You toss a load of laundry before work, expecting fresh, dry clothes when you return home. Instead, you find a damp, musty mess you’re too tired to handle. Nobody wants that. If your dryer stops mid cycle, there are a few potential causes to consider. Some may be easy DIY fixes, while others might require a Champion technician that specializes in dryer repair.
Before You Troubleshoot
Before troubleshooting, go through the checklist. Ask yourself each question:
- Did the dryer complete its cycle and leave the clothes wet?
- Are you using the correct setting for the materials you’re drying?
- Did you blow a breaker or an animal unplug the unit?
If the dryer actually completed the cycle and your clothes are still wet, please schedule Champion to come out and look at your unit. Wet clothes after a complete cycle can indicate a serious fire hazard. Check out our article on dryer vent cleaning for more information.
If your clothes are still damp (but not wet), you could need to adjust the cycle. Different fabrics and load sizes require different heat and time settings.
A word of caution…
Once you’ve ruled out the three questions, it’s time to troubleshoot why your dryer stops mid-cycle. If you’re uncomfortable working with electrical and mechanical components, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit from our professional dryer repair technicians, especially when dealing with wiring, sensors, or internal components.
Appliance Troubleshooting: Common Reasons Your Dryer Stops Mid-Cycle
If the settings aren’t the culprit, your dryer may be stopping mid-cycle due to one of the following issues:
Overheating
Overheating is one of the most common reasons for a dryer to shut off in mid-cycle. Most dryers have safety features built-in. When a dryer’s temperature gets too high, the dryer will shut off.
Here are a few places to check:
- Check and clean the lint trap and the dryer vent hose. Lint buildup in the dryer vent restricts airflow, causing excessive heat.
- Make sure the exterior vent is clear of lint, debris, or even nesting animals. Heat can’t escape properly if the outside vent is blocked, triggering the safety shutoff.
- Test your thermostat and replace faulty components. If the thermostat malfunctions, it may not regulate the temperature correctly. Unregulated temperature leads back to the same issues of triggering the safety shutoff mid-cycle.
- Run the dryer on a no-heat setting. If it still shuts off, it’s likely a failing motor. Test the motor with a multimeter or schedule a technician for a diagnosis.
- Inspect the heating element to see if it’s damaged or partially shorted. To check the heating element, you’ll need to remove the back (common) or the front (uncommon) panel on the unit and visually inspect the element for damage.
Mechanical Issues
Sometimes, the reason your dryer stops mid-cycle isn’t electrical but mechanical. Here are two common culprits:
- If you hear a humming noise, but the drum isn’t moving, the belt may need replacing. If your dryer’s belt snaps or wears out, the drum won’t spin properly, and the machine may shut off mid-cycle.
- If it runs for a while, shuts down, and then starts again after cooling, the motor may be failing. Over time, a dryer’s motor can wear down, especially if it has to work harder due to lint buildup or heavy loads. If the motor overheats, the dryer will shut off to prevent further damage.
Electrical Issues
If the problem isn’t overheating or mechanical, it could be an electrical failure. Some key components to check include:
- Manually press the switch on the door to see if it clicks. If the door switch is faulty or loose, the dryer might think the door is open and shut off mid-cycle.
- Clean the moisture sensor sensor with a soft cloth and mild soap. Many modern dryers have a moisture sensor that detects when clothes are dry and automatically shuts off the machine. If the sensor is malfunctioning, it might cut the cycle short.
- Check the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is a safety device that prevents overheating. If it blows, the dryer will shut off immediately. Replacing a thermal fuse usually requires professional help.
Control Board Failure
Modern dryers use an electronic control board to regulate temperature, motor function, and cycle timing. If the board malfunctions, it may misinterpret signals, causing the dryer to shut off mid-cycle or fail to start. Here are a few signs of a failing control board:
- Unresponsive buttons or erratic behavior – The dryer may stop, restart unexpectedly, or fail to run specific cycles.
- Burnt or damaged circuitry – If you remove the control panel, look for burn marks, loose connections, or damaged components.
- Inconsistent heating or motor function – A faulty board might cut power to the heating element or motor at the wrong time.
Since control boards are expensive and require precise diagnostics, a professional technician is often needed to confirm the issue and replace the board if necessary.
Conclusion
There are many possible reasons why your dryer might be stopping mid-cycle, ranging from simple maintenance issues to mechanical and electrical failures. Some fixes, like adjusting the settings, are easy DIY solutions. Others might require professional assistance, such as replacing a belt or diagnosing a faulty thermal fuse.
To avoid future dryer issues, keep up with regular maintenance—clean the lint trap after every use, check the vents periodically, and avoid overloading the drum. These steps will help keep your dryer running smoothly and save you from unexpected laundry disasters.