Electrolux Dryer: not completing cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Electrolux dryer starts but stops before the drying cycle finishes, leaving clothes damp, you're not alone. This issue can occur during both automatic and timed cycles, often due to overheating from restricted airflow or a faulty moisture sensor. Understanding the root causes can help you find the right fix.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Electrolux Models

  • Electrolux official guidance highlights motor overheat/thermal limiter as a cause for dryer stopping mid-cycle and suggests reducing load size to prevent this.
  • Electrolux notes that cycle duration estimates adjust based on load and dryness; ensure proper load sizes and settings.

Possible Causes

Overheating due to restricted airflow

How to Identify: Dryer stops mid-cycle, dryer vent feels blocked, lint buildup visible.

Part: Lint filter / Vent duct

Faulty moisture sensor

How to Identify: Stops early with damp clothes still present; sensor strips may be coated with residue.

Part: Moisture sensor

DIY Solutions

Clean lint filter and vent system

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: Vacuum or vent cleaning brush
  1. Unplug dryer and pull it away from wall.
  2. Remove lint filter and clean lint.
  3. Disconnect vent hose and use vacuum/brush to clean internal vent path.
  4. Reconnect vent and ensure outdoor vent flap opens freely.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is unplugged before vent cleaning

Test and clean moisture sensor strips

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Soft cloth, mild detergent
  1. Unplug dryer.
  2. Locate moisture sensor strips inside drum.
  3. Wipe strips with damp cloth and mild detergent to remove residue.
  4. Run a timed dry cycle to retest.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before service

Test door switch continuity

Advanced 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter, Screwdriver
  1. Unplug dryer.
  2. Access door switch via dryer front panel.
  3. Use multimeter to test continuity on switch.
  4. Replace switch if no continuity.
⚠️ Safety First: Electrical safety: unplug before accessing components

Professional Repairs

Replace thermal limiter or motor assembly

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Control board/timer replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $450

When to Call a Professional

Dryer stops mid-cycle even on timed dry after airflow and sensor checks
Motor overheats and thermal limiter trips frequently
Control board shows visible damage or error codes persist

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Airflow restriction and overheating
    Frequency: After every use
  • Inspect vent annually: Blockages that cause overheating and premature stops
    Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Electrolux Dryer not completing cycle?
Common causes include overheating due to restricted airflow or a faulty moisture sensor.
How do I fix Electrolux Dryer not completing cycle myself?
You can clean the lint filter and vent system, test moisture sensor strips, or check the door switch.
How much does it cost to fix not completing cycle?
Professional repair costs range from $150 to $450, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not completing cycle?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you're facing advanced repairs, it's best to consult a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Overheating due to clogged vent or lint filter
  • Faulty thermal fuse or thermostat
  • Malfunctioning door switch

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Clean the lint filter and check the vent for blockages. Ensure the vent is clear and allows for proper airflow. Run the dryer on a short cycle to test if it completes without overheating.

  2. Test and replace the thermal fuse or thermostat if they are faulty. Use a multimeter to check for continuity. If defective, replace with a new part.

  3. Inspect the door switch for proper operation. If the switch is faulty, replace it to ensure the dryer can detect when the door is closed.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Electrolux Dryer - dryer stops halfway through cycle, won't ...

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