I have a Roper dryer by Whirlpool and it stopped spinning, but is still heating up. Did the belt break? And how do I fix it?
By Pam
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That happened to me once. I checked the fuses. There were 2 fuses: 1 for the heat and 1 for the tumbling. I hope this works for you!
It used to be simple to change the belt on a clothes dryer but so many of the simple home appliances have been redesigned to incorporate computerized parts and other features. It can be dangerous to fool with the 'inner workings' of a lot of appliances now due to the potential for static build up that can give horrible shocks, so if you don't especially understand electronics, call in a professional to have a look at your dryer.
A dryer that has stopped tumbling USUALLY does mean the belt has snapped or slipped. But with 'modern' machines it could be a sensor has gone. Follow the instructions below to make an attempt to sort the problem, but be ready to need to call in a pro in case this doesn't work, and as always be careful!:
*Google 'changing roper dryer belt' to find specific tips and instructions; especially avoiding danger due to static build up, and how to 'ground yourself' whilst working on modern dryers
*Get your digital camera and take pictures of everything you do, one step at a time, and also of the interior of your machine once the back panel is off. These photos will help you put everything back together, or to be emailed to a handyman for help diagnosing the problem, ordering parts, etc
*Important Part - read the information printed on the back panel, especially any warnings regarding static build up dangers. You may have to quit at this point due to the warnings if you have no experience in 'bleeding off' static build up. Static build up can hurt you, don't take chances with your life or health!
*Remove the power plug from the outlet
*Look at the back panel on the dryer to see what type screwdriver you will need-you may need a socket type that fits over 'hex head' screw (WARNING-if your dryer has these hex head screws you have a modern machine and may have computerised parts, etc)
*Get a muffin tin or a coffee mug to hold the screws
*Remove the back panel, putting the screws in the tin or mug
*Important Part - once the back panel is off you may see a lot of lint build up.
*Don't feel bad about what will be a shocking amount of lint build up, depending on the age and use of the dryer-this cleaning should be done annually and hardly anyone ever does-but now you know how, you can do so on a regular basis to prevent build up that can smother sensors, catch under the belt, and clog vents-all things that are potential fire hazards or dryer killers.
*Look at the cleaned interior. IF the problem is the belt you will possibly smell a faint burnt rubber smell. You may see the belt looks stretched or out of place on the drum. Being very careful, test the tautness of the belt, and if it is easily moved-it should be taut and hard to reposition on the drum
If you're really lucky you'll see the broken belt lying somewhere in the corner or on the machine floor - if so take it to the hardware store to get the right size and type for your machine.
If not broken, you can try to slip it off the drum-make sure to photograph how it fits on before removing so you can put the new one on when you get back from the hardware store with the new one
*Replace the belt, the back panel, and plug the machine back in. Give it a try. If it still doesn't tumble, Call a professional or consider buying a new machine.
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