How to Troubleshoot a Gas Dryer's Reset Button

Push the start button on the dryer to see if it runs. If the dryer does not run, there is a chance that the motor has overheated.

Wait for the dryer to cool and get back to a temperature at which it will work. Push the reset button after the dryer has cooled. The reset button is usually located on the dryer's control panel. Push the start button on the dryer to see if the dryer starts back up.

Restart the dryer and check the dryer after 10 to 15 minutes. Open the dryer door and stick your hand inside to determine whether or not the dryer is properly heating up or not. If the dryer does not restart or shuts down after running it again, you may have a problem with either the motor, electrical system or the wiring.

Unplug the dryer and remove its outer casing. Most dryers have a back and a top panel that can be removed fairly easily with a 1/4 or 3/8-inch nut driver. Carefully remove the outer case of the dryer and set it aside. The outer case is the largest exterior piece of the dryer. It is the piece that gives the dryer its boxlike appearance and covers the internal parts. Using a volt-ohm-milliammeter, test the switch leads on the dryer door switch to ensure that they are not faulty. You should get a reading of "zero." If you do not, the switch is broken and needs replacement.

Test and replace the thermal fuse, if necessary. If the motor and the door switch are working correctly, there is a chance that the dryer is overheating and throwing your thermal fuse. This fuse keeps the dryer's motor from overheating and is usually located inside the dryer in the vent duct. Ensure that nothing is blocking your vent and that your blower wheel is not broken. Test the fuse by disconnecting the power and removing its metal slip-on connectors. Using your multimeter's R X 1 setting, touch each probe to one of the terminals. If the thermal fuse is at room temperature when you test it, your multimeter should give you a reading of "zero." If it does not, replace it.

Replace the dryer's hi-limit thermostat at the same time you replace the thermal fuse. This is recommended by many major manufacturers. Consult your owner's manual for the placement of this thermostat.

Check and replace the dryer's timer, if necessary. This is not a very common repair problem, but if all else fails with your reset button and other troubleshooting efforts, you may need to replace the timer.