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Kelvinator Dryer stopped spinning

If your Kelvinator dryer stopped spinning, the most likely cause is a broken drive belt: reach into the drum and turn it by hand—if it spins very easily the belt is probably snapped and needs replacement. Less likely causes, in order, include a faulty timer, though that is rare and should only be tested after you rule out the more common parts; an intermittent power connection from a loose plug; a clogged or damaged blower wheel that can bind the drum; a worn idler pulley that no longer keeps tension on the belt; and a failing drive motor that overheats and shuts off until it cools. Check the belt, inspect the blower wheel for lint and trapped items, make sure the power cord is snug, and spin the idler pulley by hand before condemning the timer or motor. If you need parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact replacement drive belt, idler pulley, blower wheel, motor, or timer that fits your dryer.

01 - Kelvinator 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 - Kelvinator 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 - Kelvinator 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 - Kelvinator 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 - Kelvinator 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

Dryer drum not turning — what should I check first?
Dryer starts then stops — why does it run briefly then stop?
Dryer making grinding or squeaking noise when drum turns — what parts cause that?
Dryer not starting or not turning on — could it be a power issue?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic to find the correct replacement part?

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