Tumble Dryer Drum Not Spinning
If your tumble dryer drum is not spinning, the appliance may appear to start normally but the drum will remain stationary, leaving your laundry undried. There are several possible causes, some of which can be investigated at home before calling an engineer.
View all tumble dryer error codes
Find Your Brand
Select your tumble dryer brand below for a specific guide including the relevant error codes for your appliance.
Why Is My Tumble Dryer Drum Not Spinning?
When the drum fails to spin, the appliance may heat up and run through the cycle but clothes will not tumble and will not dry. You may hear the motor running but see no movement in the drum. Most modern machines will display an error code when a drum or motor fault is detected — check the brand-specific guide above for the relevant codes for your appliance.
Common Causes
Broken or worn drive belt
The most common cause. The drive belt wraps around the drum and connects it to the motor. If it has snapped or stretched it will no longer turn the drum. You may hear the motor running normally but the drum will remain stationary.
Overloaded drum
An excessively heavy load can prevent the motor from generating enough torque to turn the drum. The drum should never be more than two thirds full.
Worn motor bearings or faulty motor
If the motor itself has seized or failed, the drum will not turn regardless of the condition of the belt.
Faulty door switch
The dryer will not run if the door switch does not register the door as closed. A faulty door switch can cause the drum to stop or fail to start even when the door is properly shut.
Worn drum support rollers or glides
The drum rests on support rollers or glides at the rear and front. If these are worn the drum can become stiff and difficult to turn, eventually seizing completely.
Checks To Try Before Calling An Engineer
Check the load size
Remove some items from the drum and try running the cycle with a lighter load.
Check the door is fully closed
Open and firmly reclose the door, ensuring it latches correctly. Try restarting the cycle.
Listen for the motor
Start the cycle and listen carefully. If you can hear the motor running but the drum is not moving, the drive belt has likely broken. If there is no sound from the motor at all, the motor or its circuit has failed.
Turn the drum by hand
With the machine unplugged, try turning the drum by hand. If it turns freely, the belt has likely broken. If it is stiff or seized, there may be a mechanical fault with the drum support or motor.
Reset the machine
Unplug the appliance from the mains and wait at least two minutes. Plug back in and retry the cycle.
When To Contact A Professional
A broken drive belt, faulty motor or worn drum support components all require professional diagnosis and repair. These are internal mechanical components that should only be accessed and replaced by a qualified engineer. Internal components should only be inspected or repaired by trained professionals.
Related Tumble Dryer Fault Guides
Tumble Dryer Not Drying Clothes Properly
Tumble Dryer Stopping Mid-Cycle
Tumble Dryer Making Loud Noise
Related Guides
Tumble dryer error codes — all brands
Washing machine drum not turning
🔧 Need a spare part? Find compatible parts for your appliance on Amazon with next day Prime delivery. Please double-check the part is compatible with your specific model before ordering. Find parts on Amazon
♻️ Not worth repairing? If your appliance has had its day, eco-friendly refurbished appliances are available at Renew 2 U — better for your wallet and the planet.