Detailed help for vented, condenser and heat-pump tumble dryers, including freestanding and integrated machines. Search 40 common symptoms, choose your brand, check your area and use our central AI or SI systems for deeper guided help.
Possible causes and safe first checks, with model-specific error codes treated carefully rather than guessed.
35
major brands / brand families shown on this page.
Stop using the dryer for smoke, burning, sparking, repeated electrical tripping, severe overheating or damaged wiring. Do not remove covers or bypass safety devices. Clean only filters, condensers or heat exchangers identified by the manufacturer as user-serviceable.
Vented, Condenser, Heat-Pump & Integrated
The installation and drying system matter because the likely causes of slow drying, overheating, water problems and long running times can be different.
Vented dryers
Vent path, airflow, fan, heater and thermostat faults are common diagnostic areas.
Condenser dryers
Condenser cleanliness, condensate pump, tank sensing, heater and airflow all matter.
Heat-pump dryers
Filters, heat exchanger, airflow, sensors and the heat-pump system affect drying performance.
Integrated dryers
Door alignment, cabinet ventilation, installation access and vibration can change the fault picture.
40 Tumble Dryer Faults & Symptoms
Search by what the machine is doing. These are possible fault areas, not a remote confirmation of the failed part.
01
No power / completely dead
Possible causes: Mains supply, plug/fuse where applicable, door-switch circuit, control board or internal wiring.
Safe first checks: Check the socket safely with another appliance if appropriate and confirm the dryer door closes fully.
02
Will not start
Possible causes: Door switch, programme selection, child lock, start control, control board or power issue.
Safe first checks: Check the door is fully latched and review the selected programme / child-lock setting.
03
Drum not turning
Possible causes: Drive belt, motor, motor capacitor where fitted, drum support or seized component.
Safe first checks: Stop if there is a burning smell. Note whether you can hear the motor trying to run.
04
Drum turns but there is no heat
Possible causes: Heating element, heater relay, thermostat, thermal cut-out, temperature sensor or heat-pump system.
Safe first checks: Clean the lint filter and check any user-serviceable condenser or heat exchanger.
05
Heats but clothes remain damp
Possible causes: Restricted airflow, blocked filter/condenser, moisture sensor, poor venting, weak heating or overloaded drum.
Safe first checks: Clean user-accessible filters and reduce the load. Note whether the dryer feels warm.
06
Takes much longer than normal
Possible causes: Lint restriction, condenser contamination, vent restriction, sensor issue, reduced heating or heat-pump performance.
Safe first checks: Clean filters and any user-cleanable condenser. Check a vent hose is not crushed or excessively long.
07
Stops before clothes are dry
Possible causes: Moisture sensor, overheating protection, airflow restriction, control issue or load detection.
Safe first checks: Clean filters and try a normal mixed load rather than a single heavy item.
08
Programme will not finish
Possible causes: Moisture sensing, airflow, heating performance, condensate system or control fault.
Safe first checks: Note whether time remains fixed, increases, or the machine keeps cooling.
09
Trips electrics
Possible causes: Heater earth leakage, motor, pump, wiring, moisture ingress or another electrical component.
Safe first checks: Stop using the dryer and do not repeatedly reset the electrical supply.
10
Burning smell
Possible causes: Overheated lint, slipping belt, motor, heater area, wiring or another overheating component.
Safe first checks: Stop using immediately and unplug if safe to do so.
11
Overheating
Possible causes: Blocked airflow, thermostat / sensor fault, heater control issue, fan problem or severe lint build-up.
Safe first checks: Stop using until checked. Clean only the normal user filters.
12
Cabinet becomes excessively hot
Possible causes: Airflow restriction, fan issue, heater control or installation ventilation problem.
Safe first checks: Stop use if unusually hot, especially with burning smells or repeated cut-outs.
13
Very noisy drum
Possible causes: Drum bearing / support, rollers where fitted, idler, belt, foreign object or motor.
Safe first checks: Note whether the noise follows drum rotation.
14
Squealing noise
Possible causes: Belt, idler pulley, bearing, motor bearing or drum support wear.
Safe first checks: Stop if the noise is accompanied by heat, burning or slowing.
15
Rumbling / bearing noise
Possible causes: Drum bearing, support rollers, motor bearing or worn mechanical support.
Safe first checks: Note whether the noise gets worse with a heavier load.
16
Scraping / metallic noise
Possible causes: Foreign object, drum support, felt/seal area, bearing or loose component.
Safe first checks: Stop if metal-to-metal contact is severe.
17
Fan noise / rattling
Possible causes: Fan obstruction, fan blade, fan motor, housing or loose component.
Safe first checks: Switch off before checking only visible user-accessible lint areas.
18
Water tank warning stays on
Possible causes: Tank float/sensor, condensate pump, blockage, tank seating or control issue.
Safe first checks: Empty and correctly refit the water container.
19
Condenser warning stays on
Possible causes: Dirty condenser/heat exchanger, airflow restriction, sensor or reset logic.
Safe first checks: Clean only the parts the manufacturer marks as user serviceable.
20
Filter warning stays on
Possible causes: Lint filter contamination, airflow restriction, sensor logic or reset issue.
Safe first checks: Clean and dry the lint filter thoroughly.
21
Water tank not filling
Possible causes: Condensate pump, hose blockage, sump path, sensor or evaporation/airflow issue.
Safe first checks: Check the tank is seated properly and note whether water is leaking elsewhere.
22
Water leaking underneath
Possible causes: Condensate hose, pump, sump, internal connection, condenser seal or overflow.
Safe first checks: Stop use if water is near electrics and note exactly where it first appears.
23
Door will not close
Possible causes: Door catch, hinge, latch, seal obstruction or cabinet alignment.
Safe first checks: Check for trapped laundry and do not force the door.
24
Door opens during cycle
Possible causes: Latch / catch wear, hinge alignment, overloaded drum or vibration issue.
Safe first checks: Stop using until the door system is checked.
25
Door switch problem
Possible causes: Door switch, latch alignment, wiring or control input.
Safe first checks: Check the latch area for visible obstruction only.
26
Display / buttons not responding
Possible causes: User-interface board, control lock, moisture on controls, power issue or main control.
Safe first checks: Try the normal reset procedure in the manual; do not open the machine.
27
Error code / flashing lights
Possible causes: Model-specific sensor, heater, airflow, motor, pump, door or control fault.
Safe first checks: Record the exact code and full model number; code meanings can vary by model.
28
Sensor drying inaccurate
Possible causes: Moisture sensor contamination, poor load contact, airflow/heating issue or control calibration.
Safe first checks: Clean the sensor strips if the manual identifies them as user cleanable.
29
Heat-pump dryer not warming
Possible causes: Refrigeration/heat-pump circuit, compressor/control, airflow, sensor or filter restriction.
Safe first checks: Clean all specified filters; compressor or sealed-system diagnosis needs specialist testing.
30
Dryer keeps pausing
Possible causes: Door-switch contact, overheating, sensor logic, power interruption or control issue.
Safe first checks: Note whether it pauses at the same point and whether the display changes.
31
Lint building up excessively
Possible causes: Airflow restriction, damaged filter, seal issue, venting problem or fabric/load pattern.
Safe first checks: Clean filters every cycle and check the filter is correctly seated.
32
Dryer vibrates or moves
Possible causes: Levelling, drum support, bearing/roller wear, load imbalance or installation issue.
Safe first checks: Check the dryer is level and stable.
33
Clothes are creased more than usual
Possible causes: Overdrying, load size, programme choice, airflow issue or moisture-sensor inaccuracy.
Safe first checks: Try the correct fabric programme and remove laundry promptly.
34
Dryer smells musty
Possible causes: Damp lint, condenser/sump contamination, standing condensate or poor ventilation.
Safe first checks: Clean user-accessible filters and water container; leave the door open after use if advised.
35
Dryer smells hot but does not trip
Possible causes: Restricted airflow, heater running too hot, fan issue or lint build-up.
Safe first checks: Stop and investigate before continued use.
36
Vent hose has little airflow
Possible causes: Blocked/kinked vent hose, fan issue, lint obstruction or installation restriction.
Safe first checks: Check the external vent path and hose for visible kinks or blockage.
37
Condenser dryer has poor water collection
Possible causes: Condensate pump/path, condenser airflow, evaporation performance or sensor issue.
Safe first checks: Clean the condenser and refit the tank correctly.
38
Heat-pump dryer runs for hours
Possible causes: Filter/heat-exchanger restriction, sensor drying, room temperature, heat-pump performance or load issue.
Safe first checks: Clean all user-serviceable filters and check the room is within the operating range in the manual.
39
Dryer starts then immediately stops
Possible causes: Door switch, motor start circuit, overload protection, control fault or sensor input.
Safe first checks: Note whether the drum moves at all and whether a code appears.
40
Dryer only works intermittently
Possible causes: Door-switch contact, wiring, thermal protection, motor, control or supply issue.
Safe first checks: Record whether the fault relates to temperature, vibration or door movement.
Tumble Dryer Brands
Repair suitability depends on the exact model, age, fault, installation/access and parts availability. A Brassett Ltd is independent and does not imply manufacturer authorisation.
Brand checker
Choose the make, then have the full model number and exact error code ready if shown.
Best information to send
Brand, exact model number, whether the dryer is vented / condenser / heat pump, whether it is freestanding or integrated, the exact symptom, any displayed error code, a rating-plate photo and your full postcode.
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A Brassett Ltd has always been a family-run business. Our field engineers are scheduled Monday to Thursday so routes can be planned carefully, customers can be given clear appointment windows and engineers have a more sustainable working week.
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