Troubleshooting your Hotpoint dryer when it won't start
You push the start button on your Hotpoint dryer and nothing happens. First, make sure the door is shut tight. If the dryer still doesn't start, there are several possible reasons, from a door switch that's not recognizing that the door is closed to a failure in the main electronic control board. A broken power cord, failed push-to-start switch or a bad timer can also prevent the dryer from starting. Some dryers use a motor relay to control the drive motor so a broken motor relay can prevent the dryer from starting.
If you hear the motor running but the drum doesn’t turn, you likely need to replace the drive belt. Some Hotpoint dryers use a belt switch to keep the drive motor from running so you might not hear the motor run when the drive belt breaks. A failed drive motor will also prevent the dryer from starting.
Many Hotpoint dryers have a thermal limiter fuse that blows when the dryer overheats. You'll need to replace that fuse if it's blown and check the exhaust vent duct system for clogs that may have caused the overheating.
When you need Hotpoint dryer repair, trust the pros at Sears Home Services to fix the problem.
Common parts that sometimes need replacing on Hotpoint dryers
- Ball and hitch bearing kit. Some Hotpoint dryers have a ball-and-hitch type of spin bearing system. A ball attached to the back of the dryer drum sits inside a bearing. The bearing supports the back of the drum while allowing it to spin with little resistance or friction. The replacement components are usually available in a kit that has the ball, the bearing and the related bracket and hardware. This bearing usually needs to be replaced when the dryer squeals or squeaks when running.
- Door switch. The dryer door switch recognizes whether the door is open or closed. The dryer won't start unless the door switch senses that the dryer door is closed. The door switch also turns on and off the drum light on Hotpoint dryer models with a light.
- Drive belt. The drive belt wraps around the dryer drum and connects to the drive motor pulley and the idler pulley. The idler pulley maintains the proper tension on the belt. The drive motor rotates the drive pulley, which in turn rotates the dryer drum.
- Gas valve coil kit. The gas valve coils are the part of the gas burner assembly. When the proper electrical current is applied to these solenoid coils, they open the gas valves for ignition and continued heating of the dryer. You may need to replace the gas valve coils in your Hotpoint gas dryer if the dryer doesn't heat.
- Timer. The timer on the control panel enables the user to set the drying time by turning the timer's control knob. A small motor on the back of the timer advances the timer during the cycle. The timer's internal cams open and close switches or contacts to operate the various electro-mechanical components in the dryer (mainly the drive motor and the heating element).