Hotpoint dryer runs as long as i hold the switch, but it turns off as soon as i let it go

Possibly a broken/faulty switch I would think.

if it stays running when you hold the button in or turn it on there's a belt switch that could be bad.it's a safety so if the belt does break the dryer won't stay on.it's just a cherry switch two wires go to it and there's a white button on it the the metal arm that the pulley attaches to hits the switch,if the button isn't pushed in the dryer won't stay on.if that's good you'll have to get in there with a meter and start checking t-stats.hope this helps you out.

Sounds as if the motor is going bad. Soon it will simply buzz and won't start at all. It's the motor windings and the only solution is to change out the motor.

Hi,

There can be many reasons why your dryer will not start or turn...

The most common causes are the belt breaking or jumping off, or the motor goingbad...

Here are a couple of tips that I wrote will help you to figure out why yourdryer will not run...

Dryer Repair - The Dryer is not Turning

Dryer Repair - The dryer will not start


heatman101

Hi,
There can be many reasons why your dryer will not turn...

This tip that I wrote will help you to figure out what is happening...

Dryer Repair - The Dryer is not Turning
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4422207-dryer_repair_dryer_not_turning

Dryer Repair ? The dryer will not start
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4460438-dryer_repair_dryer_will_not_start


heatman101

we had this, and it turned out to be the plug getting damp at the back of the dryer due to inadequate ventilation at the back of the dryer...we pulled the dryer away from the wall slightly, allowed the plug to dry out for a few days and the problem was solved.

The problem was the buzzing noise when I turned the switch on. A repairman said to try holding the door switch down and then turn the
switch on and turn the inside with my hand and it happened to start turning again. He gave me that information over the phone. I thank the Lord for his information.

Strange. Heaters usually shut down with the spinning drum when door is open. If you check the schematic for unit you can check to see if in fact this is correct operation. Attached site usually has schematics for appliances. You might want to check. Search Over 2 1 Million Appliance Parts

the button you push is a momentary start switch.whats suppose to happen is the power passes thru the push to start switch for a moment till the motor centrifugal switch goes to the run winding.what i have found happening is a lint buildup in the motor switch area dose not allow the motor centrifugal switch to reset to the start winding when the dryer has finished the last load.so its trying too start on the run winding and it could only do that if you helped by spinning the drum while hold the start switch.soooooo.... unplug unit .get to the motor and vacuum it out.inspect your wiring for burnt/loose connections.if all is well and vacuuming did not solve problem.your motor may have an open start winding which you could check with an ohm meter.if you need any more help you can make an request thru fixya email. God bless ,tom

start switch is bad,it is stuck inside,get the model number inside dryer door or on top panel,call local appliance parts store to get new part,only a few bucs,replace and you should be allright,let me know-mike