Symptoms
- Display shows wrong time or blank screen after outage
- Dryer won't start or responds oddly to button presses
- Cycle behaves differently than before the outage
- Error code appears that wasn't there before
Likely causes
- CommonControl board needing a reset after power interruptionMany electronic control boards get confused by a sudden power loss and just need a full power cycle.
- CommonTime/clock display simply needing to be resetThis is cosmetic and doesn't affect actual dryer function.
- PossiblePower surge damaging the control board or a sensorA significant surge, especially from a lightning strike nearby, can damage electronic components.
- PossibleTripped breaker not fully reset after the outageSometimes a breaker trips during an outage event and isn't obviously in the off position.
What to do
- Unplug the dryer completely for one to two minutes.
- Check your breaker panel to confirm the dryer's breaker is fully on, not in a tripped middle position.
- Plug the dryer back in and reset the clock/display if needed.
- Try running a basic cycle to see if normal function has returned.
- If an error code appears that wasn't there before, look it up for your specific model.
- Consider adding a surge protector for major appliances if outages or surges are frequent in your area.
- If the dryer still won't work normally after a full reset, have a technician check for surge damage to the control board.
Tools and parts
Dryer control boardSearch: “dryer control board replacement”
When to call a pro
If a full power reset doesn't restore normal function, a technician can check for surge damage to the control board.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.