A worn, slipped, or broken drive belt creates a distinctive problem: the dryer motor will be humming as usual, but the drum won't turn. Drive belt problems are also the most common reason a dryer won't spin.
Try to turn the drum with your hand. If your belt is intact, the drum won't move easily. If it has slipped or snapped, the drum will move fairly freely. Changing the belt takes a little DIY expertise because you'll have to remove panels to access it, and work around other components that may be in the way.
1. DRIVE BELT
2. DRUM ROLLERS
Most dryers are equipped with two drum support rollers—as well as accompanying axles, glides, and bearings—that allow the drum to spin as freely as possible, reducing strain on the dryer motor. When any of these parts fail, the motor (and belt) has to work much harder to turn the drum. It may be a good idea to replace all of these component parts when one has worn out.
3. DRYER MOTOR
If the lights are on but the drum isn't turning and there's no humming noise, there's a good chance the dryer motor has given out. The good news is that this type of issue may rule out problems with the drive belt and rollers. On the other hand, installing a new dryer motor may take some significant appliance expertise.
In contrast, if the motor runs and the drum turns until it has to stop and change directions, the problem is more likely to be with the capacitor rather than the motor itself.
4. DOOR SWITCH
It's a rare problem, but sometimes the door switch can become loose, which will prevent the dryer from doing anything. This is the result of the door being opened and closed thousands of times throughout the dryer's lifespan. Using a multimeter, you should obtain a zero-ohm reading when the door is fully closed and locked.
SHOULD I ATTEMPT A REPAIR MYSELF?
Diagnosing the reason your dryer won't spin is one thing—but it's another thing to actually resolve the issue. If you're not sure how to proceed or you would simply prefer a factory-trained expert to take a look, we're here to help. Book an appointment with our local specialists today. We're usually able to get the job done in the first visit.*
*GE Appliances technicians carry an extensive parts inventory on their service trucks. In the event a part is not available on the service truck, a follow-up service call may be required.
