Your Bosch dryer is one of the most important appliances in your home, and when it stops working, it can be a major inconvenience. Fortunately, most dryers have a simple design and are easy to troubleshoot before you need to call a technician.
Here are some tips on how to fix a Bosch dryer that’s not starting.
- Check to see if the dryer is plugged in.
- Check the start switch.
- Make sure the door is closed completely.
- Confirm that the door switch is working correctly.
- Check for a clogged lint trap and clean it out.
- Check for a clogged vent.
- Ensure the belt and rollers are spinning freely.
- Try resetting the breaker.
- Check the thermal fuse.
- Check the drive motor.
- Reset your dryer’s Electronic Control Module (ECM).
- Call a technician.
These are the most common issues that can cause your Bosch dryer to stop working. Read on for a more thorough guide that expands on these tips.
1. Check To See if the Dryer Is Plugged In
Before doing anything else, ensure that the dryer is getting power. Check the outlet to see if it’s plugged in and test another appliance in the same outlet to ensure it’s working.
The majority of the time, when a dryer doesn’t start, it may be because you didn’t plug it in all the way. Tug at the cord to ensure it’s plugged into the outlet.
2. Check the Start Switch
The start switch is a small button or lever that you press to start the dryer. Over time, this switch can become worn out, preventing the dryer from starting. If the start switch is defective, the dryer won’t start.
Press the start switch while the dryer is plugged in to test it. If you hear a clicking sound, then the switch is likely fine. If not, the switch will need to be replaced.
Read: Why Bosch Dryer Start Button Flashing?
3. Make Sure the Door Is Closed Completely
Most dryers have a switch that prevents them from turning on if the door is open. The switch is a safety feature that prevents the dryer from starting if the door isn’t closed.
If the door isn’t closed, the dryer won’t start. Close the door completely and try starting the dryer again.
4. Confirm That the Door Switch Is Working Correctly
The door switch is designed to keep the dryer from starting if the door is open. To determine if the door switch is working properly, close the door and press the start button with the door closed.
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Alternatively, you can test your dryer’s door switch with a multimeter.
If the dryer still doesn’t start, the door switch is probably faulty and will need to be replaced.
Read: Bosch Dryer DR Code – Troubleshooting Guide
5. Check for a Clogged Lint Trap and Clean It Out
If the lint trap isn’t catching lint, it will overload your dryer with lint. Overloading causes the motor to burn out sooner than it should.
Check the lint trap and clean out any lint that is stuck in it. If the lint trap is clogged with lint beyond what you can clean out, you will need to replace the lint trap.
Some models come with a lint trap that needs to be washed periodically. If your dryer is one of these models, you may want to service the lint trap regularly to prevent a clog.
6. Check for a Clogged Vent
If the vent is clogged, the dryer won’t be able to get rid of the heat, and it will overheat. Overheating can cause the dryer to stop working.
Check the vent and make sure it’s clear of any lint or debris. If the vent is clogged, you’ll need to clean it out. You can purchase a dryer vent cleaner online or at your local home improvement store.
If the problem persists, you may need to replace the vent.
Read: Bosch Washer Code E04 – Troubleshooting Guide
7. Ensure the Belt and Rollers Are Spinning Freely
The dryer belt may be worn out or broken. If that is the case, it won’t be able to turn the drum. Check the belt and make sure it is moving freely.
The rollers help support the drum and keep it from wobbling. If the rollers are worn out, they can cause the drum to wobble and make noises. Check the rollers and make sure they are spinning freely.
Make sure that the rollers are not frozen in place. If they are, you’ll need to break them free and lubricate them with some dryer lubricant.
You will need to replace the belt and rollers if they are worn out. This is a fairly easy repair that you can do yourself.
Here’s a useful YouTube video explaining how to replace a dryer’s belt:
And below is how you replace your dryer’s rollers:
8. Try Resetting the Breaker
Once you have checked all of the above and the dryer still won’t start, try resetting the breaker. It’s possible that the dryer was drawing too much power and caused the breaker to trip.
If the dryer is plugged into a power strip, make sure that the power strip is turned on.
If the dryer is plugged into an outlet, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to see if the circuit has tripped or blown. If it has, reset the breaker and try starting the dryer again.
To reset a breaker, switch it off and then back on again. If the breaker trips again, there may be a problem with the dryer or the electrical circuit.
Read: Bosch Washer Code E17 – Troubleshooting Guide
9. Check the Thermal Fuse
Your dryer’s thermal fuse is a safety tool that blows when the dryer overheats, and it’s usually pretty easy to fix. Your dryer won’t operate if the thermal fuse is faulty.
First, unplug the dryer and remove the back panel to check the fuse. Once you’ve done that, you should be able to see the thermal fuse. It’s a small, cylindrical device with two wires coming out of it. The fuse will look blackened or melted if it has blown.
If it has blown, you can replace it fairly easily. Ensure that you get the correct fuse for your model number and be careful not to touch the bare wires. Once you’ve replaced the fuse, test the dryer to see if it’s working.
10. Check the Drive Motor
The drive motor rotates the dryer drum and turns the blower fan. If the motor is defective, it won’t start.
Unplug your dryer and remove the back panel to test the drive motor. You should see the drive motor near the back of the machine. You’ll need to replace it if it’s burnt out or damaged.
11. Reset Your Dryer’s Electronic Control Module (ECM)
If none of the above-mentioned repairs have fixed the problem, it may be a problem with the ECM. The ECM is the brain of the dryer, and it controls all the machine’s functions. If the ECM is defective, the dryer won’t start.
Fortunately, you can reset the ECM yourself. Just unplug the dryer and remove the back panel. You should see the ECM near the front of the machine.
Once you’ve found it:
- Disconnect the two wires leading to it and then wait 30 seconds.
- After 30 seconds, reconnect the wires and plug the dryer back in.
- Try starting it again to see if the reset worked.
If your dryer doesn’t start, you may need to replace the ECM. You can usually find replacement ECMs online or at an appliance parts store.
Read: Bosch Washer Code E18
12. Call a Technician
If you’ve tried all the above repairs and your dryer still won’t start, it’s time to call a technician. There may be an issue with the wiring or another internal component that you cannot fix yourself.
A technician will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs. They may also be able to advise you on how to prevent the problem from happening again in the future.
Conclusion
Bosch dryers are known for their quality and durability, but even the best appliances can have problems from time to time. If your Bosch dryer is not starting, don’t despair – there are usually easy solutions to the problem.
Check the obvious things first, such as the power cord and the circuit breaker, and then move on to more serious issues, like the thermal fuse or the ECM. If all else fails, call a technician.
With a little bit of troubleshooting, you should be able to get your dryer up and running in no time.