A dryer that won’t spin results in a pile of wet laundry and endless troubleshooting questions. Why is my LG dryer not spinning? If the door switch is faulty, the door won’t close properly or signal the dryer to start. Follow these tips to pinpoint the cause and solve the problem when your LG dryer won’t spin.
LG Dryer Won’t Spin? This Could Be Why.
From power problems to part failures, LG dryer troubleshooting includes a range of possibilities. We’ll detail the most likely reasons and how to determine if a DIY fix or professional repair is the right solution.
Insufficient Power to Dryer
If the control panel doesn’t light up and you find the dryer not starting or spinning, it may be receiving insufficient power. An LG dryer won’t spin or even turn on if it doesn’t have an adequate and steady supply of electrical power.
Check the power cord to make sure it’s properly plugged into a functioning outlet. Avoid using an extension cord to power the dryer, as most can’t transmit the necessary voltage, leading to surges that cut off power. Lastly, check for tripped breakers in your home’s circuit breaker box, resetting them if necessary.
Check Dryer Cycle Settings
The control panel can provide helpful clues when your LG dryer won’t spin. It indicates what settings are selected as well as if an error halts your machine.
These dryer cycle settings can stop your dryer from spinning:
- Child Lock: Locks all dryer functions to prevent an accidental start. When the Child Lock function is enabled, the letters CL illuminate on the control panel. To deactivate this setting, press and hold the Child Lock button for 3 seconds. CL should disappear from the control panel, indicating that the function is disabled.
- Time Delay: Delays the start of a drying cycle to a preselected later time. To turn off Time Delay, press the POWER button to turn off the dryer and press it again to turn it back on.
- Error Codes: The control panel displays a combination of numbers and/or letters to indicate an error in operation. Check your user manual to determine the meaning of the code and how to solve the indicated problem. After clearing a dryer error code, it may be necessary to reset the dryer to resume operations.
Here’s how to reset an LG dryer:
- Turn off the dryer’s circuit breaker
- Unplug the dryer
- Press and hold the POWER/START button for 5 seconds
- Press and hold the PLAY/PAUSE button for 5 seconds
- Plug the dryer back in and turn the circuit breaker back on
- Press the POWER/START button to restart the dryer
Faulty Door Switch
When the door is completely closed, the door switch secures it shut and signals the dryer’s internal control panel to begin a drying cycle. If the switch is faulty, it won’t send this signal even if the door is closed, preventing the dryer from starting or spinning.
If the door switch doesn’t make a clicking sound when the door closes or shows no continuity with multimeter testing, it requires replacement.
Worn Out Dryer Belt
This rubber belt loops around the dryer drum on two pulleys, spinning the drum via the drive motor’s power. Over time, it can wear out and break, preventing the dryer from spinning. When the dryer drum turns very easily by hand, it’s likely that the belt is broken. If an inspection confirms that it’s broken, the LG dryer belt must be replaced.
Broken Idler Pulley
The idler pulley is one of the pulleys that holds the drive belt in place. If you have a noisy dryer that makes squealing sounds before it stops spinning completely, it’s likely that the idler pulley has broken. If inspection of the idler pulley shows a bad bearing, missing spring or other damage, it requires replacement.
Drive Motor Failure
If your LG dryer won’t spin after trying these troubleshooting tips, it’s possible that the drive motor failed. The drive motor powers both the dryer drum as well as the blower wheel to expel hot air. Before assuming a motor failure, check the blower wheel for obstructions that can impair its function. If there are no obstructions, try turning the dryer drum by hand. If it turns freely, then it’s likely the LG dryer motor has failed and should be replaced by a professional dryer repair service.
The team at Sharper Service Solutions can help when your LG dryer won’t spin or suffers any other malfunction. Schedule your expert service today!
