Frigidaire Dryer Not Drying

Learn basic troubleshooting and repair tips to see if you can get your Frigidaire dryer working without calling in a repair technician. Always remember to unplug your dryer before performing repairs.

1. Make sure you aren't overloading your dryer. Try drying a load about half the size of your typical load and see if it dries. Often, problems arise when the dryer is too full.

2. Make sure the dryer is getting power. If your dryer won't even turn on, there is likely a problem with the power. Make sure the dryer is securely plugged into the electrical outlet. Check your breakers or fuses to make sure a breaker hasn't flipped or a fuse hasn't blown. Climb behind the dryer and use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the plug access plate in place. Make sure the plug is properly attached to the dryer and wires are tightly fastened by the screws. Look for any signs of burning or wear on the plug itself. If you see signs of wear on the plug, replace it with a new one.

3. Clean out the lint tray and dryer vent. A clogged lint tray or dryer vent can decrease your Frigidaire's ability to effectively dry clothes. Remove the lint tray and clean out any lint. Move around to the back of the dryer and disconnect the dryer vent from the exhaust port on the dryer. Disconnect the other end from the exhaust port on the wall. Shake out any lint from the vent. Use a can of compressed air to blow the vent clean. Do the same for the exhaust port leading out of the house.

4. Disassemble your Frigidaire dryer to examine the other components. Slide a putty knife between the top panel and front panel, and slide it toward the center of the dryer to disconnect the retaining clips on the top panel. Lift the top panel up. Move the knife along the inside edges of the front panel, and lift the front panel up and off of the dryer. Disconnect the door switch wires and slide the front panel to the side. Disconnect the drum belt from the motor pulley, and raise the back end of the drum. Slide the drum forward and out of the dryer.

5. Replace the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to blow if your dryer gets too hot. It's located in the back right corner of the dryer, attached to heating element housing, and looks like a round piece of plastic with two wires coming out of the ends. Disconnect the wires and remove the screw holding the fuse in place. Screw a new fuse into place and reconnect the wires.

6. Replace the thermostat. The thermostat is a round piece of metal and plastic, located next to the thermal fuse. It regulates the temperature of your Frigidaire dryer. Disconnect the wires leading to the thermostat and remove the screws holding it in place. Screw a new thermostat in place and reconnect the wires.

7. Replace the heating element. The heating element is the internal component that actually generates heat within your dryer. Look at the element coils and see if any are broken. If none are broken, the element is fine. If one is, it must be replaced. Remove the thermal fuse and thermostat from the outside of the heating element housing. Disconnect the wires running to the heating element. Remove the screws holding the heating element and housing in place. Lift the housing out of the dryer. Install a new heating element and housing, and screw it into place. Reconnect the wires and reattach the thermal fuse and thermostat.

Tip

Keeping your dryer vent clean, and drying moderate size loads will extend the life of your dryer's internal components.

Warning

Never attempt to repair your dryer while it is still plugged in. Doing so creates a serious risk of injury.