Symptom-first diagnostic directory

Dryer symptoms

Clothes that stay damp, a dryer that will not heat or stops early, and burning smells: how to tell an airflow problem from a heating or sensor fault.

A dryer needs three things: heat, airflow and a drum that turns, and nearly every fault is a failure of one of them. If the clothes come out hot but damp, airflow is the first suspect, because a clogged lint screen, crushed vent hose or blocked outside hood traps moist air in the drum. If the dryer runs but does not heat, an electric model may have a tripped half of its two-pole breaker, a failed thermal fuse or a burned element, while a gas model may be waiting on its igniter or on the gas supply. A dryer that shuts off after a few minutes is often overheating from poor airflow, and one that stops before the clothes are dry may have dirty moisture-sensor bars.

Observed symptomIsolation testNarrow correctionVerificationStop condition

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97 complete records in this directory

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97 exact answers

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Dryers · vent moisture

Condensation forms around the dryer vent

Condensation suggests warm moist exhaust is cooling in a long, uninsulated or restricted duct, or leaking into the room.

Open record
Dryers · exhaust

Dryer airflow is weak even with a clean lint screen

A clean lint screen does not rule out a crushed transition hose, blocked long duct, stuck exterior flap or internal exhaust restriction.

Open record
Dryers · airflow

Dryer clothes are hot but still damp

Hot, damp clothes point strongly to poor moisture removal: restricted exhaust, an overloaded mixed-fabric load or a sensor cycle ending incorrectly.

Open record
Dryers · urgent symptom

Dryer has a burning smell

Stop a dryer with a burning electrical, rubber or heavy lint odor. Disconnect power or shut off gas safely and do not use another test cycle until the source is identified.

Open record
Dryers · moisture sensor

Dryer sensor cycle ends before clothes are dry

A very small load, mixed fabric weights, coated moisture bars or items not contacting the sensor can make an automatic cycle end early.

Open record
Dryers · thermal protection

Dryer shuts off after a few minutes

Early shutdown can be a sensor-cycle result on a tiny load, restricted airflow causing overheat protection, unstable power or a failing motor/control.

Open record
Dryers · steam

Dryer steam cycle produces no steam

Steam dryers may use a household water hose or a refillable reservoir. Check the model’s water source, selected steam option and load requirements before assuming a heater fault.

Open record
Dryers · noise

Dryer thumps once per drum revolution

A rhythmic thump can come from a flat-spotted roller after storage, a seam in the drum, an item in a baffle or a worn support component.

Open record
Dryers · electric heat

Electric dryer runs but does not heat

An electric dryer can tumble with only one side of its 240-volt supply present. Check cycle settings, both breaker poles and airflow before assuming the heating element failed.

Open record
Dryers · gas heat

Gas dryer runs but does not heat

For a gas dryer, confirm the cycle, gas shutoff and ignition behavior. Repeated clicking, no ignition or gas odor requires a qualified gas-appliance technician.

Open record
Dryers · normal operation

Why does the dryer keep tumbling after the cycle ends?

Wrinkle Prevent, anti-crease or extended tumble periodically moves the load after drying; it is normally a selected option, not a failed timer.

Open record
Dryers · drying time

Why does the dryer need two cycles to dry clothes?

Two-cycle drying most often indicates restricted exhaust, oversized loads, low spin extraction or mixed fabric weights—not a need for a hotter setting.

Open record
GE · no power

GE dryer has no power or a blank display

GE dryer has no power or a blank display: prove both breaker poles for electric models, the outlet and control wake state before internal service. Scoped to PFD95E*.

Open record
GE · drum not turning

GE dryer heats or runs but the drum does not tumble

GE dryer heats or runs but the drum does not tumble: a nonturning drum with motor sound commonly crosses the belt, idler, roller or drive-motor boundary. Scoped to PFD95E*.

Open record
GE · wrinkled

GE dryer leaves clothes wrinkled or tangled

GE dryer leaves clothes wrinkled or tangled: load size, fabric mix, heat and prompt removal normally matter more than hardware. Scoped to PFD95E*.

Open record
GE · squealing

GE dryer makes squealing, thumping, scraping or rattling noises

GE dryer makes squealing, thumping, scraping or rattling noises: match the sound to drum speed, warm-up and load before replacing parts. Scoped to PFD95E*.

Open record
GE · not heating

GE dryer runs but does not heat

GE dryer runs but does not heat: airflow, cycle choice and household power or gas supply should be proved before heater or valve service. Scoped to PFD95E*.

Open record
GE · sensor dry

GE dryer sensor cycle ends too early or runs too long

GE dryer sensor cycle ends too early or runs too long: small/mixed loads, dirty sensor bars and poor airflow can mislead moisture sensing. Scoped to PFD95E*.

Open record
GE · vent code

GE dryer shows a vent, airflow or blockage warning

GE dryer shows a vent, airflow or blockage warning: treat a vent warning as measured airflow loss, not as a code to clear and ignore. Scoped to PFD95E*.

Open record
GE · burning smell

GE dryer smells hot, scorched or like burning

GE dryer smells hot, scorched or like burning: stop the dryer until lint, airflow, foreign material and electrical or belt overheating are separated. Scoped to PFD95E*.

Open record
GE · stops

GE dryer stops before the cycle is finished

GE dryer stops before the cycle is finished: a stop can be sensor completion, overheating protection, door interruption or power loss. Scoped to PFD95E*.

Open record
GE · takes too long

GE dryer takes too long to dry clothes

GE dryer takes too long to dry clothes: a restricted exhaust is the first safety and performance check when drying time increases. Scoped to PFD95E*.

Open record
GE · Wi-Fi

GE dryer will not connect to Wi-Fi or the manufacturer's app

GE dryer will not connect to Wi-Fi or the manufacturer's app: confirm that the exact model has wireless hardware and supports the current app before network changes. Scoped to PFD95E*.

Open record
GE · won't start

GE dryer will not start

GE dryer will not start: prove power, door switch, control lock and the Start-button hold behavior before internal repair. Scoped to PFD95E*.

Open record
GE · squealing

GE GTD84 electric dryer makes squealing, thumping, scraping or rattling noises

GE GTD84 electric dryer makes squealing, thumping, scraping or rattling noises: match the sound to drum speed, warm-up and load before replacing parts. Scoped to GTD84E*.

Open record
LG · wrinkled

LG DLEX4000 electric dryer leaves clothes wrinkled or tangled

LG DLEX4000 electric dryer leaves clothes wrinkled or tangled: load size, fabric mix, heat and prompt removal normally matter more than hardware. Scoped to DLEX4000*.

Open record
LG · stops

LG DLHC5502 heat-pump dryer stops before the cycle is finished

LG DLHC5502 heat-pump dryer stops before the cycle is finished: a stop can be sensor completion, overheating protection, door interruption or power loss. Scoped to DLHC5502*.

Open record
Maytag · no power

Maytag dryer has no power or a blank display

Maytag dryer has no power or a blank display: prove both breaker poles for electric models, the outlet and control wake state before internal service. Scoped to MED8630H*.

Open record
Maytag · wrinkled

Maytag dryer leaves clothes wrinkled or tangled

Maytag dryer leaves clothes wrinkled or tangled: load size, fabric mix, heat and prompt removal normally matter more than hardware. Scoped to MED8630H*.

Open record
Maytag · squealing

Maytag dryer makes squealing, thumping, scraping or rattling noises

Maytag dryer makes squealing, thumping, scraping or rattling noises: match the sound to drum speed, warm-up and load before replacing parts. Scoped to MED8630H*.

Open record
Maytag · not heating

Maytag dryer runs but does not heat

Maytag dryer runs but does not heat: airflow, cycle choice and household power or gas supply should be proved before heater or valve service. Scoped to MED8630H*.

Open record
Maytag · sensor dry

Maytag dryer sensor cycle ends too early or runs too long

Maytag dryer sensor cycle ends too early or runs too long: small/mixed loads, dirty sensor bars and poor airflow can mislead moisture sensing. Scoped to MED8630H*.

Open record
Maytag · vent code

Maytag dryer shows a vent, airflow or blockage warning

Maytag dryer shows a vent, airflow or blockage warning: treat a vent warning as measured airflow loss, not as a code to clear and ignore. Scoped to MED8630H*.

Open record
Maytag · burning smell

Maytag dryer smells hot, scorched or like burning

Maytag dryer smells hot, scorched or like burning: stop the dryer until lint, airflow, foreign material and electrical or belt overheating are separated. Scoped to MED8630H*.

Open record
Maytag · stops

Maytag dryer stops before the cycle is finished

Maytag dryer stops before the cycle is finished: a stop can be sensor completion, overheating protection, door interruption or power loss. Scoped to MED8630H*.

Open record
Maytag · takes too long

Maytag dryer takes too long to dry clothes

Maytag dryer takes too long to dry clothes: a restricted exhaust is the first safety and performance check when drying time increases. Scoped to MED8630H*.

Open record
Maytag · Wi-Fi

Maytag dryer will not connect to Wi-Fi or the manufacturer's app

Maytag dryer will not connect to Wi-Fi or the manufacturer's app: confirm that the exact model has wireless hardware and supports the current app before network changes. Scoped to MED8630H*.

Open record
Samsung · no power

Samsung dryer has no power or a blank display

Samsung dryer has no power or a blank display: prove both breaker poles for electric models, the outlet and control wake state before internal service. Scoped to DVE45T6000*.

Open record
Samsung · drum not turning

Samsung dryer heats or runs but the drum does not tumble

Samsung dryer heats or runs but the drum does not tumble: a nonturning drum with motor sound commonly crosses the belt, idler, roller or drive-motor boundary. Scoped to DVE45T6000*.

Open record
Samsung · wrinkled

Samsung dryer leaves clothes wrinkled or tangled

Samsung dryer leaves clothes wrinkled or tangled: load size, fabric mix, heat and prompt removal normally matter more than hardware. Scoped to DVE45T6000*.

Open record
Samsung · squealing

Samsung dryer makes squealing, thumping, scraping or rattling noises

Samsung dryer makes squealing, thumping, scraping or rattling noises: match the sound to drum speed, warm-up and load before replacing parts. Scoped to DVE45T6000*.

Open record
Samsung · not heating

Samsung dryer runs but does not heat

Samsung dryer runs but does not heat: airflow, cycle choice and household power or gas supply should be proved before heater or valve service. Scoped to DVE45T6000*.

Open record
Samsung · sensor dry

Samsung dryer sensor cycle ends too early or runs too long

Samsung dryer sensor cycle ends too early or runs too long: small/mixed loads, dirty sensor bars and poor airflow can mislead moisture sensing. Scoped to DVE45T6000*.

Open record
Samsung · vent code

Samsung dryer shows a vent, airflow or blockage warning

Samsung dryer shows a vent, airflow or blockage warning: treat a vent warning as measured airflow loss, not as a code to clear and ignore. Scoped to DVE45T6000*.

Open record
Samsung · burning smell

Samsung dryer smells hot, scorched or like burning

Samsung dryer smells hot, scorched or like burning: stop the dryer until lint, airflow, foreign material and electrical or belt overheating are separated. Scoped to DVE45T6000*.

Open record
Samsung · stops

Samsung dryer stops before the cycle is finished

Samsung dryer stops before the cycle is finished: a stop can be sensor completion, overheating protection, door interruption or power loss. Scoped to DVE45T6000*.

Open record
Samsung · takes too long

Samsung dryer takes too long to dry clothes

Samsung dryer takes too long to dry clothes: a restricted exhaust is the first safety and performance check when drying time increases. Scoped to DVE45T6000*.

Open record
Samsung · Wi-Fi

Samsung dryer will not connect to Wi-Fi or the manufacturer's app

Samsung dryer will not connect to Wi-Fi or the manufacturer's app: confirm that the exact model has wireless hardware and supports the current app before network changes. Scoped to DVE45T6000*.

Open record
Samsung · won't start

Samsung dryer will not start

Samsung dryer will not start: prove power, door switch, control lock and the Start-button hold behavior before internal repair. Scoped to DVE45T6000*.

Open record
Samsung · not heating

Samsung DV42H5000 dryer runs but does not heat

Samsung DV42H5000 dryer runs but does not heat: airflow, cycle choice and household power or gas supply should be proved before heater or valve service. Scoped to DV42H5000*.

Open record
Whirlpool · no power

Whirlpool dryer has no power or a blank display

Whirlpool dryer has no power or a blank display: prove both breaker poles for electric models, the outlet and control wake state before internal service. Scoped to WED9620H*.

Open record
Whirlpool · drum not turning

Whirlpool dryer heats or runs but the drum does not tumble

Whirlpool dryer heats or runs but the drum does not tumble: a nonturning drum with motor sound commonly crosses the belt, idler, roller or drive-motor boundary. Scoped to WED9620H*.

Open record
Whirlpool · wrinkled

Whirlpool dryer leaves clothes wrinkled or tangled

Whirlpool dryer leaves clothes wrinkled or tangled: load size, fabric mix, heat and prompt removal normally matter more than hardware. Scoped to WED9620H*.

Open record
Whirlpool · squealing

Whirlpool dryer makes squealing, thumping, scraping or rattling noises

Whirlpool dryer makes squealing, thumping, scraping or rattling noises: match the sound to drum speed, warm-up and load before replacing parts. Scoped to WED9620H*.

Open record
Whirlpool · not heating

Whirlpool dryer runs but does not heat

Whirlpool dryer runs but does not heat: airflow, cycle choice and household power or gas supply should be proved before heater or valve service. Scoped to WED9620H*.

Open record
Whirlpool · sensor dry

Whirlpool dryer sensor cycle ends too early or runs too long

Whirlpool dryer sensor cycle ends too early or runs too long: small/mixed loads, dirty sensor bars and poor airflow can mislead moisture sensing. Scoped to WED9620H*.

Open record
Whirlpool · vent code

Whirlpool dryer shows a vent, airflow or blockage warning

Whirlpool dryer shows a vent, airflow or blockage warning: treat a vent warning as measured airflow loss, not as a code to clear and ignore. Scoped to WED9620H*.

Open record
Whirlpool · burning smell

Whirlpool dryer smells hot, scorched or like burning

Whirlpool dryer smells hot, scorched or like burning: stop the dryer until lint, airflow, foreign material and electrical or belt overheating are separated. Scoped to WED9620H*.

Open record
Whirlpool · takes too long

Whirlpool dryer takes too long to dry clothes

Whirlpool dryer takes too long to dry clothes: a restricted exhaust is the first safety and performance check when drying time increases. Scoped to WED9620H*.

Open record
Whirlpool · Wi-Fi

Whirlpool dryer will not connect to Wi-Fi or the manufacturer's app

Whirlpool dryer will not connect to Wi-Fi or the manufacturer's app: confirm that the exact model has wireless hardware and supports the current app before network changes. Scoped to WED9620H*.

Open record
Whirlpool · won't start

Whirlpool dryer will not start

Whirlpool dryer will not start: prove power, door switch, control lock and the Start-button hold behavior before internal repair. Scoped to WED9620H*.

Open record
Dryers · airflow

Dryer exhaust airflow behaves incorrectly or produces the wrong result

Open record
Dryers · airflow

Dryer exhaust airflow fails only on one cycle, load or operating condition

Open record
Dryers · airflow

Dryer exhaust airflow is not working

Open record
Dryers · airflow

Dryer exhaust airflow is unusually slow or delayed

Open record
Dryers · airflow

Dryer exhaust airflow keeps disconnecting or working intermittently

Open record
Dryers · airflow

Dryer exhaust airflow stopped working after an update, outage or hardware change

Open record
Dryers · sensor cycles

Dryer moisture-sensor cycle behaves incorrectly or produces the wrong result

Open record
Dryers · sensor cycles

Dryer moisture-sensor cycle fails only on one cycle, load or operating condition

Open record
Dryers · sensor cycles

Dryer moisture-sensor cycle is not working

Open record
Dryers · sensor cycles

Dryer moisture-sensor cycle is unusually slow or delayed

Open record
Dryers · sensor cycles

Dryer moisture-sensor cycle keeps disconnecting or working intermittently

Open record
Dryers · sensor cycles

Dryer moisture-sensor cycle stopped working after an update, outage or hardware change

Open record
Dryers · electric heat

Electric-dryer heat circuit behaves incorrectly or produces the wrong result

Open record
Dryers · electric heat

Electric-dryer heat circuit fails only on one cycle, load or operating condition

Open record
Dryers · electric heat

Electric-dryer heat circuit is not working

Open record
Dryers · electric heat

Electric-dryer heat circuit is unusually slow or delayed

Open record
Dryers · electric heat

Electric-dryer heat circuit keeps disconnecting or working intermittently

Open record
Dryers · electric heat

Electric-dryer heat circuit stopped working after an update, outage or hardware change

Open record
Dryers · gas heat

Gas-dryer ignition and flame behaves incorrectly or produces the wrong result

Open record
Dryers · gas heat

Gas-dryer ignition and flame fails only on one cycle, load or operating condition

Open record
Dryers · gas heat

Gas-dryer ignition and flame is not working

Open record
Dryers · gas heat

Gas-dryer ignition and flame is unusually slow or delayed

Open record
Dryers · gas heat

Gas-dryer ignition and flame keeps disconnecting or working intermittently

Open record
Dryers · gas heat

Gas-dryer ignition and flame stopped working after an update, outage or hardware change

Open record
LG · no power

LG electric or gas dryer has no power or a blank display

Open record
LG · drum not turning

LG electric or gas dryer heats or runs but the drum does not tumble

Open record
LG · wrinkled

LG electric or gas dryer leaves clothes wrinkled or tangled

Open record
LG · squealing

LG electric or gas dryer makes squealing, thumping, scraping or rattling noises

Open record
LG · not heating

LG electric or gas dryer runs but does not heat

Open record
LG · sensor dry

LG electric or gas dryer sensor cycle ends too early or runs too long

Open record
LG · vent code

LG electric or gas dryer shows a vent, airflow or blockage warning

Open record
LG · burning smell

LG electric or gas dryer smells hot, scorched or like burning

Open record
LG · stops

LG electric or gas dryer stops before the cycle is finished

Open record
LG · takes too long

LG electric or gas dryer takes too long to dry clothes

Open record
LG · Wi-Fi

LG electric or gas dryer will not connect to Wi-Fi or the manufacturer's app

Open record
LG · won't start

LG electric or gas dryer will not start

Open record

Dryer problems: heat, airflow and cycle-time faults

Cleaning the lint screen after every load and the whole vent run once a year prevents most of these problems and lowers the risk of a dryer fire. Burning smells, a drum that thumps once per turn, or a dryer that trips its breaker need attention before further use. Work involving the gas valve, the heating element wiring or the control board is for a technician. Brand-specific codes, including LG's airflow codes, are on the error-code pages.

If you are not sure whether the dryer or the vent is the problem, run a short test: clean the lint screen, then run the dryer on air-only and feel the airflow at the outside hood. Weak flow means a clog or crushed duct. A clean vent and strong flow with a dryer that still does not dry points to the dryer's heat or its sensor. Keep the vent run short and straight, use metal duct and clear the outside hood of lint and nests.

Dryer cycles end on time or on sensor. A sensor cycle stops when moisture sensors, the metal bars inside the drum, detect dry clothes, so dirty sensor bars can make cycles end too early; wipe them with a cloth and rubbing alcohol. Dryer sheets leave a coating on the lint screen and the sensors, so wash the screen with soap and water now and then. Overloading cuts airflow and lengthens cycles, and a gas dryer needs a clear flue and a working igniter. Burning smells need immediate attention: stop the dryer, unplug it and check the lint trap and vent.

Why are my clothes hot but still damp after a full cycle?

Restricted airflow is the usual cause. Clean the lint screen, then check the vent hose and the outside hood for lint and crushing.

Is it safe to run a dryer with a clogged vent?

No. A clogged vent makes the dryer run hot and is a known fire risk, so clear it before using the machine again.

How do I know my dryer vent is clogged?

Clothes take more than one cycle to dry, the dryer gets very hot and the outside hood shows weak airflow.

Can I vent a dryer into the house?

Not with a standard dryer; it adds moisture and lint. Use the outside vent the maker specifies.

Why does my dryer stop before clothes are dry?

The moisture sensor may be dirty or the vent restricted. Clean the sensor bars and the lint screen and check the vent.

Should I wash the lint screen?

Yes, with soap and water now and then, because dryer sheets leave a film that blocks airflow.