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HomeRepair HelpJC Penney Dryer RepairJC Penney Dryer won't start Repair
JC Penney Dryer won't start
If your JC Penney dryer won't start or is not turning on, the most likely culprits are a blown thermal fuse, a door that is not fully closed, or a faulty start switch. A blown thermal fuse is the top cause; it sits on the blower housing or at the heat source and will show no continuity when blown, often due to a restricted vent, so always check the dryer venting before replacing the fuse. Next, make sure the door is fully latched — the dryer won’t start with the door open. If the machine hums but won’t start, test the start switch with a multimeter; no response at all can also point to the start switch. The door switch can be checked by listening for a click when you close the door or by testing for continuity. A failing control board may prevent voltage from reaching the motor, and an object stuck in the blower wheel can cause the motor to hum or make loud noise instead of turning the drum. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your dryer.
01 - JC Penney Dryer Thermal 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 overheated the fuse will have no continuity meaning the electrical path is broken and the fuse has blown. A multimeter can be used to test it for continuity. Be aware that a blown thermal fuse is an indication of a restricted exhaust vent from the dryer to the outside. Always check t...
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Top Solution
02 - Door is not fully closed
Since the dryer will not start with the door open, confirm the door is fully closed and remove anything that is obstructing the door.
Top Solution
03 - JC Penney Dryer Start Switch
To determine if the start switch is defective, attempt to start the dryer. If the dryer hums but does not start, the start switch is not at fault. If the dryer does not respond or make any noise, the start switch could be at fault. Use a multimeter to test the start switch for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it.
Highly Likely
04 - JC Penney Dryer Door Switch
The door switch activates when the dryer door is closed. On most dryers, the door switch makes an audible clicking sound when it activates. To determine if the door switch is working, try starting your dryer and then listen for the “click.” If the door switch makes a clicking sound, it is probably not defective. If you don’t hear a click, use a multimeter to use the door switch for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it.
Common
05 - JC Penney Dryer Control 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 not allow the dryer to start. 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.
Common
06 - Object stuck in blower wheel
If the dryer won’t start, an article of clothing may have gotten past the lint screen and is caught in the blower wheel. When this happens the drive motor will either hum but won’t start or will make a lot of noise when trying to start. The blower cover will need to be removed to check for obstructions. If the blower wheel is damaged it will need to be replaced.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
My dryer won't start. What should I check first?
The dryer hums but the drum won't turn. Why isn't the dryer spinning?
Why is my dryer making noise when the drum turns?
Dryer overheating and shuts off — could a blown thermal fuse be the cause?
How do I enter my model number to find the right replacement part on RepairClinic.com?
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