Whirlpool Dryer Won't Start Troubleshooting Guide

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Emmanuel is a mechanical engineer with a background in electrical engineering. He has a passion for figuring out how things work, and loves to take apart motors and machines and reassemble them to maximize their efficiency. He uses his technical knowledge to help bring you the best product recommendations, maintenance tips, and troubleshooting steps for any issues you may encounter.

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Only a few things are more frustrating than your household appliances breaking down. Appliances like the Whirlpool dryer break down occasionally, especially if not properly maintained. You may not always have a technician on hand when they break down, at least not as soon as you need them.

There are many different types of dryers, but all of them work similarly. They all have a heating element and a fan that forces air over the clothes and draws away moisture. So, they all have the same troubleshooting guide. In this Whirlpool dryer won’t start troubleshooting guide, I will walk you through some of the most common causes of this problem and how to resolve them using my HVAC technician expertise.

Let’s get started!

Bottom Line Up Front

There is no need to panic if your dryer refuses to start. It happens, and troubleshooting the problem might not be as complicated as it seems.

Troubleshooting a Whirlpool dryer is pretty straightforward, just like any other dryer. In most cases, when a dryer refuses to start, the most common causes are a faulty door latch, a problem with the power supply, or a broken power button. These problems are very common and easy to troubleshoot as you follow the instructions accurately.

Why Is the Whirlpool Dryer Not Working?

There may be many technical or straightforward reasons that can cause the whirlpool dryer’s unfunctional. We will go through all the possible problems and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Faulty Door Lock Switch

The first thing to check is the container door when your dryer machine does not start. The door lock switch may be faulty, preventing the door from closing correctly. The Dryer is programmed not to start if the controls fail.

How to Fix

Check the door lock; if it is properly closed.
Look for any obstruction preventing the door from closing and remove it.
If you found nothing, the problem may be technical, and you need to change the door lock.

How to Replace

First, disconnect the power to your Whirlpool dryer.
Next, remove the screws that hold the door lock switch in place.
Remove the old door lock switch and replace it with the new one.
Screw the new door lock switch into place.
Reconnect the power to your Whirlpool dryer.
Test the Dryer to make sure it is working correctly.

Problem 2: Broken Start Button

If nothing is wrong with the door locks, you must check if the start button is pushed correctly. The start button communicates with the motors to activate a new cycle. If it breaks, then your Dryer will not be able to function correctly.

How to Fix

First, check the door switch to ensure it is not damaged or loose.
If the switch appears okay, try pressing and holding the start button for a few seconds. If the Dryer does not start, you may need to replace the start button.

How to Replace

Unplug the Dryer from the power outlet.
Remove the screws that hold the control panel in place.
Carefully remove the control panel and set it aside.
Locate the start button on the control panel.
Use a screwdriver to remove the broken start button.
Install the new start button by aligning it with the holes on the control panel and inserting the screws.
Tighten the screws until the start button is secure.
Reattach the control panel to the Dryer.
Plug the Dryer back into the power outlet and test the start button.

Problem 4: Faulty Power Supply

If you have noticed a trip in electricity while using more than one electrical appliance simultaneously, your power supply may be compromised.

Most home appliances have large motors that use more electricity to function. When the breakers can’t hold such heavy voltage, they shut down to avoid any short circuit or accident.

How to Fix

You must reattach the fuse and check the circuit to resolve this issue.
The current would balance, and you can now start the Dryer to dry your clothes. If it does not toil, you need to change the breaker to ensure the passage of the current. For this, I recommend you consult an HVAC specialist for assistance.

How to Avoid

Be sure not to run any other heavy appliances that could disrupt the voltage when using the Whirlpool dryer.

Problem 5: Broken Drive Belt

Your whirlpool dryer’s drive belt rotates the drum in circular paths, allowing the clothes to dry repeatedly. But, the drive belt gets weak overtimes and eventually breaks completely. If the drive belt weakens or breaks, it can cause the rotating drum to stop, leaving the clothes wet.

How to Inspect

Look at the rotating drum to determine whether your Dryer’s drive belt is connected and working or not.
If it moves, there is no problem, but if it remains still, it is damaged.

How to Fix

To fix the drive belt, you must change it.

Unplug the Whirlpool dryer from the power outlet.
Remove the back panel of the Whirlpool dryer.
Locate the drive belt and remove it from the pulleys.
Install the new drive belt on the pulleys and replace the back panel of the Whirlpool dryer.
Plug the Whirlpool dryer back into the power outlet and turn it on.

Problem 6: Issues with Drying Cycle

There’s also a chance that your dryer isn’t producing enough heat to start drying. Most of the time, this happens because you chose the incorrect drying cycle. Dryers have specific and controlled tuning to ensure accuracy when selecting a timed or quick dry rotation. If you did it wrong, the drying cycle would be terminated.

How to Fix

To fix this, consult the actual product manual and apply the correct setting.
Adjusting the temperature and dryness levels will allow the dryer to restart.

Problem 7: Faulty Control Panelboard

If you’ve tried everything and your Dryer still won’t start, the problem is most likely with your control board. All of the buttons and sensors are located on the control panel. It is a rare condition because a flaw in the appliance causes it, but it is a possible culprit.

How to Fix

This problem can only be solved by modifying and testing the circuit with a multimeter. It is preferable to consult a specialist; however, here is the solution procedure:

Unplug the Dryer from the power outlet.
Remove the access panel on the back of the Dryer using a Phillips screwdriver.
Disconnect the wire harness from the control panel.
Remove the four screws holding the control panel in place.
Pull the control panel away from the dryer cabinet.
Replace the defective control panel with a new one.
Reconnect the wire harness to the new control panel.
Reattach the access panel to the back of the Dryer.
Plug the Dryer back into the power outlet and turn it on.
Test the new control panel to make sure it’s working correctly. If not, repeat steps 1-9 until the problem is resolved.

How to Avoid

Keep your control panel dry.
Don’t use wet hands when you are operating the Dryer.
Keep an eye on the children; ensure they do not vigorously press the buttons.

Problem 8: OverHeating

Overheating is one of the most common problems with Whirlpool dryers. Several possible causes of this problem include the Dryer or the house’s circuit breaker. These are some reasons why Whirlpool dryers overheat.

Your Dryer’s venting is clogged and needs to be cleaned.
Your heating unit is broken and must be replaced.
Lint has accumulated inside your Dryer and must be removed. This could result in a fire hazard.
Because the gas valve has been turned off, no heat comes from the venting unit into your home.
There are too many clothes in the drum.

How to Fix

To avoid overheating, you need to,

keep the vents cleaned
Don’t overload the machine with too many clothes
Replace the heating units and remove the lent.
Please turn on the heat valve so it is possible to release the heat.

Problem 9: Problem with Drive Motor

If you have checked the drive belt and it is perfect in place, and no other error has been detected, the problem is in the drive motor. The Drive motor; enables the drive belt to rotate the drum and dry the clothes. A damaged switch or electricity ups and downs can cause this problem.

How to Fix

You can fix it by replacing the motor or checking the thermal switches for other damaged parts.

Problem 10: Problem With the Heating Element

Another possibility is that the heating element in your Whirlpool dryer is damaged. Simply inspect the heating element for any signs of damage to check for this. If you notice any cracks or other damage, the heating element will most likely need to be replaced. Fortunately, this is a relatively simple repair you can perform independently.

How to Fix

Here’s how to do it:

Remove the back panel and disconnect the dryer from the power source.
Locate the heating element and disconnect the two wires connected to it.
Remove the screws that hold the heating element in place with a screwdriver.
Remove the dryer’s heating element and replace it with a new one.
Replace the back panel and reconnect the wires to the new heating element.
Reconnect the dryer to the power source and test it to ensure it is operational.

Tips On How To Get The Most Out Of Your Whirlpool Dryer

Whirlpool dryers are one of the most popular brands in the market. They are known for their excellent quality and low price.

The following tips will help you make the best use of your whirlpool dryer.

Do not overload your machine with clothes, as this will lead to poor drying performance, increased wear on your clothes, and increased energy consumption.
Always check the circuit for any damaged wire or fuse that can cause any danger to the appliance.
Please read the manual thoroughly to have a clear view of operating it. If you are not aware, use the automatic cycle.
Do not put heavy objects into the Dryer; it will cause trouble washing.
Read care labels before drying any garment for the first time to get an idea about how it should

FAQs

Question: Why is my whirlpool dryer making the rattling and squeaking noises?

Answer: It happens due to a fault in the drive motor, a broken belt, a drum seal, or loose screws. You can efficiently fix it by replacing the damaged parts and tightening the screws.

Question: How do I fix a Whirlpool Dryer?

Answer: If you suspect something caught in the Dryer, unplug it and look for any large items that might be blocking the door from opening or closing properly. If you find nothing wrong with your machine and it still won’t spin, you may need to call a professional for help.

Question: Why are my Clothes not getting dried in my Whirlpool Dryer?

Answer: The clothes can be too heavy for the Dryer to handle easily. The weight of the clothes slows down the spinning action and makes it difficult for heat to reach all parts of them. It can also overheat the Dryer yielding some mechanical issues. Or maybe the clothes are not evenly distributed in your Dryer, which causes uneven drying.

Question: How do I clean my Whirlpool dryer?

Answer: Cleaning your Dryer is a crucial step in maintaining it. First, remove any fur or debris from the Dryer’s fluff filter. Once the filter is cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe down any dust that may have accumulated outside the machine. Remove the stains using a sponge soaked in vinegar. Finally, wipe down the inside of the Dryer with water and detergent solution before turning it back on to test if it works properly.

Question: Can a dryer thermal fuse be reset?

Answer: The simple answer is No, a thermal fuse is not resettable. It must be replaced if a thermal fuse blows and the appliance stops heating or working altogether.