Safety first: Disconnect power immediately if you notice a burning smell. Do not continue to run the dryer.

Check drum movement: With the dryer unplugged, open the door and rotate the drum by hand. Any grinding, scraping, or stiffness indicates mechanical binding.
Inspect rollers and idler: Remove the front panel and drum to access drum support rollers and idler pulley. Spin each by hand; replace any that are noisy, stiff, or wobbling.
Check blower wheel: Access the blower housing and ensure the wheel spins freely and is not rubbing the housing or packed with lint.
Test motor: With the motor removed or disconnected, spin the shaft by hand. Roughness or play indicates worn bearings. Measure winding resistance and compare to specifications; a shorted motor must be replaced.
Reassemble and test: After replacing faulty components, reassemble the dryer, restore power, and run a short cycle to confirm E11 is cleared and no abnormal noises remain.

Dryer shows E11 and shuts down shortly after starting, sometimes with a burning smell

Possible Causes