If your dryer will not start and instead makes a clicking noise, it is most likely due to a fault with the door switch, start switch, or thermal fuse. A broken dryer belt is the next most likely cause of the issue. If these parts are working correctly, the drive motor, idler pulley, belt switch, control board, or timer may be responsible for the issue. Most of these repairs are easy to do; however, issues with the drive motor, control board, and timer may require more advanced knowledge.
If your dryer just clicks and will not start, a blown thermal fuse is often the problem. The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to stop the dryer from catching fire. The thermal fuse is tripped if the temperature in the dryer becomes too hot. The thermal fuse is typically a white rectangle or oval-like shape, with two wires connected to it. It usually sits on the blower housing or at the dryer’s heat source. Thermal fuses are fairly easy to remove, and a replacement part can be purchased online for a reasonable price.
To check the thermal fuse:
The door switch on a dryer is another safety precaution designed to stop the dryer from operating when the dryer door is open. Sometimes, the door switch will malfunction or the connection becomes loose, causing the dryer to think the door is still open. Checking the door switch can be as easy as listening to the clicking sound of the door switch when you close the dryer door. If you can hear the door switch clicking, it is most likely working. However, it still pays to check the door switch with a multimeter.
To check and replace the door switch:
If your dryer has a rotary or push-start switch to turn on the dryer, the switch may be responsible for your dryer not starting. The start switch can be tested with a multimeter to determine if it needs replacing.
To check the start switch:
The dryer belt wraps around the dryer drum. With the drive motor and idler pulley, the dryer belt rotates the dryer drum. If the dryer is clicking but not starting, it could be because the dryer belt has broken or become loose. Try turning the dryer drum manually. If it turns without any resistance, the dryer belt likely needs to be replaced or refitted.
To check the dryer belt:
The drive motor is responsible for turning the blower and dryer drum. If the dryer is humming but the drum is not turning, the drive motor may need to be replaced.
The idler pulley helps the dryer belt to rotate the dryer drum by keeping the belt tight on the drum. The idler pulley should be examined to see if the pulley wheel can turn and that the dryer belt is correctly threaded through the pulley.
Some dryers have a belt switch, which turns off your dryer if the dryer belt breaks. The switch is located near the idler pulley and is activated when the broken belt releases the idler pulley. It can be tested with a multimeter to determine if it needs replacing.
It doesn’t happen very often, but if the dryer is clicking and not starting, it could be because of a fault with the main control board. The board can be examined for signs of burning and the terminals tested with a multimeter to determine if it needs to be replaced.
One of the least likely, but possible, reasons your dryer may be clicking and not starting is a defective timer. It is best to check all of the above issues before replacing a dryer timer.
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