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Bosch Dryer stopped spinning

If your Bosch dryer stopped spinning and the drum is not turning, the most likely cause is a broken drive belt—reach into the drum and try turning it by hand; if it turns freely the belt is probably snapped and needs replacement. Less likely but possible is a faulty timer, so only test or replace the timer after you check the more common parts. Also confirm incoming power and the wall plug since a loose cord can cause the dryer to stop midcycle. A blocked or wobbly blower wheel can bind the drum if lint or small items get trapped, and a seized or worn idler pulley will let the belt lose tension and stop the drum. Finally, a failing drive motor can overheat and cut out, causing the dryer to run briefly then stop. For guidance on which part you need, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact replacement parts and order the correct drive belt, idler pulley, blower wheel, motor, or timer for your dryer.

01 - Bosch Dryer Drive 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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02 - Bosch Dryer Timer

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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03 - Incoming 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.
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04 - Bosch Dryer Blower 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.
Common

05 - Bosch Dryer Idler 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.
Common

06 - Bosch Dryer Drive 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.
Common

Frequently Asked Questions

My dryer drum stopped turning — how can I tell if the drive belt is broken?
Why does my dryer start then stop and sometimes not spin for a while?
My dryer is making grinding or squeaking noises when the drum turns — what parts should I check?
My dryer won't start at all—could it be the timer or a power issue?
How do I enter my model number or a part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?