Whirlpool Dehumidifier not working: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

The Whirlpool dehumidifier shuts off when the water bucket gets full and the bucket switch opens. A defective, stuck open bucket switch will stop the Whirlpool dehumidifier from operating. Use a multimeter to check the bucket switch for continuity to determine if it is faulty. If the multimeter test shows the bucket switch does not have continuity, the switch needs to be replaced. This will allow the Whirlpool dehumidifier to function properly by turning on and off based on the water bucket level rather than staying off due to a faulty bucket switch.

How to Replace Whirlpool Dehumidifier Bucket Switch

1. Unplug the Whirlpool dehumidifier and remove the bucket. Make sure the unit is powered off and unplugged. Slide out the water bucket.

2. Locate the switch. The float switch is usually located on the back or bottom of the bucket. Identify the switch and disconnect the wiring harness.

3. Remove the mounting screws. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove any screws securing the switch in place. Some switches pop into brackets rather than using screws.

4. Install the new switch. Position the new switch in the same spot and orient it the same way as the old one. Secure it with the screws or pop it into the brackets.

5. Reconnect the wiring harness. Make sure the wires are securely attached to the terminals on the new switch.

6. Test operation. Plug in the Whirlpool dehumidifier and carefully fill the bucket with water. Make sure the unit shuts off when the water level raises the float switch.

7. Reinstall the bucket. Once testing is complete, slide the bucket back into the Whirlpool dehumidifier. Make sure it fits properly into place.

8. Restore power. Plug the unit back in and verify normal operation. The Whirlpool dehumidifier should run until the bucket is full and triggers the switch.

Repair Instructions:

The humidistat tracks the humidity in the air. If the humidity is high, the contacts in the humidistat close to turn on the Whirlpool dehumidifier. Faulty humidistat contacts that fail to close will prevent the Whirlpool dehumidifier from operating. Use a multimeter to check the humidistat for continuity to test if it is defective. If the multimeter test shows the humidistat does not have continuity, the contacts are not closing properly and the humidistat needs replacement. Replacing a faulty humidistat allows the Whirlpool dehumidifier to function by powering on when humidity levels are too high.

How to Replace Whirlpool Dehumidifier Humidistat

1. Unplug the Whirlpool dehumidifier and remove the front grille. Disconnect power to the unit and remove the front grille to access internal components.

2. Locate the humidistat. It will be mounted to the interior chassis near the control panel. Identify the wires connected to it.

3. Remove mounting screws. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove any screws securing the humidistat. Some models use brackets instead of screws.

4. Disconnect the wiring. Carefully remove the wiring harness or individual wires from the terminals on the humidistat. Note the wire locations for reassembly.

5. Install new humidistat. Position the new humidistat in the same spot and mount it using the screws or brackets.

6. Reconnect wiring. Attach the wires to the same terminals on the new humidistat as they were on the old one. Double check connections.

7. Replace the front grille. Pop the grille back into place or reattach with screws. Make sure all internal parts are tucked inside.

8. Restore power and test. Plug in the Whirlpool dehumidifier and verify the humidistat is working correctly by adjusting the setting and checking operation.

9. Set humidity level. Use the control panel to reset the desired humidity level on the new humidistat.

Repair Instructions:

The humidity sensor tracks the moisture levels in the air. If the humidity becomes too elevated, contacts within the humidity sensor close to signal the Whirlpool dehumidifier to turn on. A malfunctioning humidity sensor will stop the Whirlpool dehumidifier from operating even at high humidity levels. To diagnose, check that the humidity sensor contacts are closing properly when humidity is high. If the contacts are closing but the Whirlpool dehumidifier does not run, the humidity sensor itself is likely faulty and requires replacement.

How to Replace Whirlpool Dehumidifier Humidity Sensor

Replacing a Whirlpool dehumidifier humidity sensor can seem intricate, but with a systematic approach, it can be a manageable task. Here is a step-by-step guide to assist you in replacing the humidity sensor effectively:

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Turn off the Whirlpool dehumidifier and unplug it from the power source to prevent any electrical mishaps during the replacement process.
   • Allow the Whirlpool dehumidifier to sit for a while to ensure it has cooled down.

2. Locate the Humidity Sensor:

   • Identify the position of the humidity sensor within the Whirlpool dehumidifier, which is typically near the evaporator coils or within the control panel.
   • Refer to the user manual if necessary to precisely pinpoint its location.

3. Access the Sensor Compartment:

   • Remove any covering or panels obstructing direct access to the humidity sensor using a screwdriver or the appropriate tool.
   • Take note of the wiring and connections before proceeding further.

4. Disconnect the Wiring:

   • Carefully disconnect the wiring harness or any connectors attached to the humidity sensor, ensuring not to damage the wires or the connectors.
   • Use gentle force and avoid pulling on the wires directly to prevent any breakage.

5. Remove the Old Sensor:

   • Unscrew or unclip the old humidity sensor from its mounting position, ensuring that you keep track of any screws or fastenings for reassembly.
   • Take note of the orientation and position of the sensor before removing it.

6. Clean the Area and Prepare for Installation:

   • Wipe the surrounding area clean of any dust or debris using a soft cloth or a mild cleaning solution.
   • Ensure that the area is dry before installing the new humidity sensor.

7. Install the New Humidity Sensor:

   • Position the new sensor precisely in the same location and orientation as the previous one, ensuring a secure fit.
   • Use the appropriate screws or fastenings to secure the new sensor in place.

8. Reconnect the Wiring:

   • Carefully reconnect the wiring harness or connectors to the corresponding terminals on the new humidity sensor.
   • Ensure a snug and secure connection without any loose or exposed wires.

9. Reassemble the Sensor Compartment:

   • Securely reattach any panels or coverings you removed earlier, ensuring that they are fastened firmly and correctly.
   • Double-check that there are no loose components and that the compartment is fully sealed.

10. Power On and Test the Whirlpool Dehumidifier:

    • Plug the Whirlpool dehumidifier back into the power source and switch it on to test the functionality of the new humidity sensor.
    • Monitor the Whirlpool dehumidifier's response and check for any error codes or irregularities in the humidity readings.

Repair Instructions:

The compressor pumps and compresses the refrigerant through the evaporator and condenser coils in the Whirlpool dehumidifier. If the compressor fails, the Whirlpool dehumidifier cannot cool properly. But a faulty compressor is uncommon. First, check the more frequently defective parts before replacing the compressor. If all other components test functional, use a multimeter to check the compressor for continuity. If the multimeter test indicates no continuity in the compressor, it needs to be replaced. Because replacing the compressor requires an EPA certified technician, it is typically more cost-effective to replace the whole Whirlpool dehumidifier unit rather than just the compressor.

How to Replace Whirlpool Dehumidifier Compressor

1. Unplug the Whirlpool dehumidifier and disconnect the drain hose. Make sure the Whirlpool dehumidifier is powered off and unplugged before servicing. Also disconnect the drain hose so it's out of the way during the repair.

2. Remove the front grille. The grille usually pops off or is held in place with screws. Remove it to access the internal components.

3. Take out the old compressor. Locate the compressor towards the bottom or back of the Whirlpool dehumidifier. Remove any screws or brackets securing it in place. Unplug the wires connected to it. Carefully maneuver the compressor out.

4. Install the new compressor. Position the new compressor in the same spot as the old one. Reconnect the wiring harness to the terminals on the compressor. Secure with any brackets or screws.

5. Replace the front grille. Carefully pop the grille back into place or screw it back on. Make sure all internal wires and tubing are tucked inside and not sticking out.

6. Reconnect drain hose and power cord. Plug the Whirlpool dehumidifier back in and make sure the drain hose is in the proper outlet.

7. Test operation. Turn on the Whirlpool dehumidifier and verify proper operation. Make sure there are no leaks, odd noises or other issues.

Repair Instructions:

The control board tracks the moisture levels in the air. If the humidity gets too high, contacts in the humidistat close which signals the control board to turn on the Whirlpool dehumidifier. A defective control board will prevent the Whirlpool dehumidifier from running even when the humidistat contacts are closed due to high humidity. To test if the control board is faulty, check that the humidistat contacts are closing properly. If the humidistat contacts are closing but the Whirlpool dehumidifier does not run, the control board is likely defective and needs to be replaced.

How to Replace Whirlpool Dehumidifier Control Board

1. Unplug the Whirlpool dehumidifier and remove the front grille. Disconnect power to the unit and remove the grille to access the interior.

2. Locate the control board. It will be mounted to the interior chassis near the control panel. Identify all wire connections.

3. Remove mounting screws. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove any screws securing the control board.

4. Disconnect all wiring. Label and detach all wiring harnesses and individual wires from board terminals.

5. Install the new control board. Position the new board in the same spot and mount with screws.

6. Reconnect all wiring. Reattach all wiring to the same terminals as on the old board based on labels. Double check connections.

7. Replace the front grille. Pop the grille back into place or reattach with screws. Make sure all internal wires are tucked inside.

8. Restore power. Plug in the Whirlpool dehumidifier and verify normal operation. Make sure the control panel displays and works properly.

9. Reset settings. Use the control panel to reprogram any desired settings like humidity level, fan speed, etc.

Repair Instructions:

The electrical outlet may have lost power. To check, plug a working electrical device into the outlet to see if it turns on. If the test device does not power on, the outlet is not getting electricity. This indicates an issue with the outlet's circuit rather than the Whirlpool dehumidifier. Check the circuit breakers and fuses to diagnose where the power loss occurred. Resetting tripped breakers or replacing blown fuses will restore electricity to the outlet.