What this usually is
The usual answer on this unit is a door switch that is not making contact, with no power, or half the supply lost next. Both are free to check and neither needs the machine opened. Note whether it hums, clicks or is silent: that single observation halves the list.
What you are looking at
- Nothing at all happens when start is pressed — No power, or the circuit is interrupted somewhere before the motor.
- It starts only if you hold the start button in — The start circuit is marginal, and it is telling you so.
- NEAR MISS: it starts and stops partway — That is a cycle fault and belongs on its own page.
What it usually turns out to be, in order
- A door switch that is not making contact — No dryer will run with the door reading open. The switch is pressed by the door on every cycle, and the plastic actuator wears until it no longer closes the contact reliably. Ranked first on this unit: it is operated every single cycle and it is a mechanical contact, which makes it the part that fails first on almost every dryer, which counts for more here because this is a badge with little published service documentation, which is exactly why this list starts with what you can observe and ends with what only a meter can settle.
- No power, or half the supply lost — A dryer runs its motor and its heat from different sides of the supply. Second on this unit, because the breaker can look perfectly normal and still be half tripped, which makes this the check to do properly rather than by eye.
- A worn start switch or push-to-start contact — The start button carries the motor circuit until the motor is running. Third, once the two above are clean: it carries current every cycle and its failure is gradual, which is why it announces itself long before it stops working.
- A failed motor, centrifugal switch or control — A motor with a failed start winding hums and does not turn even with a good belt. Bottom of the list, deliberately: everything above it is free, obvious and far more likely, and because this needs a meter.
Check in this order, and why
- Close the door and press it firmly while pressing start — If it runs when you lean on the door, you have found it.
- Switch the dryer breaker fully off, then back on — A breaker that has half tripped does not look tripped.
- Press and hold start rather than pressing and releasing — If holding it works, the switch is the fault.
The checks you can make yourself
- Close the door firmly, press start, then press the door harder and listen — Check the actuator on the door is not worn or missing.
About 10 min
- Switch the dryer breaker fully off and on again, and check the plug and socket for heat damage — A scorched plug is a reason to stop and call.
Tools: a torchAbout 15 min
- STOP HERE if the next step is inside the cabinet or on the gas train — Burners, valves and igniters are not owner work on any gas appliance.
Safety first, and it is not boilerplate
Safety
Unplug the dryer or switch off its breaker before removing any panel, and shut the gas off at the appliance valve on a gas machine before moving it. If you smell gas: do not switch anything on or off, leave the building, and call the gas utility or emergency services from outside. Never tape or wedge a door switch closed to make a machine run, and never reach into a drum that is turning. A scorched plug or socket means stop and call.
Where an owner check ends
Call once the door switch, the breaker, the start button and the belt are all confirmed and the machine still will not run, because what is left is the fuse, the motor or the control and all three need a meter. Call immediately if the plug or socket is scorched, if the machine trips its breaker, or if there is a burning smell.
Nearest pages of this class
Scope of this page, and where to go for more
This page covers the VMX dryer as a class, not one family or model line. Where a family- or model-specific page exists it is linked here. Deliberately not here: belt lengths, switch part numbers, fuse ratings, motor specifications and any panel removal sequence, all of which differ by family and belong on the page for that family.
Links: - [Why a VMX washing machine will not start](/blog/vmx-washer-wont-start) - [VMX washer leaking onto the floor: what to check first](/blog/vmx-washer-water-leak) - [A Westbend dryer that will not begin a cycle](/blog/westbend-dryer-wont-start)
Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 12 years experience
Experienced technician with 12 years specializing in washing machine and dryer repairs across all major brands.
