Won’t Start

• If your gas dryer won’t start at all, there are a few common possibilities that are causing it. Check to see if the dryer is plugged in. Make sure the outlet is functioning by checking the circuit breakers. If they are flipped off, this will interrupt the power supply to the dryer. Check the power cords to make sure they are in good condition. If you have power to the appliance, the problem might be the door switch. It must make proper contact, when the door is closed, for the dryer to run. The thermal fuse in the dryer may also be blown. This shouldn’t happen unless the dryer overheats, but it is possible that a faulty one was installed.
  
  

Strange Smell

• If your gas dryer emits a strange smell, there could be a couple of reasons for this. If it smells like gas, it could mean the pilot light is out, or there is a gas leak. You will need to shut off the machine and contact your gas company immediately if you suspect a leak. A leak can be dangerous, and there is a risk of explosion. If your freshly laundered clothes have an odd odor or you notice a funny smell in the laundry room while the appliance is running, the cause may be the items you have stored in the laundry room, such as paint or varnish. The gas flames will burn the fumes from these items, causing an unusual smell that can be irritating and end up in your clothes.
  
  

No Heat

• Make sure the gas is turned on. A gas dryer uses an igniter or pilot flame to light the burners during operation. This generates the heat to dry the clothes. If the gas is not turned on, the flame will not burn, and the dryer won't blow hot air. Also, if the igniter is bad or the pilot light goes out, the burners won’t be able to light up and function normally. When this happens, you could smell gas fumes. If so, turn off the gas supply and ventilate the room immediately by opening windows. Do not attempt to use the dryer until a service professional fixes the problem.
  
  

Doesn’t Tumble

• In order for clothes to get dry, the load will need to tumble as heat is applied. If the drum won’t turn, the belt could be broken and will need to be replaced. If you hear a humming noise but the drum doesn’t move, the motor may be worn out. This should only happen after years of use. If the drum won’t turn in a recently-purchased appliance, you should return it to Costco or contact the manufacturer.
  
  

Overheats

• Overheating in a gas dryer can be dangerous. Not only will it potentially blow the thermal fuse and shut the machine down, but it can also cause fires. Clogged ventilation pipes or lint traps that are not regularly cleaned out often cause overheating. The air can't get out of the machine, and the excessive heat can set the lint on fire and burn up the dryer and possibly the entire home. Always clean out lint traps before each use and keep the vent pipes clean. Clogged traps and ventilation are usually the reasons why laundry won’t dry in a reasonable time.