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Gaggenau Dryer has a burning smell

If your Gaggenau dryer smells like burning, act quickly but stay calm — the most common causes are simple and fixable. Start by checking the lint filter and venting for heavy lint build-up, which is the most likely culprit and a fire hazard; clean the screen and vent at least once a year. If the smell continues, a stretched or frayed drive belt that is slipping can create a hot, burning odor, so spin the drum by hand and inspect the belt and idler for wear. A shorted main control board can also produce a burning smell, so look for scorch marks or damaged components on the control board and replace it if necessary. Less common causes include a stuck blower or a worn blower belt and a seized idler pulley or idler assembly causing the belt to slip and overheat. Inspect moving parts, replace worn belts or pulleys, and clear any lint before running the machine. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your dryer.

01 - Gaggenau 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 - Gaggenau 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 - Gaggenau 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 - Gaggenau 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.
Highly Likely

05 - Gaggenau 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 - Gaggenau 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.
Highly Likely

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dryer smell like something is burning?
Can a worn drive belt or bad idler pulley cause a burning smell?
My dryer smells like it's burning only when the drum turns. What does that mean?
Could the main control board be causing the burning smell?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to get the right replacement part?