A dryer that won’t start is a very frustrating problem. The dryer often seems simple, but because there are so many steps to drying a load of clothes, it can be easy to overlook something. Having trouble getting your dryer running? Here’s a quick guide to help you troubleshoot your Whirlpool dryer.
When a Whirlpool dryer won’t start, the door may not be completely shut, preventing the door switch from completing its circuit. Try to close the door completely and make sure that it is not obstructed. If it still will not start, check the fuse and drive mechanism for damage or binding.
Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Start – Troubleshoot and Diagnosis
Whirlpool dryers can experience appliance malfunctions, but the solution is often simple. These tips for troubleshooting Whirlpool dryer problems can help you diagnose and resolve issues without costly service calls.
Incoming Power Problem
Sometimes, the problem isn’t with your dryer — it’s with your power. To make sure your Whirlpool dryer has adequate electricity to perform, check that it is receiving a consistent 240V from the wall socket. You can test this by plugging in a light bulb that uses 100 watts or less.
If you’re using a dryer with a control panel, you can check for power by checking to see if the control panel lights up when you turn the machine on. If there are no lights present in the control panel, your dryer may not have power.
When drying clothes, make sure your dryer is plugged in correctly and securely. Also, make sure that the cord is not lying on the floor or crushed under a washing machine cabinet. If the dryer must be placed near a corner, check that it can still reach an outlet without being stretched too tightly or bent out of shape.
An extension cord is easy to avoid. The only time you should use one is if you run out of electrical outlets — and even then, they’re not ideal. It’s best to have enough outlets set up in a way that doesn’t require one at all. Plus, extension cords create a safety hazard, as they are prone to lasting damage from overuse and can easily cause electrical malfunctions.
Door is Not Properly Latched
By pressing the Start button, you can begin a cycle on your dryer. Before pressing the button, you should always ensure the door has been closed and is properly latched. This helps to protect against injury and damage to your appliance.
Don’t be fooled when your dryer door appears closed. Gently push on the door to make sure the latch is secure. Confirm that all clothing is in the dryer. Ensure that no items have become trapped between the door and the dryer, preventing it from fully closing.
There are a few possible causes for why a dryer door won’t latch. One, the door is broken and needs to be replaced. Two, the door latch is not extending properly, or the catch on the door may have come loose. This can often be fixed by cleaning, lubricating and re-screwing the door latch.
If your dryer door won’t latch, it means that it’s not closing properly. There may be a mechanical or electrical failure, or it could just be a matter of needing to be cleaned. Test the dryer’s door hinges and other components with a multimeter before replacing them, which can save you time and money.
Incorrect Whirlpool Dryer Settings
Before you start your dryer, check your settings to make sure you’ve selected the right cycle for your load. When the Wrinkle Reduction mode is turned on, the dryer will run intermittently instead of continuously to reduce wrinkles.
Your dryer has a built-in control lock to ensure no one can use it, accidentally or otherwise. If the Control Lock light is illuminated, press and hold the Cycle Selection button for three seconds to disable it, then you’ll be all set; you won’t have to worry about anyone turning it on during your absence, either.
Faulty Dryer Start Switch
When you push the Start button on a dryer, It will send the signal to the start switch which in turn will send an electrical charge is sent to power the motor inside, which turns the drum. The motor spins the drum around and heats it up to a constant set temperature. Once that temperature is reached, the timer starts counting down and a fan begins to blow hot air inside the drum to dry your clothes. Sometime it will also result Whirlpool dryer PF code.
Like all mechanical components in electronics, the dryer start switch tends to wear out after several years of usage. If you can’t start a drying cycle even though it appears the dryer is trying to initiate the process, take a look at the dryer start switch. This component will often show signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or discoloration on its surface.
If you are not sure if your dryer is working, testing the start switch is a quick and easy way to verify that your dryer is functional. If the dryer fails to hum or remain silent after pressing the start button, it is time to replace the start switch.
When conducting the multimeter test for a dryer start switch, if it does not read continuity between terminals X and Y, replace the switch.
Blown Thermal Fuse
When a thermal fuse goes bad, your Whirlpool dryer won’t start. But if you know how to replace the thermal fuse, you can keep using your Whirlpool dryer and save yourself the cost of a new one.
A thermal fuse is a safe mechanism most dryers have to prevent overheating. They are extremely important. When your dryer’s thermal fuse is not working as it should, you won’t be able to use your dryer. A common cause of a failed thermal fuse is an electrical problem, but an improper installation could also be at fault.
If you suspect the fuse has blown, you can test it with a multimeter. If it does not pass continuity testing, you’ll need to replace it to restore your dryer to full operation.
A dryer vent obstruction is the most common cause of a dryer overheats and could result in a fire. A clogged vent restricts airflow, causing the dryer to heat hot air in the machine faster, and hence thermal fuse will blow. It’s important to clean the vents on a regular basis, or consider hiring a professional to maintain them — as it may prevent overheating and save you from yourself.
Bad Belt Switch
A belt that makes the dryer tumble is called a drive belt. It stretches over the entire drum, going around and around and around. If it breaks, though, the machine might have power but will not tumble.
Whirlpool dryers have a belt that can act as an early warning system when it detects a problem. The belt is made of several layers of material, and if the belt starts to slip or get off balance, it will activate the belt switch. This safety switch cuts power from the motor and prevents the motor from overheating and causing a fire hazard. It will also alert you to an issue with your machine before it causes any damage or harm.
If your dryer is a Whirlpool, and the belt switch is faulty, it will cut power to the machine even if the belt’s intact. In that case, you’d need to check your user manual (or the back of your appliance itself) to find out whether your machine has a belt switch.
If your dryer’s belt switch isn’t functioning and you’re confident the belt is properly installed and tensioned, replacement of the belt switch will be necessary.
Defective Drive Motor
A dryer’s drive motor is the most important part of the unit and drives the tumbling mechanism that spins clothing in the dryer drum. It is an electric motor, but it is not like any other motor you may have seen before. The motor turns the belt that moves the tumbling action. If a dryer does not tumble, chances are the motor is gone.
A dryer belt can wear down over time and cause issues with proper operation. The first step to troubleshooting a faulty belt is to check that nothing is obstructing it. If the belt is free of obstruction, and it’s still not engaging the motor, there may be an internal issue with the motor.
The dryer motor may be defective, or the belt could be broken. Inspect the belt, check if it is broken or worn out and replace it. Also, you can check if there is a humming noise coming from the motor while the machine is running. If there is no humming noise and the motor is not spinning or spinning slowly, then it could be defective.
Ensure the drive motor is functioning properly by testing for noise or irregular movement. A total replacement of this part may be necessary, but it’s best to consult with a professional before replacing it yourself.
Whirlpool Front Load Dryer Won’t Start But Has Power
If your dryer won’t start, but has power, there could be a few things wrong. First, make sure the power is actually reaching the dryer by checking the outlet and cord. If the outlet is properly plugged in and there is power to the dryer, then the problem could be with the dryer itself. Try resetting the dryer by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging it back in.
If the dryer does have power, the most likely problem is a bad thermostat. If the thermostat is bad, the dryer may not start because the thermostat senses that it is too cold outside and shuts off the power to the dryer. The fix is to replace the thermostat.
Hi there! I’m Sam Hendricks, and I’m a repair technician and expert. I created this website to help people like you save money and time by fixing your own appliances.
Over the years, I’ve seen people spend a lot of money on unnecessary repairs or replacements. That’s why I decided to share my expertise and create easy-to-follow guides for fixing appliances on your own.