How to Fix the Motor for a Dryer That is Not Heating

Your dryer’s motor can be the culprit if it is not heating or not getting as hot as it needs to dry your clothes. The motor is one of the most important components within your appliance. It’s important to make sure your dryer’s motor is fully functioning as it not only spins the drum holding all your clothes, but also powers the blower that circulates the warm air to dry your clothes. Below is a guide to help you not only find your dryer’s motor but diagnose it and figure out whether it needs to be replaced or if there’s another part to be diagnosed and a potentially bigger issue at hand.

How to Diagnose the Motor

If your motor is humming or making unusual noises, rotate the motor and make sure that it turns freely. If it feels stiffs as it spins, you will need to replace the motor. To test the motor using a multimeter, put on a resistance or continuity setting and touch the probes on the two windings of the motor, as seen in the video below:

What is a Motor?

The motor is the heart of every appliance. Within a dryer it’s the part that keeps the inner drum rotating so your clothes can get as dry as possible. The motor works with your dryer belt, pulleys, blower, and heating element to rotate and properly dry the load. When the motor fails or isn’t working properly, it can cause heat to not disperse properly, or at all. If your motor fails, it can become a safety hazard, too, depending on the severity of the malfunction and how clean your dryer is, so you’ll want to replace it as soon as possible.

Where is the Motor Located?

The motor is normally located at the bottom of your dryer, but the specific location can vary from model to model. For further help finding your model’s motor, consult a user manual, or the 3D diagram below.

General Location of the Motor in a Dryer

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Motor in a Dryer

1. Unplug your dryer from the wall outlet, turn off and disconnect any gas lines, and remove the dryer from the wall.
2. Remove either the front or the back panel of your dryer, depending on where your dryer’s motor is located.
3. Remove any wires that are connected to your dryer’s motor and take any necessary pictures for reassembly later.
4. Disconnect and remove any screws securing the motor to the dryer frame.
5. Remove the motor itself from the dryer.
6. Check the motor for any signs of damage, like burn marks, physical damage, etc.
7. With the motor on its shaft, you’ll want to check its bearings to make sure they’re in good condition – if you hear any noise or notice excessive moment, the bearings likely need to be replaced. You can find out how to replace those bearings here.

How to Test the Motor

To test the motor for any electrical failures with a multimeter, you’ll need the proper wiring diagram so you can properly diagnose the correct terminals and the switch. If the reading specified by the dryer/motor’s manufacturer is not within the necessary range, your motor may have suffered an electrical failure.

1. To test the motor’s switch, set your multimeter to ohms and touch the probes to the terminals on the switch.
2. To test the motor’s windings, set the multimeter to ohms and touch the probes to the terminals of the windings to test for continuity. If the reading isn’t within the range necessary, the motor will need replacing.
3. Spin the motor shaft to check for any resistance or grinding. If the motor doesn’t spin freely, it could mean the bearings are worn and the entire motor needs to be replaced.

How to Install a New Motor

1. Install the new motor in the same position as the previous one. Check to make sure any mounting holes are lined up properly.
2. Attach any securing screws that hold the motor in place.
3. Connect any wiring harnesses with help from the appropriate wiring diagram.
4. Attach the belt to the motor pulleys and make sure there is proper tension on it.
5. Reattach the back or front panel of your dryer, and reconnect the dryer to the gas and power outlets. Now your repair is complete!

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