dryer not heating or turning off air

If your dryer is not heating or won’t turn off (running continuously with air only), here are the most common causes and troubleshooting steps:

1. No Heat (But Drum Turns)
# Possible Causes:
– Thermal Fuse Blown – A safety device that trips if the dryer overheats.
– Heating Element Failure – The heating coil may be broken or burned out.
– Thermostat Issues – A faulty high-limit thermostat or cycling thermostat can prevent heating.
– Igniter (Gas Dryers) – If the igniter glows but doesn’t light the gas, the burner won’t heat.
– Gas Valve Solenoid (Gas Dryers) – A defective solenoid won’t release gas to the burner.
– Power Supply Issue – Electric dryers need 240V; one leg missing = no heat.

# Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Check Power Supply (Electric Dryers):
– Ensure the dryer is plugged in securely.
– Test the outlet for proper voltage (240V across both hot wires).
– Check the circuit breaker/fuse box for tripped breakers or blown fuses.

2. Inspect Thermal Fuse:
– Locate the fuse (usually on the blower housing or near the heating element).
– Test for continuity with a multimeter—no continuity means it’s blown and needs replacement.

3. Test Heating Element (Electric Dryers):
– Disconnect power and access the heating element (rear panel or inside drum).
– Check for visible breaks or burns; test for continuity with a multimeter.

4. Check Thermostats:
– Test both high-limit and cycling thermostats for continuity.
– Replace if faulty.

5. Gas Dryer Specific Checks:
– Observe if the igniter glows but doesn’t light the gas (replace igniter if weak).
– Verify gas supply valve is open and gflows to other appliances.

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2. Dryer Won’t Turn Off (Runs Continuously)
# Possible Causes:
– Faulty Timer Motor – Mechanical timers can stick or fail, preventing shutoff.
– Defective Door Switch – If not registering as closed, the dryer may keep running.
– Stuck Relay/Control Board Issue – Electronic controls may malfunction.
– Broken Cycling Thermost