How to Replace the Motor Capacitor

If your tumble dryer isn’t heating up, and the water is not being collected during a cycle, it is likely that you have a failure with the drain pump. Firstly, just to check you are on the right path, here is the warning sign that your motor capacitor needs to be replaced:

• If your tumble dryer is slow to start turning or stalls and doesn't run

If you need to replace the motor capacitor for your tumble dryer, then you will be pleased to know that you have come to the right place!

If you are unsure where to start there’s no need to panic. We’ll talk you through how to successfully replace the motor capacitor without damaging your tumble dryer.

The normal technique to remove the motor capacitor is to remove the top panel, back panel and also take out the drum too. However, on this particular model there is a much easier technique.

This video shows an example on how to remove or replace the part on a typical machine, some models may be different but the procedure should be similar.

• Motor Capacitor
• Screwdriver
• Nut Driver
• Cloth

Safety First! Please make sure that you have switched your appliance off at the mains before starting your repair.

Depending on manufacturer you may be able to access the capacitor by completely dismantling the appliance and removing the drum, removing the tops and side, or an access panel on the rear as on the model in the video attached.

Turn the machine around so you can get to the back panel. The motor and capacitor is located behind a small panel near the bottom of the machine, and this panel needs to be taken off by simply removing the screws that are holding it in place.

Once removed you will have the motor in your sights - and you will notice that there is also a motor bracket, and a small nut that holds the motor capacitor in place.

Okay time for an eSpares Top Tip now…place a cloth at the bottom of the machine by the motor before you unscrew the nut (this is because the edges of the tumble dryer are extremely sharp). Unscrew the nut using a nut driver, and you will now be able to get to the old capacitor.

Before replacing the electrical connectors, take a look at the terminals on the top of the capacitor. There may be four (positioned two by two) -  and you need to make sure you connect the electrical connectors, one on each pair. With those connectors back on you can now refit the capacitor.

With the capacitor in place you can now replace the panel. 

Congratulations - you have now successfully been able to replace the motor capacitor on your tumble dryer! You can now get back to drying your clothes with a click of a button and not worry about putting your clothes on the washing line again.

Does Your Tumble Dryer Need Some Loving, Care & Attention?

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Need To Locate The Correct Motor Capacitor For Your Tumble Dryer?

Here at eSpares, we have a wide-range of replacement tumble dryer motor capacitors for you to select from.

If you need any other help for your appliances you can find more videos from Mat and the team at eSpares, who are always on hand with appliance repair advice in your time of need.