Speed Queen Dryer Not Heating? Here’s Why

If you own a Speed Queen dryer, you know that it’s built to last. However, like any other appliance, there may be times when it doesn’t function exactly as it should. One pretty common problem is that Speed Queen dryers may stop heating. 

This can be frustrating, especially if you have a load of wet clothes that you need to dry. In this article, we will go through some of the main reasons why your Speed Queen dryer may not be heating up and what you can do about it.

Gas supply

If you have a gas-powered dryer, then it’s important to make sure that the gas supply is turned on. It may seem like a simple thing to overlook, but it’s a common issue. Check that the valve supplying the gas is turned on and that the dryer is connected to the gas supply. If there’s a gas leak, it’s best to call a professional.

Ventilation

Poor ventilation can cause a dryer to not heat properly. If the dryer is not ventilated, hot and humid air won’t escape, meaning the dryer will overheat. This can cause safety features like the thermistor to blow, causing the dryer to not heat up. Overheating can also melt wires and break down essential connections within the dryer.

Make sure that the ventilation duct is clean and not blocked. Clean the lint filter after every use to ensure good ventilation. If poor ventilation has already caused the dryer to overheat, get help from a professional to diagnose the issue.

Heating Element

The heating element is the part that is responsible for producing the heat that helps the dryer to dry your clothes. If it’s not functioning correctly, the dryer will not produce heat. 

You can test the dryer’s heating element with a multimeter to determine whether it’s still functioning. If it’s not, you will need to replace the part. 

To replace the heating element, first unplug the dryer. Then, remove the kickplate at the base of the front of the dryer.

From there, you will see the heating element at the back left of the dryer. You will need a long screwdriver or drill extension to access the screws at the sides of the element. After removing the screws, you can pull the heating element out. 

Remove the two black wires from the heating element and test both terminals with a multimeter. If the multimeter shows that there is no continuity in the heating element, then the heating element will need to be replaced.

Once you have a new heating element, simply connect the two black wires and secure it back into place with the screws. Remember also to reconnect any other components that you disconnected during this process.

Now, reverse the above process and put the dryer back together. Remember to plug the dryer back in. As with the thermal fuse, a faulty heating element could signify a larger issue, so it’s best to get a technician to diagnose and fix the problem.

Thermal fuse

The thermal fuse is an important safety feature that prevents the dryer from overheating. If the thermal fuse has blown, the dryer will not generate heat. 

You can test the thermal fuse by using a multimeter to see if it’s still functioning. If it has blown, you will need to replace it. 

To access the thermal fuse, follow the instructions in the above section for the heating element. It’s important to note that a blown thermal fuse is often a sign of an underlying issue in the dryer, so it’s wise to get a professional technician to take a look.

Thermistor

The thermistor is a temperature sensor that regulates the dryer’s heating element. If it malfunctions or fails, the dryer may not heat up at all.

You can test the thermistor using a multimeter to see if it’s working properly. If not, it will need to be replaced by a professional technician. Or you can follow these steps to replace the thermistor yourself. 

First, unplug the dryer. To access the dryer, follow the instructions in the above section about the heating element. To replace the thermistor, simply undo any connections and replace the old one with a new one, reconnecting them  onto the new part.

High limit connectors

First, unplug the dryer. Then, using a screwdriver, open the panel at the bottom of the front of the dryer.

Look at the back panel to the left of the machine. You will see three small fuses connected by spade connectors. Make sure each device has a connection, and look for any loose ones. For Speed Queen dryers, the heat generated can loosen the connections to the heating element, thermistor, and thermal fuse.

To access the connectors, if any are damaged, follow the steps in the above heating element section. Any broken connections can be repaired by stripping the wire back a little bit and replacing the spade connector at the end of the wire. Once the connections have been repaired, test the components for connectivity using a multimeter, as stated above.

Control board

If all the above components are functioning correctly, then the problem may be with the control board. The control board is responsible for regulating the dryer’s functions, including the heating process.

If the control board is faulty, it may not be sending a signal to the heating elements to turn on. In this case, you’ll want to get a technician to replace the control board.

The breakdown

If your Speed Queen dryer isn’t heating up, it’s usually easy to diagnose the problem by looking at some of the common reasons outlined above. It’s important to have a trained technician diagnose and fix the problem if you are uncomfortable carrying out the repairs yourself to ensure the safety of your home. 

A professional can also ensure that the underlying issue is fixed, preventing future problems from occurring. Remember to take good care of your dryer by diligently cleaning the lint filter after every use and performing regular maintenance checks to keep it running smoothly.