Dryer starts but stops after a few minutes? Here’s what that really means
A client in Riverside, CA reached out with a frustrating problem — their GE dryer would turn on, tumble for a couple of minutes, and then suddenly shut off. No burning smell, no strange noise, no blinking lights — just a dryer that couldn’t finish a single load.
If your dryer runs briefly and shuts off too soon, this is often a warning sign of a deeper issue. Let’s walk through what we found in this specific repair, what causes this type of failure, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Common reasons why a dryer shuts off mid-cycle
- Overheating due to clogged venting
- Faulty thermal overload switch
- Malfunctioning motor or worn motor bearings
- Defective moisture sensor or control board
- Loose wiring or internal arcing
- Blocked lint trap or internal airflow restriction
In this Riverside case, the dryer had clean lint screens, and the homeowner had already reset the circuit breaker. But the issue kept happening: start → spin → stop.
The real issue? Overheating motor and restricted airflow
When our technician arrived, they immediately checked airflow and voltage. The heating element and power supply were fine. But during inspection, they found two critical issues:
- The dryer motor was getting extremely hot just minutes into the cycle.
- The flexible vent hose was crimped behind the dryer, reducing airflow to almost nothing.
The lack of airflow meant the interior overheated quickly, triggering the safety switch to shut down the cycle.
Even worse, the overheating motor showed signs of internal wear. This combination often causes early failure if not addressed quickly.
How we fixed it
We carefully pulled the dryer forward, replaced the crushed vent hose with a rigid, semi-flexible duct, and cleaned out excess lint buildup in the wall connection.
Then, we replaced the worn-out dryer motor with a GE-compatible OEM part and tested the airflow and temperature under load.
The result? Full drying cycles with no automatic shutoff, safe airflow, and a quieter motor. One happy customer—and one safer laundry room.
Dryer stops after a few minutes? Here’s what to check:
- Feel the outside of the dryer after it stops — is it unusually hot?
- Check for airflow from the exterior vent while it runs.
- Listen for a humming noise after it shuts off (could mean a seized motor).
- Clean out the lint trap and vent system.
- Avoid overloading the drum.
If none of this helps, it's time to call a technician — especially if the unit is older or hasn't been serviced in years.
Need help with your dryer in Riverside?
This type of issue can sneak up on you, and if left unchecked, it can lead to more serious motor or wiring damage. Don’t let your laundry pile up, contact us today!
We serve Riverside and surrounding cities with fast, same-day dryer repair.
