Tumble dryer drum not turning: causes and what to do
If the dryer switches on but the drum does not turn, check the door first: according to Bosch, if it is not shut properly the programme will not start, for safety reasons.
If the door is fine, the cause is usually mechanical. Beko names a broken or worn drive belt as the most common one. You can check it by hand without opening the machine.
Likely causes
- the door is not shut properly or the door switch is faulty — the programme does not start;
- a broken or worn drive belt — according to Beko, the most common cause;
- worn drum support rollers — Bosch notes that they tend to grind;
- a seized drum: an item has got between the drum and the cabinet, or the mechanics have failed;
- a faulty motor or motor capacitor (on some models), or the control board.
Safe steps you can try
- Open the door and shut it firmly until it clicks; check that no laundry is in the way.
- Unplug the dryer and turn the drum by hand. Bosch and Beko explain: if the drum turns very easily with no resistance, the belt is most likely broken; if there is some resistance, the belt is probably fine.
- If the drum will not turn at all or is very stiff, it may be seized — do not force it.
- Switch the dryer on, start a programme and listen: if the motor makes no sound at all, Beko points to a possible motor fault.
- Listen for grinding while the drum turns — a sign of worn rollers.
When to call a technician
Call a technician if the belt is broken, the drum is seized, the rollers grind, or the motor is silent or hums while the drum stays still. Both Bosch and Beko advise against repairing this yourself: the cabinet has to be opened.
A MasService technician will replace the belt or the rollers, test the motor and the board and name the price before the repair.
Error codes for this fault
Frequently asked questions
How do I know the dryer belt is broken?
Unplug the dryer and turn the drum by hand: if it turns very easily with no resistance, the belt is most likely broken. This is the check Bosch and Beko recommend.
Why does the drum grind as it turns?
Usually the drum support rollers are worn — Bosch notes that they tend to grind. A technician replaces them.
The dryer hums but the drum does not move — what is it?
The motor is trying to start but the drum will not go: it may be seized, or the belt or motor has failed. Do not keep restarting it — call a technician.
Other faults
Dryer repair — Brands
Could not fix it yourself? A technician comes to your home in Baku, finds the cause on site and names the price before the repair: Dryer repair