Symptoms
- Repeated clicking sound when pressing start
- No tumbling or heat follows the clicking
- Clicking may stop after several attempts
- Sound seems to come from behind the control panel or near the rear
Likely causes
- CommonFailing start relay or motor relayA relay that can't fully engage clicks as it tries and fails to complete the circuit to the motor.
- CommonGas igniter cycling on and off without lighting (gas dryers)A weakening igniter can click as the gas valve tries repeatedly without successful ignition.
- PossibleWorn door switch making intermittent contactA switch that isn't fully seating can click as it makes and breaks contact.
- PossibleSeized or jammed motor causing repeated relay attemptsIf the motor can't turn, the relay may repeatedly try and fail, clicking each time.
- Less commonFailing control board relay on electronic modelsA relay on the board itself can fail intermittently, producing a clicking sound.
What to do
- Note whether the clicking happens right when you press start or continues throughout an attempted cycle.
- For gas dryers, check if you smell gas briefly during the clicking, which suggests the igniter isn't lighting it (stop and ventilate if gas smell is present).
- Try closing the door firmly a few times to rule out a door switch making poor contact.
- Unplug the dryer and see if the drum turns freely by hand, checking for anything jamming the motor or drum.
- For electric dryers, this often points to a relay issue rather than something you can easily test yourself.
- Do not keep repeatedly trying to start a gas dryer that clicks without igniting, since this can allow gas buildup.
- Have a technician diagnose the specific relay, igniter, or switch causing the clicking.
Tools and parts
Dryer igniterSearch: “gas dryer igniter replacement”
Dryer start relaySearch: “dryer motor start relay”
When to call a pro
A repeated clicking-without-starting symptom should be diagnosed by an appliance technician, especially on gas models.
Safety
Use caution
On a gas dryer, stop trying to start it if you smell gas during the clicking, and ventilate the area; don't keep repeating start attempts.