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Roper Dryer Stopped Spinning

The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Dryer stopped spinning are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.

Most Frequent Causes for Dryer stopped spinning

For the most accurate results, enter your model number.


Cause 1Drive Belt

The drive belt is a very long, slender belt that wraps all the way around the dryer drum, around a tension pulley, and then around the drive motor pulley. Over time, the belt can break from normal use. If the belt is broken, the dryer won’t turn. To quickly determine if the belt is broken, reach into the dryer and turn the drum by hand. If the drum spins very easily, the belt is likely broken. Next, inspect the belt to confirm that it is broken. If the belt is broken, replace it.

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Cause 2Timer

A dryer drum that has stopped spinning unexpectedly could be caused by a faulty timer. However, this is very rarely the case. Before replacing the timer, check all the more commonly defective parts. If you determine that all of the other components are working properly, test the timer by using a multimeter and consulting the wiring diagram. If the timer is defective, replace it.

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Cause 3Incoming Power Problem

Confirm the power cord is plugged tightly into the wall receptacle. A loose plug can provide intermittent power to the dryer and cause it to stop spinning during the cycle.

Cause 4Blower Wheel

The blower wheel works with the drive motor to draw air into the dryer drum. Clumps of lint, socks, and small articles of clothing can escape the lint filter and get caught in the blower wheel. Since the blower wheel is usually attached to the same drive motor shaft that drives the drum belt, an obstructed blower wheel may prevent the drum from spinning. To determine if the blower wheel is working properly, remove the dryer vent and assess the strength of the air flow. If the air flow is weak, check the blower wheel for obstructions. If no obstructions are present, try rotating the blower wheel by hand. If the blower wheel wobbles as it turns, replace it.

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Cause 5Idler Pulley

The dryer's idler pulley puts tension on the drive belt so the belt can rotate the drum during operation. A defective idler pulley can cause the dryer drum to stop spinning. Inspect the idler pulley and make sure it spins freely on the shaft. If the idler pulley is stuck, worn or damaged, we recommend replacing the drum drive belt in addition to replacing the idler pulley.

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Cause 6Drive Motor

The drive motor turns the drum and the blower wheel to exhaust the air. If the dryer runs, stops for a while, and then starts again, this likely indicates that the motor is overheating, causing the dryer to shut off until the motor cools down. First, remove the belt from the motor and check the blower wheel to ensure that it is not obstructed. Next, with the belt removed, try rotating the drum by hand. If the drum does not rotate freely, determine what is causing the drum to bind. If the drum turns freely and the blower wheel is clear of obstructions, the drive motor might be defective. If you suspect the motor is at fault, replace it.

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Cause 7Heating Element

A dryer's heating element is the component that heats the air being circulated through the dryer drum. If the heating element has shorted, it may have tripped the thermal fuse which is often installed on the element. This can cause the dryer to stop spinning mid-cycle.

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Cause 8Control Board

A dryer's control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. If the board is defective, it may interrupt voltage to the drive motor causing the drum to stop spinning unexpectedly. You can inspect the board for signs of damage or a shorted component. You can also use a multimeter to test for voltage reaching the drive motor after reviewing the dryer's wiring diagram.

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Cause 9Main Control Board

A dryer's main control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. If the board is defective, it may interrupt voltage to the drive motor causing the drum to stop spinning unexpectedly. You can inspect the board for signs of damage or a shorted component. You can also use a multimeter to test for voltage reaching the drive motor after reviewing the dryer's wiring diagram.

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Cause 10Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to protect the dryer from overheating. The fuse is located on the blower housing or at the dryer’s heat source such as the heating element on electric dryers or at the burner on gas models. The fuse should be closed for continuity meaning it has a continuous electrical path through it when good. If the dryer overheats, the fuse will blow and interrupt voltage to the heating element or burner. This will also stop the dryer drum from spinning. A multimeter can be used to test the thermal fuse for electrical continuity. Be aware that a blown thermal fuse is an indication of a restricted exhaust vent from the dryer to the outside. Always check the dryer venting when replacing a blown thermal fuse.

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Cause 11Maintenance Kit

A dryer drum that has stopped spinning is usually caused by a broken drum belt or a defective idler pulley or drum roller. If more than one of these components appears worn or damaged, you can purchase a dryer maintenance kit, if applicable to the dryer model, containing all of these components to fix the problem.

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Cause 12Moisture Sensor

The moisture sensor monitors the clothing’s moisture level and sends a signal to the control board when the clothes are dry. If the moisture sensor is malfunctioning, it could inaccurately report that the clothing have sufficient dried, causing the drum to stop spinning. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the moisture sensor check all the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, replace the moisture sensor.

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