GHD Not Heating Up Repair

£29

No fix, no fee · 12-month warranty · Insured, tracked returns

Signs you need this repair

  • The lights come on and it beeps, but the plates stay cold
  • One plate heats and the other doesn't
  • It stopped heating suddenly
  • It heats slowly, or not fully
  • It beeps repeatedly and won't heat

A GHD that powers on, with the lights on and the usual beeps, but never gets hot is one of the most common GHD faults, and the usual cause is a blown thermal fuse. It's a small safety part that cuts the heat if the iron ever gets too hot. With age it can fail on its own, and then the plates stay cold even though everything else seems to work. You can read more in why won't my GHD heat up.

I replace the failed fuse and check the parts around it that can fail at the same time. On the Mk4 and Mk5, I also replace the R8 and R11 resistors as a matter of course, because they're known to fail with age. Then the GHDs are heat-tested to check they reach temperature properly, and PAT tested before they're posted back.

It's £29 all-in for standard models, and £39 for the Gold, Max, Platinum+, Mini and Curve, including parts, labour, a PAT test and tracked return postage. The work is covered by a 12-month warranty, and if they can't be repaired, it's no fix, no fee: I refund what you paid, less return postage.

This repair is for GHDs with a sliding on/off switch. The Eclipse and the original Platinum (S8T261), with a round push-button, are sealed units, so a fault inside them can't be repaired. If only one plate heats, see one GHD plate not heating. It can be the same repair, or a different part.

GHD straightener opened on the bench with its thermal fuse being tested with a multimeter

Frequently asked questions

Why won't my GHD heat up when it powers on?
The most common cause is a blown thermal fuse, a small safety part that can fail with age. The lights and beeps work as normal, but the plates stay cold.
Is it worth repairing GHDs that won't heat?
Usually, yes. It costs far less than a new pair, and on a repairable model the rest of the straightener is often in good condition.
Only one plate heats up. Is that the same repair?
It can be the fuse, a resistor or a heater, and it's covered by this repair. I find which part has failed when they arrive.
Why do you replace the R8 and R11 resistors?
On the Mk4 and Mk5, they're known to fail with age, so I replace them while the iron is open rather than leave a worn part in place.
Which models does this cover?
GHDs with a sliding on/off switch, including the 3.1b, Mk4, Mk5, Gold, Max, Platinum+, Mini and Curve. The Eclipse and the original Platinum (S8T261) can't be repaired inside.
What if you can't repair them?
It's no fix, no fee: I refund what you paid, less return postage, and send them back.

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About this service

How does your mail-in repair service work?
Three steps: book and pay for your repair online, post your item to me using the packing instructions I email you, and I repair it, test it, and send it back tracked. You'll get updates as it moves through each stage.
What is your no-fix-no-fee promise?
Payment is taken upfront at booking. If I can't fix your item, there's no repair fee — I refund what you paid, less £4.99 return postage to send it back to you. Assessment bookings work differently: the £4.99 covers return postage and comes off the repair if you go ahead, but isn't refunded if you decide not to or it can't be repaired.
Do your repairs come with a warranty?
Yes. Every repair carries a 12-month workmanship warranty against the same fault returning. If it does, I'll put it right.
How long will my repair take?
Most repairs are completed within 1-3 working days of arrival, then posted back by tracked post. If a part needs ordering, I'll tell you as soon as I've diagnosed it and give you a realistic date. Diagnostic-led jobs take a little longer if I'm waiting on your approval of a quote.
How do I package my item safely to post it?
I send clear packing guidance when you book. In short: wrap the item well, use plenty of padding, and a sturdy box — the return leg is insured and tracked, and good packing on the way in protects your item too.
Where do I send my item?
Your postage address is included in the confirmation email after you book — you don't post anything until you've booked, so your item is always matched to your order.
Do you cover the whole UK?
Yes — I run a mail-in repair service, so you can send your item from anywhere in the UK. There's nothing local you need to find.
What if my item turns out to be unrepairable?
I'll tell you honestly and, where the fault allows, offer an alternative. If I can't fix it, there's no repair fee — I refund what you paid, less £4.99 return postage to send it back to you.