Use the diagnostic chart to find out what is causing the problem with your clothes washing machine. Look up the symptom, and then review some of the possible causes. Follow the links from the possible causes to facilitate the tutorials on how to repair the problem.


Symptom	Click on underlined items for further course information
Dryer Venting & Installation Guidelines Check for Brands Laundry Tutrorials-Library #D Clothes Dryer Tutorials Admiral - see: Maytag Amana Frigidaire Stackable Dryer GE Hotpoint Kenmore-Sears Magic Chief - see Maytag May Tag - see Maytag Maytag Newer Model see Whirlpool Whirlpool - Dryer Search For manuals Manuals online Use & Care Guide Electric Dryer Use & Care Guide Duet Dryer Use & Cre Guide Whirlpool - Newer Model Sears - see Kenmore/Whirlpool Speen Queen /Amana Samsung Most repairs to dryers(depend on brand) require that you remove the top and front (not the backor sides) to access the parts. Courtesy of InterNACH Searches: To how to install an exterior dryer vent. Proper installation of dryer vent How to attach dryer vent hose Install dryer duct	INSTALLING DRYER PROPERLY VERY IMPORTANT The leading causes of home clothes dryer and washer fires is failure to clean (32%), followed by unclassified mechanical failure or malfunction (22%). Eight percent were caused by some type of electrical failure or malfunction. All dryer ducting must be a minimum of 4" in diameter. Clean, unobstructed, frictionless ducts encourage air flow efficiency,quickens drying times, adds longevity toclothing's life,and reduces utility bills. Flexible transition hose between the dryer and the wall outlet should be either the foil type or the aluminum flexible duct (most preferred). Do not use the plastic or vinyl. Concealed ducting must be rigid metal (galvanized or aluminum) duct. Duct joints should be installed so that the male end of the duct points direction of the airflow. Joints should be secured with metal tape (not duct tape). Do not use rivets or screws in the joint or anywhere else in the duct as these will encourage lint collection. Length of rigid metal ducting should not exceed 35 feet (25' for IRC). Deduct 5 feet from the allowable length for every 90 degree elbow,and two and a half feet for every 45 degree fitting (the Dryer-Ell is an exception under 2006 IRC).These lengths may vary per local codes and dryer manufacturers recom mendations. The maximum length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not exceed 25 fee t (7,620 mm) the dryer location to the wall or roof termination. The maximum length of the duct shall be reduced 2.5 feet or each 45-degree (0.8 rad) bend, and 5 feet (1,524 mm) for each 90-degree (1.6 rad) bend. The maximum length of the exhaust duct does not include the transition duct. Dryer venting shall be independent of any other systems (chimneys or exhaust vents). Courtesy of InterNACH Small orifice metal screening should not be part of the hood or roof jack as this will catch lint and block the opening in a very short time. The hood opening should point down and exhibit 12 inches of clearance between the bottom of the hood and the ground or other obstruction. Tip to make it easier to attach Aluminum Flex: Flatten aluminum flex with pipe like dough roller, click here to see image, then check out this video for some great tips. The importance of proper dryer venting can scarcely be overstated. From Dryer Vent Safety. (InterNACHI).
Dryer does not work at all Check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker Electric Shock can cause injury or death Never assume the electricity is off. Before servicing an electrical device, disconnect it from its electrical source either by unplugging the appliance, or turning off the power at the breaker fuse box. Mark the service panel with a note so that no one will restore power while you are working. After turning off the power to the circuit, test the circuit to be certain that there is no power before attempting service.	Make sure the dryer is plugged in securely Test the power outlet for voltage / Use a voltmeter Inspect the electrical cord for damage Eliminate use of an extension cord, if any is being used Check the outlet voltage / by voltage meter Test the door switch / For broken actuator / Test continuity Test the start switch / Test continuity Test the thema fuse / Test continuity of fuse Test the thermostats / Test continuity Test the timer Control / Test for power in and out Test the motor / test for power to
Dryer tumbles, but there is no heat Admiral - see: Maytag Amana Frigidaire Stackable Dryer GE Hotpoint Kenmore-Sears Magic Chief - see Maytag May Tag - see Maytag Maytag Newer Model see Whirlpool Whirlpool - Dryer Whirlpool - Duet Dryer Whirlpool - Newer Model Sears - see Kenmore Speen Queen	Check for proper air flow Test the safety fuse or thema fuse / Test continuity of fuse Test the thermostats / Test continuity of fuse Test the timer Control / Test for power in and out Test the centrifugal switch of motor Test the heating element / Test continuity Laundry Tutorials-Library #D* Clothes Dryer Tutorials Basic Electricity Instructionals Major Appliances Electrical Fundamentals Understanding Electricity, Test Instruments
Dryer takes too long Checking air flow & venting hose There are over 15,500 fires caused every year by dryer vents. If it takes more than one cycle to dry, you need to clean your dryer vent. Dryer vents clogged with lint can cause dryers to work longer and harder, resulting in excess energy costs of $18 to $24 per month. Clean the lint filter regularly to *avoid a risk of fire*. While your dryer is still running, and before you disconnect its power supply, place your hand over the exterior vent while it is running. You should be able to feel a strong air flow. If the air flow is weakened at all, check the following areas: Airflow restriction General Trips: Airflow restriction is the problem cuasing long drying times. The ducting could be to long causing lint to build-up inside of ducting. Lint than will collect mouster causing a back pussure build-up, thus clothing will stay wet. Fabric-sheet film buid-up on the lint filter what causes dryer units to catch fire and potentially burn the house down." The best way to avoid these problems, is to take that filter out and wash it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months. The duct can caked with lint. And once it is caked with lint can soak uo the mositer become wet. This because all that water that came out of the wet laundry had to go somewhere, if it doesn't making it all the way outside. Stayinf inside the dryer, clothing or ducting, itcan become so wet that water will dripping out of the duct at the joints, getting into the wood(wood-rot) and the back of the drywall, where it will start to grow black mold. All of this danmage can add up to $10,00o dollars. Occasionally wipe the sensor with a soft cloth or cotton ball and rubbing alcohol to keep it functioning accurately. Sensors are usually located on the inside of the dryer, just below the door opening, and can be hard to find. They are usually two curved metallic strips, shaped somewhat like the letter "C"."	Check the lint trap & vent or ducting / clean out ducting or replace When rplacing ducting DO NOT USE VINYL PLASTIC DUCTING- FIRE HAZARD Check for proper air flow Inspect the vent ductinf for kinks or dips / Dryer could be push back on the ducting causing airflow restriction Test the heating element / Test continuity Test the thermostats / Test continuity Proper ducting below General Information from http://www.consumerreports.org "Improper dryer vents are a much bigger and more common safety problem. Here are a few tips to keep your clothes dryer running safely and efficiently. Use metal dryer ducts to help prevent dryer fires. Consumer Reports says that flexible dryer ducts made of foil or plastic are the most problematic because they can sag and let lint build up at low points. Ridges can also trap lint. Metal ducts, either flexible or solid, are far safer because they don't sag, so lint is less likely to build up. In addition, if a fire does start,a metal duct is more likely to contain it. See our dryer venting safety report for more tips as well as photos and a dryer-venting video. No matter which kind of duct you have, you should clean it regularly. In addition, remove the visible lint from the lint screen each time you use your dryer. This not only will reduce the risk of a fire, but your clothes will dry faster and your dryer will use less energy. If dryer film is a worry, there is certainly no harm in occasionally cleaning the lint filter with warm soapy water and a small brush. Clean inside, behind, and underneath the dryer, where lint can build up. Take special care drying clothes stained with volatile chemicals such as gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, or finishing oils and stains. Wash the clothing more than once to minimize the amount of these chemicals on the clothing, and line dry instead of using a dryer. Avoid using liquid fabric softener on all-cotton clothing made of fleece, terry cloth, or velour. In our flammability tests, liquid fabric softener added to rinse water accelerated the burning speed of these fabrics. If you want a softener, use dryer sheets instead. Buy dryers that use moisture sensors rather than ordinary thermostats to end the auto-dry cycle. Thermostats can allow the dryer to run longer than necessary. Amana Frigidaire Stackable Dryer GE Hotpoint Kenmore-Sears MayTag Whirlpool - Calypso Whirlpool - Duet Dryer drum does not tumble
Drum Not turning, here the motor going Laundry Tutorials-Library #D Clothes Dryer Tutrials	Check the drum belt Check the idler pulley Check Drum surport rollers Test the motor / *Check for power to
Dryer overheats Laundry Tutorials-Library #D Clothes Dryer Tutorials	Check the lint trap & vent or ducting / See: Proper venting Use metal dryer ducts to help prevent dryer fires. Check for proper air flow / Not properly vented Check the thermostat / *Test for continuity
Dryer will not stop automatically Laundry Tutorials-Library #D Clothes Dryer Tutorials	Test the timer control* Test the moisture sensor / Test for continuity Test the thermostats / Test for continuity Check the lint trap & vent or ducting
Dryer is noisy Admiral - see: Maytag Amana Frigidaire Stackable Dryer GE Hotpoint Kenmore-Sears Magic Chief - see Maytag May Tag - see Maytag Maytag Newer Model see Whirlpool Whirlpool - Dryer Whirlpool - Duet Dryer Whirlpool - Newer Model Sears - see Kenmore Speen Queen	Level the dryer / usually not a problem Check the drum belt - See all Brand / If belt is cracking Check the drum support rollers - Most Brand Check the idler pulley - See: all Brands Check the glides - See: All brands Check drum bearings - SEE: General Electric Brands Check the blower - See:MayTag / If Blower spins freelyn on motor shaft replace Check the baffles / coins caught under or inside the baffles, remove coins and reinstall baffles
Light won't turn on	Replace the bulb Test the door switch / SEE: *Test for continuity
Dryer give clothes a bad odor General Trips: Check washer or clothes befor put inside washer. CLEAN OUT POCKETS	Check for proper air flow Check the lint trap & vent or ducting Remove odor producing items from the proximity of the dryer Check for dead rodets in side of dryer
Clothes are damaged or stained General Trips: Usually item brought in to the drying load, such as nuts left in side the pockets or cosmetics	Check the baffles for cracks or damage, or missing Check the front and rear seals Check the drum for rust or damage
Learn to use Multimeters Major Appliances Electrical Fundamentals Understanding Electricity, Test Instruments	*Continuity test is the checking of an electric circuit to see if current flows in a solanold, contact is made inside a switch or motor winding are good.(that it is in fact making a complete circuit). A continuity test is performed by devices that can be used to perform continuity tests include multimeters which measure current and specialized continuity testers which are cheaper, more basic devices, generally with a simple light bulb that lights up when current flows. SEE: Electrial Fundamentals Course When a bad motor winding cannot be found by a physical inspection, many times an ohmmeter may show that there is a defective winding. Read more: How to Test Electric Motor Windings Ohmmeter usages. While the ohmmeter may not show potential failures, it can be used to determine if the windings are good or bad.
Whirlpool Duet Dryer	Whirlpool Test Code Diagnostic Instruction To check a Whirlpool Duet dryer's power cord is plugged completely into a working outlet. The dryer should not be in a cycle while you're performing diagnostics testing, and the indicator lights should not be illuminated. Locate the "More Time" and "Less Time" push buttons on the control console. These buttons are to the right of the selector switch and under the "Estimated Time Remaining" display screen. Press and release the buttons in the following sequence within five seconds: "More Time," "Less Time," "More Time" and "Less Time". Check that all of the indicator lights are illuminated and the "Estimated Time Remaining" display shows "88." If one or more of the lights are not illuminating, there is an issue with the unlit component or the circuit board

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Clothes Dryer Diagnostic Guide

Clothes Dryer Troubleshooting Diagnostic Guide

Click on underlined items for further course information

Dryer Venting & Installation Guidelines

To how to install an exterior dryer vent.

INSTALLING DRYER PROPERLY VERY IMPORTANT

The leading causes of home clothes dryer and washer fires is failure to clean (32%), followed by unclassified mechanical failure or malfunction (22%). Eight percent were caused by some type of electrical failure or malfunction.

Electric Shock can cause injury or death

Clothes Dryer Tutorials

Drum Not turning, here the motor going

Clothes Dryer Tutrials

Clothes Dryer Tutorials

Clothes Dryer Tutorials

Learn to use Multimeters

Whirlpool Duet Dryer

Whirlpool Test Code

Diagnostic Instruction