How to Repair a Dryer

Learning how to repair a dryer is a money saving option when you need your laundry room to run smoothly. Repairing a dryer requires a bit of mechanical and electrical knowledge, but the repairs themselves aren't that difficult.

Do It Yourself Dryer Repair Troubleshooting
Before you can repair your dryer, you need to narrow down the problem. You'll need a screwdriver to open your dryer and a Volt-Ohm meter (VOM) to test electrical components. You may also need a copy of the wiring diagram, which you can usually find on the inside of your dryer's access panel. Here are some basic troubleshooting ideas:

• Unplugged? Before trying to identify your dryer issues, make sure the appliance is unplugged from the wall outlet. If you have a gas dryer, make sure the gas supply if turned off as well.
• Noisy? If your dryer squeals while it's running, you may have problems with the motor transport system. This includes the belts, idler pulley, glides and rollers. Typically, this is a problem with the belt, which is easily replaced. Other parts in this system may become worn in older dryers.
• Damp? If a load of clothes comes out damp, but dryer than it went in, your problem may be related to the venting. Check the lint trap first, but the problem is most likely in the exhaust vent or piping. The humid, lint filled air that passes through the exhaust venting leaves lint deposits that build up over time. Cleaning your dryer's venting will make the dryer run more efficiently.
• Wet? If a load of clothes comes out as went as it went in there are a number of problems to check. The temperature switch could be bad-attach a volt meter to the switches terminals and try the switch: if the volt meter doesn't switch states, then the switch should be replaced. The thermostat could be bad-attach the volt meter to the thermostats terminals if the meter reads anything other than zero, the thermostat will need to be replaced.
• Worth it? The average dryer last 12 to 14 years. If your dryer is getting on in years, and you're unsure of your DIY abilities, it might be time to consider a replacement.