| If your electric dryer stops working, don't | | | | other areas of your dryer and the hose. This can |
| immediately go out and buy a new one. First, do | | | | block air flow and cause your dryer to overheat. |
| a simple diagnosis and you may save yourself a | | | | There are special tools to help with this cleaning |
| lot of money. | | | | process. |
| What to check if your dryer stops working: | | | | * Check the door switch on the dryer. A dryer |
| * This may sound like a no-brainer, but check to | | | | door has to be closed properly to work. These |
| make sure the electrical cord is plugged in | | | | switches are known to go bad and can be |
| securely. Depending on where the outlet is and | | | | replaced. |
| what is surrounding the outlet (such as pets | | | | * If you've checked all of the above and the |
| roaming around), the plug can ease out enough to | | | | dryer still isn't working, remove the control panel |
| cause the dryer not to work. Also, check to | | | | cover. Of course, the dryer should be unplugged |
| make sure the cord isn't damaged in any way. | | | | from the electrical outlet first. Look for any |
| * Check the breaker box to make sure a breaker | | | | corroded or burned terminals. This can be a clue |
| hasn't tripped. If a breaker has tripped, turn it to | | | | as to what is causing your dryer not to work. |
| the on position and see if the dryer is working. If | | | | The start switch, thermostat and timer are |
| the dryer keeps tripping the breaker, you need to | | | | located in the control panel. If any terminals to |
| find out why for safety reasons. | | | | one or more of these looks burned or corroded, |
| * Make sure the filter to the dryer is clean. | | | | they will need to be replaced. |
| Cleaning the filter regularly is crucial to allow | | | | By learning about the parts and function of an |
| adequate air flow. Even if the filter looks clean, do | | | | electric dryer, you can save a lot of money. |
| a test. Run water over the filter. If it doesn't flow | | | | Instead of buying a new dryer, it's possible the |
| through easily, the filter needs a good cleaning until | | | | problem is very simple or only a part may need |
| water runs freely. Be sure the lint filter is dry | | | | to be replaced. At the very least, you can weigh |
| before placing back in dryer. | | | | the difference in what it will cost to buy a new |
| * Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet and | | | | dryer versus repairing your current dryer. |
| check for lint build up in the vent hose and any | | | | Always use the utmost caution when working |
| other areas that collect lint. Even if you clean your | | | | with an electrical appliance. Be sure to unplug from |
| lint filter, there can be an accumulation of lint in | | | | the outlet before diagnosing a problem. |