Dryer Starts Then Stops After A Few Minutes? Fix it Today!

Having your clothes dryer start up only to stop after a few minutes can be incredibly frustrating. You toss in a load ready to get your laundry dried and on with your day, press start, hear the familiar hum of the dryer spinning up, only to have everything go silent shortly after. That's precious time wasted waiting for wet clothes that will likely still be damp when all is said and done.

But don't worry, while sudden dryer shut offs mid-cycle can be annoying, they're usually easy to diagnose and repair yourself.

What's Causing the Sudden Stop?

When a dryer starts but then stops after just a few minutes, it's typically due to one of these issues:

• Burnt out thermal fuse
• Failing drive motor
• Faulty timer
• Clogged vent line
• Bad door switch
• Overstuffed drum

The first thing to do is observe exactly when and how the dryer is stopping. Is it at the same time each load? Does it stop immediately or wind down slowly? Strange smells or noises? The answers to these questions will help you zero in on what needs fixed.

It's All About Safety: Burnt Out Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse is a safety component that breaks the electrical circuit to the dryer when temperatures get too high. This protects the machine from overheating and reduces fire risk. However, if the fuse fails prematurely, it will cut power after just a few minutes of operation - right when the heating elements kick on.

You can test the thermal fuse with a multimeter to see if it still shows continuity. No continuity means it's blown and will need replaced. This is a relatively easy DIY fix. Just unplug the dryer, locate the fuse, remove the old one, and install a new fuse with the same amp rating.

Motor Malfunction

The drive motor is what turns the dryer drum to tumble your clothes. If it's wearing out, the motor may struggle to keep up rotation speed or even stop altogether if unable to handle the load. Warning signs include the dryer taking longer to get up to speed, making grinding noises, or stopping at random times.

First inspect the drum when empty to check for obstructions. If clear, use a multimeter to test the motor windings for continuity. If the windings are broken, the motor will need replaced. Be sure to unplug power before doing any testing or repairs.

Timer Troubles

The timer controls how long the dryer runs during cycles. When set properly, it will allow the machine to operate until clothes are dry and then automatically shut off. But if the dial stops advancing, the contacts inside get stuck, or the gears slip, then the timer motor fails to keep the dryer running for a full cycle.

Watch the timer knob when the dryer is running. Does it stop advancing or fail to reach the off position? Then it likely needs cleaned or replaced. Test with a multimeter to confirm. Replacing a mechanical timer yourself is more complicated but still doable with some patience.

Vent Obstructions

For the dryer to run efficiently, air must circulate freely. But lint and debris inevitably build up inside the vent over time. If the pathway becomes too clogged, it can cause the dryer to overheat quickly then shut off as the thermal fuse trips to prevent fire.

Carefully disconnect the vent hose and inspect it for blockages. Look for lint accumulation both in the hose and where it connects to the external vent hood. A stiff brush can help scrub out any built up lint or dirt. Proper venting is key to keeping your dryer running safely.

The "Open Door" Detector

Dryers have a door safety switch that prevents operation when the door is open. However, if that switch becomes misaligned, damaged, or overly sensitive, it may trip prematurely and shut the dryer down. The good news is this is an easy fix.

Start by inspecting the door latch for obstructions and testing it to ensure the door is sealing properly when closed. Then check for continuity across the door switch itself using a multimeter. If the switch is faulty, just unplug the wires, remove any screws, and install an inexpensive replacement switch.

Overstuffed Drum

Loading too many clothes into the dryer drum produces tightly packed wet fabric that takes longer to dry. This forces the machine to run harder to keep tumbling which can overburden components. Preventing proper air circulation also causes more rapid overheating.

Only fill the drum to about 2/3 capacity for each load. And be sure to separate lightweight items from heavy fabrics that require more drying time. Proper loading makes for efficient, uninterrupted drying cycles.

Maintenance Prevents Problems

Regular dryer maintenance goes a long way towards preventing sudden shut offs mid-cycle. Here are some simple habits to get into:

• Clean the lint trap before each load
• Scrub the vent ducts yearly to remove lint buildup
• Avoid overloading the drum
• Leave proper clearance for airflow around the dryer
• Replace old switches, sensors, and thermostats

Catching minor problems early, before they interrupt drying time, is ideal. Inspect all systems and components as part of seasonal maintenance.

When to Call a Repair Professional

While the most common causes of a dryer starting then stopping are DIY fixable, it's smart to contact an appliance repair technician if:

• You've inspected components but can't isolate the issue
• The problem persists after replacing a part
• You lack the tools, skills, or confidence for diagnostics
• New issues arise along with the stopping problem

Experienced technicians have specialized tools and expertise to properly diagnose tricky appliance problems. They can also safely discharge components like capacitors that hold hazardous charges. Leave complicated repairs to the pros.

A dryer that starts only to stop prematurely can definitely be a headache. But in many cases, it takes just a simple component replacement or maintenance fix to get performance back on track. With some diligent troubleshooting to pinpoint the specific issue at hand, you can often remedy dryer stopping problems yourself.

Don't let your laundry pile up or get discouraged. Diagnose the fault, make the necessary repairs, and feel that warm air flowing again quickly. Here's to smooth sailing through many loads of fluffy, dry clothes ahead!