Just to clarify

[belmikey]

No actual smoke escaped from the dryer. However, the drum has stopped turning and there was a definite smell of something burning

Comments

[fiddle_dragon]

Our dryer did that last month. Cost ~140 to repair. Unfortunately landlord seems to think that dryers should last forever *rolls eyes* when non-commercial dryers will *do* that after 5-6 years...especially the type of dryer he has in place.

[thorr_kan]

When you replace it, take a look at Appliance Smart. It's a scratch and dent chain; closest is in Apple Valley. You'll be able to save about 30-70% off list there iffen you don't mind some cosmetic damage.

We got our dishwasher and oven there, with significant improvements on what we could afford.

[baron_berwyn]

Some diagnostics to help you decide whether to fix or replace. I'm assuming an electric dryer. If it's gas, I'm out of my depth.

First check your fuses or breakers (in your fuse box, not on the dryer.) There are two, one for the motor, and one for the elements. If both fuses are good, start the dryer and listen. If you hear the motor start but the drum doesn't turn, it's probably a broken belt. This would also be indicated by the elements getting hot with the drum not turning.

There's a centrifugal switch on the motor so the elements don't come on until the motor is up to speed. If the motor doesn't start, the elements shouldn't come on. This could indicate a burned out motor, or a problem with the timer/controller.

Some places that both sell and service will put the price of the diagnostic call toward the purchase of a new unit, so it might be worth shopping around.

[queenmabwords]

I'd had the same symptoms when it was overloaded. Try it now.

[belmikey]

We do have HSP. However, the dryer also has a lot of other problems, all of which basically add up to, "this dryer is older than dinosaurs". Ergo, replacement is not out of the question. But I want Pixel's take on it, and she's still out of signal range at Quest.