How to replace a broken Whirlpool dryer belt switch W10847984

Is your Whirlpool dryer refusing to start despite an intact belt? The culprit could be a faulty broken belt switch, a crucial safety component that halts the motor to prevent extra damage. Dive into our step-by-step guide and watch our detailed video below to easily replace this part and bring your dryer back to life!

If your Whirlpool dryer is not starting at all, even though the belt is intact, the issue is likely a faulty broken belt switch. This safety switch stops the motor if the drive belt breaks or falls off to prevent damage to the dryer. Replacing a defective broken belt switch is a straightforward repair that can get your dryer running again.

If you need part W10847984, you can order it here.

Watch the full repair here

Unplug the dryer

Make sure to unplug the power cord or turn off the circuit breaker for the dryer. This prevents electrocution hazards while working.

Tools and parts needed

Tools:

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Small flathead screwdriver
• 1/4″ nut driver
• Needlenose pliers
• 3/8″ socket wrench

Part:

• Whirlpool broken belt switch (part #W10847984)

With everything ready, we can get started.

Read article: 9 Ways To Improve Your Dryer’s Performance

Disassemble the dryer

The first step is removing the top panel and control panel:

1. Use a 1/4″ nut driver to unscrew the two back panel screws.
2. Slide the top back and off.
3. Remove the control panel corner screws.
4. Detach the wire plugs and slide out the panel.
5. Open the dryer door and take out the lint screen.
6. Remove the Phillips screws along the inside of the front panel.
7. Tilt back the dryer on a wood block.
8. Remove the front panel screws and unplug the door switch wire.
9. Lift off the panel.

Now you can remove the drum:

1. Take off the front bulkhead screws and disconnect the moisture sensor plug.
2. Lift the drum belt and slide the drum out of the cabinet. Set it aside.

With the drum removed, you can access the broken belt switch.

Remove the broken belt switch

1. Use a 3/8″ socket wrench to remove the idler pulley arm screw. Take off the arm.
2. Disconnect the switch wire plug with a small flathead screwdriver.
3. Press the retaining tabs and lift the switch out of the bracket.
4. Remove the switch wires from the terminals with a flathead screwdriver.

Check the old belt switch for continuity

Before discarding the old switch, it’s wise to verify if it’s indeed faulty. Here’s how you can test it for continuity:

1. Engage the plunger: The switch typically has a plunger that is pressed down when the belt is in place and tensioned. Manually engage this plunger.
2. Test for continuity: Use a multimeter set to the continuity setting. Attach the multimeter probes to the switch terminals.
3. Interpret the results: If the multimeter beeps or shows a continuous circuit, the switch is good. If the multimeter shows no change, indicating an open circuit, the switch is faulty and needs replacement.

Once the switch has been verified as faulty, discard the old broken belt switch. Now you can install the new replacement part.

Install the new belt switch

1. Attach the switch wires to the terminals on the new part. Make sure they clip on securely.
2. Insert the new switch into the bracket, angling it to fit around the tab. Push down to lock it in place.
3. Reconnect the wire plug. Replace the idler arm and pulley, tightening the screw with the socket wrench.

Now you can reassemble the dryer.

Reassemble the dryer

1. Grab the drum belt and slide the drum back into place on the support rollers.
2. Loop the belt around the pulleys. Turn the drum manually to check the belt tension.
3. Secure the front bulkhead with the 1/4″ nut driver. Reconnect the moisture sensor plug.
4. Replace the front panel, braces, control panel, and top panel in the reverse order of removal.

The dryer is now ready to be tested.

Test the repair

Plug in and turn on the dryer. Verify normal operation with no issues starting. The new broken belt switch will shut off the motor if the belt breaks again. Take your time and ensure each step is done properly.

Read article: Electric Dryer Leaving Black Marks On Clothes: Top 5 Problems and Fixes

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the broken belt switch in your Whirlpool dryer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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