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Montgomery Wards Dryer has a burning smell

If your dryer smells like burning, act quickly but stay calm — that odor usually points to a mechanical issue rather than a house fire. The most common cause is excessive lint build-up in the lint trap or venting; clogged ducts or a full lint filter will overheat the element or burner and create a burning smell. Next most likely is a stretched, frayed, or slipping drive belt that rubs on pulleys and smells like it is burning; check that the drum and idler pulley turn freely. A shorted main control board can also emit a hot, electrical odor, so inspect the board for burn marks or damaged components. Less often the blower belt or blower wheel is stuck or slipping, and a seized idler pulley or idler assembly will let the belt slip and overheat. You can fix many of these issues yourself with basic parts and tools, and you can enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your specific dryer.

01 - Montgomery Wards Dryer Lint Filter

Excessive lint build-up in the dryer can be a fire hazard. The element or burner can cause the lint to catch on fire. It is recommened to clean out the dryer and dryer venting at least once a year.

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02 - Montgomery Wards Dryer Drive Belt

A drive belt that is stretched, worn or frayed can slip producing a burning smell. If the belt is damaged also check that the drum and idler pulley turn freely.

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03 - Montgomery Wards Dryer Main Control Board

A dryer's main control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. The board itself can become shorted and produce a burning smell. You should inspect the board for any burn marks or a shorted components and replace if necessary.

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04 - Montgomery Wards Dryer Blower Belt

Some dryer models use a belt to run the blower. If the blower gets stuck or the blower belt is worn, loose and slipping, it can produce a burning smell. Confirm the blower turns freely and replace the belt if needed.

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05 - Montgomery Wards Dryer Idler Pulley

The idler pulley keeps tension on the belt to prevent it from slipping. If the idler wheel is damaged or stops turning, the belt can slip on the drive pulley, producing a burning smell. If your idler pulley is damaged or doesn't turn, you should replace it. Replacing the drive belt is also recommended.

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06 - Montgomery Wards Dryer Idler Assembly

The idler pulley assembly keeps tension on the belt to prevent it from slipping. If the idler wheel is damaged or stops turning, the belt can slip on the drive pulley, producing a burning smell. If your idler pulley assembly is damaged or doesn't turn, you should replace it. Replacing the drive belt is also recommended.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dryer smell like something is burning?

My dryer is making a grinding or squeaking noise when the drum turns — could that cause a burning smell?

Can my dryer overheating and shutting off produce a burning smell?

Could the main control board be the source of the burning smell?

How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?

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