Electrolux Dryer Drive Motor (137115900) – What Part Fixes This Problem?
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Understanding the Problem
The drive motor (commonly sold as part 137115900 on Electrolux/Frigidaire dryers) turns the drum and the blower wheel that moves air through the dryer. When this motor fails you’ll typically get a drum that won't turn, humming or buzzing noises, overheating, or a burning smell. Below are clear diagnostic and repair steps to identify and fix a bad drive motor. 1) Preliminary checks: a) Unplug the dryer (or turn off the breaker). For gas dryers also shut off the gas supply. Safety first. b) Try to turn the drum by hand. If it’s extremely hard to turn or locked, the motor bearings may be seized or something is jammed. c) Inspect the belt and idler pulley for damage — a snapped belt can mimic a bad motor because the drum won’t turn. 2) Electrical and simple functional checks: a) Plug the dryer back in and start a cycle briefly (with panels reinstalled or carefully with access panel removed) and listen: a humming motor with no drum movement often points to a motor that tries to start but the centrifugal switch or start winding has failed. b) If you hear clicking/cycling and the motor won't stay running, check the door switch and start switch/cycle selector — sometimes a control issue prevents full motor operation. c) With power off, disconnect the motor wiring harness and check continuity across the motor windings with a multimeter. Typical motors will show low ohms between windings (consult your service manual for exact specs). An open winding (infinite resistance) = failed motor. 3) Mechanical inspection: a) Remove the front or rear access panel to reach the motor (model dependent). Inspect the blower wheel for debris, hair or lint jams; a jammed blower can prevent the motor from turning. b) Spin the motor shaft manually (if accessible). Roughness, grinding, or locking indicates bad bearings/seized motor. 4) Replace the motor (step-by-step how to fix): Tools needed: nut drivers/screwdrivers, 1/4"–3/8" socket set, putty knife (for panel clips), multimeter, work gloves. a) Unplug dryer power (and turn off gas if applicable). b) Remove top/front/rear access panels per your model. (Some Electrolux models require removing the front panel and drum to access the motor.) c) Remove the drive belt from drum and idler. Note belt routing or take a photo. d) Support the drum and lift it out (if required) or move it aside to access the motor and blower housing. e) Disconnect the motor harness and any ground wires. f) Remove motor mounting screws and any bracketry holding the motor and blower wheel. Carefully remove the motor assembly. Transfer the blower wheel to the new motor if the replacement doesn't include it (note: blower wheel is often pressed on — an extractor or careful leverage may be needed). g) Install the new motor, reattach mounting screws to correct torque, reconnect wiring harness, reinstall blower wheel if needed, and re-route and tension the belt with the idler pulley. h) Reassemble dryer panels, restore power, run a test cycle to confirm drum rotation, normal motor sound, and proper airflow. 5) Final checks: a) Check for unusual noises or vibrations; if present verify blower wheel tightness and motor mounting. b) Confirm proper airflow out the vent (blocked vent can overload the motor). Safety note: Always disconnect electrical power before opening the dryer. Motors can be heavy and blower wheels sharp — wear gloves and eye protection. If you’re unsure about wiring or gas connections, call a qualified technician.
Common Symptoms
Dryer drum won't turn, loud humming or buzzing, intermittent start then stops, grinding/squealing noise, burning smell, motor overheats and dryer trips thermal cut-out.
Common Causes
- Worn or seized motor bearings (motor mechanically locked)
- Failed start winding or centrifugal switch inside the motor (motor hums but won't start)
- Blocked blower wheel or jam causing overload
- Broken or slipped drive belt/failed idler causing abnormal motor load
- Electrical failure in motor windings or wiring harness
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
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Helpful Repair Tip
Before replacing the motor, remove the belt and try spinning the motor shaft by hand (with power off). If the shaft is hard to turn, noisy, or locked, the motor is likely bad. Also check motor winding continuity with a multimeter — an open winding confirms failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if the drum won't turn because of the motor or a broken belt?
With power off, remove the front panel or access the drum and inspect the belt. If the belt is broken or visibly loose, replace it first. If the belt is intact, remove it and try to spin the drum and motor shaft by hand. If the drum turns freely but the motor shaft is hard to turn or locked, or the motor hums when powered but doesn't start, the motor is the likely culprit.
Can I replace the drive motor myself and how long will it take?
Yes — most DIYers with basic hand tools can replace an Electrolux dryer drive motor. Allow 45–120 minutes depending on your model and experience. Required tools include screwdrivers, a socket set, and a multimeter for testing. Always disconnect power first and follow step-by-step removal and reassembly instructions; if you’re uncomfortable with electrical work or transferring a pressed-on blower wheel, call a professional.
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