A dryer that won't stop running is often doing what a setting tells it to. Wrinkle care tumbles the load after the cycle ends, and a sensor cycle keeps going while the clothes are still damp. If the drum keeps turning with the door open or after you switch it off, unplug the dryer or turn off its breaker and call a technician.
In this post:
- •Wrinkle care or extended tumble is on
- •The clothes aren't getting dry
- •The auto-dry timer isn't advancing
- •The moisture sensor is reading wet
- •A switch, relay or control is stuck
1. Wrinkle care or extended tumble is on
Many dryers tumble the load for a few seconds every few minutes after the cycle ends, so wrinkles don't set.
How to tell: The cycle shows as done, then the drum turns briefly every few minutes without heat, and an indicator shows the option is on.
What to do: Turn the option off for the next load, or open the door, which ends it on most models. Your manual says how long it runs.
2. The clothes aren't getting dry
Sensor and auto-dry cycles run until the load is dry, so anything that slows drying stretches the cycle.
How to tell: Loads come out damp at the end of a long cycle, the outside vent flap barely moves, or towels and jeans are mixed in with light items.
What to do: Clean the lint screen, clear the vent hood outside, and dry smaller loads of similar fabrics. A blocked vent also makes a dryer overheat; see why a dryer runs too hot.
3. The auto-dry timer isn't advancing
On many dryers with a dial, the auto-dry setting moves forward only when the dryer reaches temperature and cycles its heat off. If the dryer isn't heating properly, or the small timer motor has failed, the dial never moves.
How to tell: The dial stays put on auto dry, while timed dry counts down normally.
What to do: Use timed dry for now, and book a technician to check the heat circuit and the timer.
4. The moisture sensor is reading wet
Sensor dryers measure moisture through metal bars inside the drum. A fault in that circuit can read the load as wet the whole time, and many models then run until a built-in maximum.
How to tell: Every load runs far longer than it used to, even small loads that come out completely dry.
What to do: With the dryer unplugged, wipe the sensor bars with a soft cloth and a little rubbing alcohol. If cycles stay long, the sensor or control needs testing.
5. A switch, relay or control is stuck
The start switch, a relay on the control board or the door switch can stick in the on position.
How to tell: The drum keeps turning after you open the door, press Off or turn the dial to Off.
What to do: Unplug the dryer or switch off its breaker, and leave it off until it's repaired. A dryer that keeps running with the door open has lost a safety feature.
When a technician is the better call
If timed dry works but auto dry never ends, or the drum keeps turning with the door open, book our dryer repair team. The fix is usually a timer, thermostat, sensor or relay, and each needs testing with a meter. Gas dryers should only be opened by a professional.
Marco's advice: On a dial dryer, note where the dial sits and check it again after half an hour on auto dry. If it hasn't moved and the clothes are warm and nearly dry, you've already narrowed it to the timer or the heat circuit.
Dryer still going? Call ProFix LA at (818) 334-4526.