Speed Queen Motor Overload or Safety Interlock Trip

Dryer starts then stops after a few seconds

Advertisements

Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

Advertisements

Possible Causes

Overloaded drum, Failing drive motor, Restricted drum movement from worn rollers, Faulty motor centrifugal switch

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Disconnect power before internal inspection.

Step-by-step checks:

  • Reduce load: Remove some items and try again. Overloading can cause the motor to trip on overload.
  • Check drum movement: Spin the drum by hand; if stiff, inspect rollers, idler, and seals for binding.
  • Inspect motor: Access the motor and check for overheating, burnt smell, or debris in the blower wheel. Clean and test motor windings with a multimeter.
  • Replace motor: If the motor overheats quickly or fails winding tests, replace the drive motor.

When to call a technician: If you are not comfortable testing or replacing the motor, contact a professional.

Advertisements

Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Drive Motor
Check Price on Amazon

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Advertisements