Dryer Won’t Start, Door Switch & Start Switch Cost
Nothing happens when you press start, no hum, no light change, or the dryer only runs while you hold the button. Simple electrical chain. Power → door switch → start switch → thermal fuse → motor.
Dryer Won’t Start costs $80 to $200 for a pro repair in Arizona, parts and labor included.
- Parts $10 to $50, labor $75 to $160, about 30 to 60 minutes on site.
- Priciest fix is the start switch / relay, up to $190.
- 4 of 4 common causes are DIY friendly. Difficulty is easy.
- Repair, every common cause is well under $200.
Averages for independent repair companies. The service call fee of $75 to $150 is usually applied toward the repair. Costs vary by brand, model, and city.
What causes it, and what each fix costs
Door switch
The little plunger switch stops registering a closed door. Listen for the click when you press it. No click, no start.
Start switch / relay
Runs only while held = bad start switch or motor start relay.
Thermal fuse (on the start circuit in many models)
See the thermal fuse guide, total no start on many Whirlpool family dryers.
No power
Check breaker and outlet first. Electric dryers need both legs of 240V to do anything at all on some designs.
Repair or replace?
Repair, every common cause is well under $200.
We'll quote you on hauling it away, or buying it.
Not every dryer is worth repairing, and we'd rather tell you that than sell you a repair. If you're replacing it, we'll give you a free quote either way. Scrap pickup for a machine that's finished, or a cash offer if it still has life in it. Working units, recent models and premium brands are often worth real money.
Quick Questions
Why does my dryer start then stop when I release the button?
Classic start switch or motor centrifugal switch failure, the motor isn’t latching its run circuit.
Model specific guides for this problem
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