Dryer Not Heating — What Part Fixes This Problem?
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Understanding the Problem
A dryer that tumbles but doesn't produce heat is most often caused by a failed heating element (in electric dryers) or ignition/valve issues (in gas dryers). Other common contributors include a blown thermal fuse, a faulty high-limit or cycling thermostat, a tripped breaker, or a clogged vent restricting airflow. Diagnosing the exact cause requires checking both electrical components and airflow/venting. Electric dryer heating elements are coil assemblies that can break or short; a break means no continuity and no heat. Gas dryers use an igniter and gas valve coils — if the igniter doesn't glow or the gas valve doesn't open, the burner won't light. Replacing the correct faulty part and ensuring proper venting will usually restore normal drying performance.
Common Symptoms
Drum spins but clothes remain cold or only slightly warm; very long drying times; occasional heating that stops mid-cycle; dryer may trip a breaker or not start the heating cycle at all.
Common Causes
- Broken or shorted heating element coil (electric dryers)
- Blown thermal fuse or faulty high-limit thermostat
- Clogged or restricted venting causing overheating and thermal fuse trips
- Failed igniter, gas valve coils, or flame sensor (gas dryers)
- Faulty control board, timer, or a tripped breaker/power supply issue
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
Unplug the dryer and remove the access panel, then check continuity across the heating element with a multimeter. If the element shows infinite resistance (open), it's likely the faulty part. Also test the thermal fuse and thermostats — a blown thermal fuse will show no continuity and must be replaced before the dryer will heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I test a dryer heating element?
Unplug the dryer, access the heating element assembly (usually behind the rear panel or inside the cabinet), and visually inspect the coil for breaks. Use a multimeter set to ohms: test for continuity between the element terminals — a good element will show low resistance; an open (infinite) reading means the element is broken and should be replaced. Also check for continuity from terminals to the metal casing to detect shorts to ground.
My dryer still doesn't heat after replacing the element — what else should I check?
After replacing the element, verify the thermal fuse and thermostats have continuity (a blown thermal fuse will prevent heating and must be replaced). Check for restricted venting or lint buildup — poor airflow can cause overheating and cutouts. For gas dryers, confirm the igniter glows and the gas valve coils operate. Finally, ensure the dryer is receiving proper voltage and that the control board/timer is sending power to the heating circuit.
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Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to ProsourceParts.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.