Dryer Stops Mid Cycle? (How To Fix For All Brands)
If your dryer stops mid-cycle and sometimes leaves your clothes still wet, you should be concerned.
Your dryer is supposed to run for the total time you set it to without stopping mid-cycle.
But you don’t need to panic since you’re not the only one, and we have solutions to fix your dryer stopping mid-cycle.
Dryer Stops Mid Cycle (Key Summary)
| Potential Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Overheating | – Clean vents and exhaust ducts |
| – Remove lint buildup from the lint filter | |
| – Avoid overloading the dryer with too many clothes | |
| Malfunctioning thermostat | – Replace the faulty thermostat |
| Clogged lint filter or | – Clean the lint filter and vent |
| Vent | – Remove any obstructions in the venting system |
| Faulty door switch | – Ensure the dryer door is securely closed |
| – Test the door switch for proper functionality | |
| Broken belt or pulley | – Inspect the belt and pulley for wear or damage |
| – Replace the belt or pulley if necessary | |
| Control board issues | – Inspect the control board for damage or defects |
| – Seek professional repair or replacement if necessary | |
| Calibration issues | – Follow the calibration instructions in the manual |
In this article, we will explain the possible reasons why your dryer stops mid-cycle, and provide you with a comprehensive set of solutions that apply to various dryer brands such as LG, GE, Samsung, Kenmore, Bosch, Electrolux, and Candy.
Table of Contents
Reasons why your dryer is stopping mid cycle (Troubleshooting)
When your dryer abruptly stops in the middle of a cycle, I understand it can be incredibly frustrating.
What could be more frustrating than washing your clothes and not being able to get them dried?
Understanding the potential causes behind your dryer stopping mid cycle is the first step toward fixing the problem and each cause requires a different approach and solution.
We are going to explain them comprehensively.
Here are some common reasons we find that can lead to mid-cycle stopping of your:
1. Dryer Overheating
Dryers are designed with safety mechanisms that prevent overheating. If the temperature rises too high, a thermal fuse or thermostat may trigger a shutdown to protect against potential fire hazards.
Overheating can usually occur due to blocked vents or exhaust ducts, a malfunctioning heating element, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Overloading the dryer with too many clothes can also contribute to overheating. Since overheating is bad for your dryer, it automatically stops, even if it’s in mid cycle.
How to fix dryer overheating
- Unplug the dryer: Completely disconnect the dryer from the power source before attempting any repairs to minimize any risk of electrical shock.
- Allow cooling time: If the dryer was recently in use, give it sufficient time to cool down. Some components, such as heating elements, can retain heat even after the dryer is turned off.
- Reduce clothes in the drum: if you have overloaded your dryer beyond its capacity, then reduce the clothes to allow the free flow of air.
2. Malfunctioning Thermostat
A faulty thermostat can tamper with your dryer’s heating cycle, causing it to shut down prematurely.
The thermostat is responsible for monitoring and regulating the temperature within the dryer, It turns the heat on or off when appropriate.
If the thermostat fails to accurately detect the temperature, it may incorrectly signal the dryer to shut off. This can happen due to wear and tear over time or a malfunction in the thermostat’s internal components.
How to fix faulty dryer thermostat
- Locate the thermostat: The thermostat is usually located at the rear of the dryer above the heating element. Consult the dryer’s manual to locate these components as they may differ by brand.
- Test the thermostat: Remove the thermostat from the dryer and using a multimeter, check the continuity by touching one terminal after which you touch the other terminal with the two probes of the multimeter. If the multimeter shows zero ohms of resistance, that means there is continuity. If the meter needle does not move or the digital display does not change significantly, that means there is no continuity and the thermostat is faulty and needs replacement.
If they do not show continuity, they may be faulty and require replacement
3. Clogged Vent or lint filter
Lint can accumulate over time in the filter and vent, obstructing proper airflow in your dryer.
This build-up restricts the dryer’s ability to expel moist air, resulting in overheating and subsequent shutdowns.
You need to regularly clean your dryer lint filter and vent to prevent clogs and ensure efficient drying.
Neglecting this maintenance can lead to reduced airflow and an increased risk of overheating.
How to fix a dryer clogged vent or lint filter
- Clean the lint filter: Remove the lint filter from the dryer and clean it thoroughly. Lint buildup can restrict airflow and lead to overheating and mid-cycle stoppages.
- Inspect and clean the vent system: Check the vent hose and exhaust duct for any lint or debris accumulation. Remove any obstructions and ensure that the venting system is clear and unobstructed. Use a dryer vent brush for the best results
4. Faulty door switch
The door switch also serves as a safety feature that halts the dryer’s operation when the door is opened.
If the switch malfunctions during a drying cycle, it may mistakenly signal the dryer to stop even when the door is closed.
This can occur due to a faulty switch mechanism or a misalignment between the switch and the door.
Inspecting and testing the door switch is necessary to determine if it is functioning properly.
How to fix a faulty dryer door switch
- Close the door properly: Make sure the dryer door is securely closed. A partially open or misaligned door can trigger the door switch and cause the dryer to stop.
- Test the door switch: Use a multimeter to check the functionality of the door switch. If you observe discontinuity, the door switch needs to be replaced.
5. Broken belt or pulley
The dryer’s drum relies on a belt and pulley system to rotate and tumble the clothes.
If the belt becomes worn or breaks, or if a pulley malfunctions, it can disrupt the drying process and cause the dryer to stop midway.
Signs of a broken belt or pulley may include unusual noises, the drum not spinning, or the dryer not starting at all.
How to check dryer broken built or pulley
- Access the belt and pulley: The dryer belt wraps around the outer surface of the drum and forms a loop that connects to both the drive pulley, which is attached to the motor shaft, and the idler pulley. Refer to your dryer’s manual to determine the method for accessing the belt and pulley system on your dryer model.
- Inspect the belt and pulley: Examine the belt for signs of wear, damage, or breakage. Similarly, inspect the pulleys for any misalignment or defects.
- Replace worn or broken components: If the belt is worn or broken, or if the pulley is malfunctioning, replace them with compatible parts following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Dryer stops mid-cycle- (Brand-specific troubleshooting)
If you’re looking for specific guidance for your dryer brand, you can check out the articles below where we have explained how to prevent your dryer from stopping mid-cycle for specific brands listed below.
- LG Dryer stops mid cycle
- GE Dryer stops mid cycle
- Samsung Dryer stops mid cycle
- Kenmore Dryer stops mid cycle
- Bosch Dryer stops mid cycle
- Electrolux Dryer stops mid cycle
- Candy Dryer stops mid cycle
Advance troubleshooting tips
While the general troubleshooting steps covered earlier in this article can resolve many mid-cycle stoppage issues with dryers, there are instances when more advanced techniques may be required.
These techniques delve deeper and may require a bit more expertise.
Let’s explore some advanced troubleshooting techniques that can help you pinpoint and resolve complex dryer problems.
1. Testing heating elements and igniters
- Heating elements: If your dryer is not producing enough heat or is not heating at all, the heating elements may be faulty. Consult your dryer’s manual to locate the heating elements. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the elements. If there is no continuity, the heating elements are likely defective and need to be replaced.
- Igniters (for gas dryers): Gas dryers use igniters to ignite the gas and produce heat. If your gas dryer is not heating, the igniter might be faulty. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the igniter. If there is no continuity, it needs to be replaced.
2. Inspecting motor and control board
- Motor functionality: A malfunctioning motor can cause the dryer to stop mid-cycle. Inspect the motor for any visible signs of damage or wear. Again, test the motor using a multimeter to check for continuity or resistance. If the motor fails these tests or exhibits abnormal behavior, it may need to be replaced.
- Control board inspection: The control board is the brain of your dryer, responsible for coordinating various functions. Inspect the control board for any signs of physical damage or burnt components. If the control board appears damaged or is not functioning correctly, it may require professional repair or replacement.
3. Calibrating electronic controls
- Check the calibration settings: Some dryers have electronic controls that allow calibration adjustments for temperature, moisture sensing, or drying time. Refer to your dryer’s manual to determine if it has calibration settings and how to access them.
- Follow calibration instructions: If calibration settings are available, follow the specific instructions provided in your dryer’s manual. This may involve adjusting settings or running a calibration cycle to optimize the performance of your dryer.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing a dryer stopping mid-cycle can be a frustrating inconvenience, disrupting your daily routines. But with the troubleshooting steps provided in our comprehensive guide, you can effectively diagnose and resolve the issue across different dryer brands.
By understanding the potential causes, such as overheating, faulty components, or clogged vents, you can take the appropriate actions to restore your dryer’s uninterrupted functionality.
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