whirlpool says that if you can hear the motor but the drum doesn't turn, the belt may need replacing. A technician looks for a snapped, stretched or glazed belt and checks that it's routed correctly.

Idler pulley

The idler pulley keeps tension on the belt so it can grip and turn the drum. Whirlpool notes a failing one may squeal or rattle. If the pulley wears out, the belt can slip or jump off even when the belt itself is fine.

Drum rollers, glides and support parts

Rollers and glides hold up the drum as it turns. Whirlpool and Maytag both say a loud rumbling sound, especially with no tumbling, can point to worn rollers, and that rollers are usually replaced as a set. Badly worn supports can drag the drum enough to stall it.

Drive motor

The motor turns the pulley and belt. Maytag says a failing motor can stop mid-cycle, make a loud noise or squeal, or fail to start. A technician will check whether the motor gets power and whether it turns freely with the belt removed.

Thermal fuse

On many dryers, Whirlpool explains, the thermal fuse cuts power to the motor if the dryer overheats, and it can't be reset once it blows. So a dryer that suddenly won't tumble may actually have an airflow problem behind it. See our guide to the dryer thermal fuse for the signs.

Control board or timer

Whirlpool and Maytag both say a failed electronic control board can stop the dryer from running even when other parts work. Maytag advises against replacing it yourself.

When to stop DIY and call a pro

Call a technician if any of these apply:

• The motor hums or runs but the drum doesn't turn.
• The drum turns freely by hand or is locked tight.
• You smell something hot or burning. A slipping belt or stalled motor can overheat, so stop the dryer and read our guide on a dryer that smells like burning.
• The breaker trips again after you reset it.
• It's a gas dryer and the repair means moving the dryer or opening the cabinet near the gas line.

Replacing a belt or rollers means taking off panels and handling sharp sheet metal edges and wiring. Whirlpool and Maytag both recommend a professional for belt and motor work. You can find local dryer repair companies in our directory, including gas dryer repair specialists.

What it usually costs

Costs depend on the part and your area. Published cost guides put these common no-tumble repairs in roughly these ranges:

Angi and Fixr both put a typical technician visit at about $50 to $80, and Angi notes the fee is sometimes waived if you hire that technician for the repair. Our dryer repair cost guide has more detail.

A belt or roller job is usually worth doing. A motor or control board on an older dryer is a closer call. Angi suggests replacing when a repair costs more than about half the price of a new dryer, and Fixr says replacing makes more sense once a dryer is around 10 years old. Our guide on how long dryers last can help you decide.

Finding help near you

Browse repair companies by state from our states page, or start with a city such as Houston or Atlanta. If you own a stacked or paired set, washer and dryer repair companies can look at both machines in one visit.