A tumble dryer can stop spinning for several reasons, and diagnosing the specific cause may require some troubleshooting. Here are some common reasons why a tumble dryer might stop spinning:
Drive Belt: One of the most common reasons for a dryer to stop spinning is a broken or worn-out drive belt. The drive belt connects the motor to the dryer drum, enabling it to rotate. If the belt breaks or becomes loose, the drum won't spin. You may be able to hear the motor running, but the drum will remain stationary.
Motor Malfunction: The dryer's motor is responsible for turning the drum. If the motor is faulty or burned out, it won't be able to provide the necessary power to spin the drum. In this case, the motor might need repair or replacement.
Broken Drum Rollers or Glides: The dryer drum sits on rollers or glides that allow it to rotate smoothly. If any of these rollers or glides become damaged, worn, or seized, the drum may not spin as it should.
Faulty Idler Pulley: The idler pulley keeps tension on the drive belt, allowing it to maintain proper contact with the motor and the drum. A faulty idler pulley may cause the belt to slip or become loose, resulting in a non-spinning drum.
Defective Door Switch: Many modern dryers have a door switch that prevents the drum from spinning when the door is open for safety reasons. If the door switch is faulty or not engaging properly, the dryer may not start spinning.
Thermal Fuse: Some dryers have thermal fuses or thermal cutoffs that protect the dryer from overheating. If the thermal fuse blows, it can interrupt power to the motor, causing the drum to stop spinning.
Control Board Issues: In more advanced dryers with electronic control boards, malfunctions or failures in the control board can prevent the motor from receiving the necessary signals to start spinning the drum.
Foreign Objects or Obstructions: Sometimes, foreign objects, like clothing items or small articles, can get stuck in the drum's seals or become lodged between the drum and the dryer's walls. These obstructions can impede the drum's movement.
If your tumble dryer has stopped spinning, it's essential to unplug it and avoid using it until you've identified and addressed the problem. Depending on your technical skills and comfort level, you may attempt to troubleshoot and fix the issue yourself, or you can seek the assistance of a professional appliance repair technician to ensure proper diagnosis and repair.