Tumble Dryer Not Turning On
If your tumble dryer is not turning on, the appliance is not responding when you press the power button or attempt to start a cycle. There are several possible causes, some of which can be checked at home before calling an engineer.
View all tumble dryer error codes
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Select your tumble dryer brand below for a specific guide including the relevant error codes for your appliance.
Why Is My Tumble Dryer Not Turning On?
When a tumble dryer fails to turn on there is no response from the appliance at all — no display, no lights and no drum movement. Before assuming there is a fault with the machine itself, there are several basic checks worth carrying out first as the cause is often straightforward.
Common Causes
No power at the mains socket
The most common cause. A tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse in the plug or a faulty mains socket can all prevent the machine from receiving power.
Door not fully closed
The tumble dryer will not start if the door is not properly shut. The door switch must register the door as securely closed before the cycle can begin.
Child lock activated
Many tumble dryers have a child lock feature that prevents the controls from responding. If the child lock is active, the machine will appear completely unresponsive. Check your user manual to find out how to deactivate it on your model.
Thermal overload cutout tripped
If the machine has previously overheated — usually due to a blocked lint filter — the thermal overload cutout may have tripped. On some models this needs to be manually reset before the machine will power on again.
Faulty door switch
If the door switch has failed, the machine will not start even when the door is properly closed.
Faulty control board or power module
A fault with the main control board or power module can prevent the machine from powering on at all.
Checks To Try Before Calling An Engineer
Check the mains supply
Ensure the plug is firmly in the socket and the socket is switched on. Try plugging another appliance into the same socket to confirm it is working. Check your consumer unit for any tripped circuit breakers and reset if necessary.
Check the plug fuse
Inspect the fuse in the plug and replace it if blown. Tumble dryers typically require a 13 amp fuse.
Check the door
Open and firmly reclose the door, ensuring it latches correctly. Try pressing the power button again.
Check for child lock
Refer to your user manual to check whether the child lock is activated and how to turn it off.
Check the thermal overload cutout
On some vented dryers there is a small reset button on the back of the machine. If the machine has previously overheated this button may have tripped. Press it to reset. Check your user manual for the location on your specific model.
Reset the machine
Unplug the appliance from the mains and wait at least two minutes. Plug back in and try again.
When To Contact A Professional
If the machine still fails to turn on after checking the power supply, fuse, door and child lock, there is likely a fault with the door switch, thermal protection system or control board that requires professional diagnosis. Internal components should only be inspected or repaired by trained professionals.
Related Tumble Dryer Fault Guides
Tumble Dryer Stopping Mid-Cycle
Tumble Dryer Drum Not Spinning
Tumble Dryer Making Loud Noise
Related Guides
Tumble dryer error codes — all brands
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