Whirlpool Dryer won't start: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

Check that the door is closed all the way. The Whirlpool dryer won't start if the door is open. Remove anything blocking the door from closing fully. Make sure clothes are not in the way.

Repair Instructions:

The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to protect the Whirlpool dryer from overheating. The fuse is located on the blower housing or at the Whirlpool dryer’s heat source such as the heating element on electric Whirlpool dryers or at the burner on gas models. The fuse should be closed for continuity meaning it has a continuous electrical path through it when good. If overheated the fuse will have no continuity meaning the electrical path is broken and the fuse has blown. A multimeter can be used to test it for continuity. Be aware that a blown thermal fuse is an indication of a restricted exhaust vent from the Whirlpool dryer to the outside. Always check the Whirlpool dryer venting when replacing a blown thermal fuse.

How to Replace Whirlpool Dryer Thermal Fuse

1. Unplug the Whirlpool dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.

2. Open the Whirlpool dryer cabinet and locate the thermal fuse, typically on the blower housing.
3. Note which two terminals the old fuse is connected to. Disconnect the wires.
4. Unscrew or detach the fuse from the housing and discard it properly.
5. Attach the new thermal fuse to the same spot in the housing.
6. Reconnect the two wires to the same terminals they were originally on.
7. Refer to the wiring diagram to ensure proper wire placement.
8. Secure the wiring and reassemble the Whirlpool dryer cabinet.
9. Plug in the Whirlpool dryer and verify heat function by starting a cycle before drying clothes.
10. If the fuse trips again, there may be an airflow restriction or other issue needing repair.

Repair Instructions:

To check if the start switch is broken, try to start the Whirlpool dryer. If the Whirlpool dryer hums but doesn't start, the switch is okay. If it doesn't make any noise, the switch may be bad. Use a multimeter to test if electricity flows through the switch. If electricity can't pass through, replace the switch. Follow safety tips when testing. Make sure the power is off before touching wires. A broken start switch stops the Whirlpool dryer from starting. Testing it with a multimeter helps detect problems.

Repair Instructions:

The door switch is like a safety guard that's supposed to make sure the Whirlpool dryer only works when the door is fully closed. But as it gets older, it can stop doing its job properly. When it acts up, the Whirlpool dryer may keep running even if the door isn't closed tightly, allowing hot air to escape. This escaping hot air can heat up things it shouldn't, like wires, lint, or even the door switch itself, causing that burning smell. What's more, when things get too hot, there's a risk of lint in your Whirlpool dryer catching fire, which is pretty dangerous. So, if you catch a burning smell from your Whirlpool dryer, it's best to have it checked out to stay safe and keep your clothes safe too.

How to Replace Whirlpool Dryer Door Switch

1. Unplug the Whirlpool dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.

2. Open the Whirlpool dryer cabinet and locate the door switch, typically near the door opening.
3. Note where the wires are connected to the old switch. Disconnect them.
4. Remove the mounting screws or retaining clip to detach the old door switch.
5. Position the new door switch in the same spot and reinstall the mounting screws/clip.
6. Reconnect the wires to the same terminals on the new switch. Refer to a wiring diagram as needed.
7. Test the switch operation by plugging in the Whirlpool dryer, closing the door, and starting a cycle.
8. The Whirlpool dryer should not start with the door open. If it does, recheck the connections.
9. Open and close the door several times to verify proper switch function before drying clothes.
10. Replace the Whirlpool dryer cabinet panel once done.

Repair Instructions:

A Whirlpool dryer's control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. If the board is defective, it may interrupt voltage to the drive motor resulting in the drum not turning. You can inspect the board for signs of damage or a shorted component. You can also use a multimeter to test for voltage reaching the drive motor after reviewing the Whirlpool dryer's wiring diagram.

How to Replace Whirlpool Dryer Control Board

1. Unplug the Whirlpool dryer from the power source. Make sure the Whirlpool dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the control panel on the Whirlpool dryer, usually on the top front area. Remove any screws securing it.
3. Take photos of all wire connections on the old control board to use for reference later.
4. Disconnect the wires from the terminals noting their positions. Remove any mounting screws.
5. Carefully remove the old control board and dispose of it properly.
6. Position the new control board and reinstall any mounting screws to secure it.
7. Refer to your photos to reconnect each wire to the correct terminal. Double check connections.
8. Reinstall the control panel cover and secure with screws.
9. Plug in the Whirlpool dryer and turn it on to verify functionality. Test all settings before drying clothes.
10. Refer to a wiring diagram if needed to troubleshoot any connections on the new control board.

Repair Instructions:

The heating element warms the air before it goes into the Whirlpool dryer drum. Over time, the element can burn out so the Whirlpool dryer won't heat up. Use a multimeter to check if the element has continuity. No continuity means the element is burned out. If there's no continuity, replace the heating element. This should fix it so the element heats the air again and the Whirlpool dryer can heat properly.

How to Replace Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element

1. Unplug the Whirlpool dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.

2. Open the Whirlpool dryer cabinet and locate the heating element housing.
3. Remove the wires from the heating element terminals. Loosen the mounting screws.
4. Carefully slide out the old heating element and discard it properly.
5. Install the new heating element in the housing and secure with mounting screws.
6. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect wires to the same terminals.
7. Reassemble the Whirlpool dryer cabinet and double check all connections.
8. Plug in the Whirlpool dryer and verify heat function on a test cycle before drying clothes
9. Monitor the new heating element during operation for proper brightness when heating.
10. If it does not heat, recheck the wire connections on the element.

Repair Instructions:

The drive motor turns the drum and blower wheel to push out the air. First, see if the motor makes a humming noise. If it still hums, take off the belt from the motor. Then check that nothing is blocking the blower wheel. Next, with the belt off, try to turn the drum by hand. If the drum doesn't spin easily, find out what's stopping it from turning. If the drum spins freely and nothing blocks the blower, the drive motor may be bad. If you think the motor is the problem, replace it. That should fix your Whirlpool dryer.

Repair Instructions:

Look at the idler pulley for the Whirlpool dryer drum belt. Make sure it can spin easily on the shaft. If the idler pulley is stuck, worn out, or damaged, you should replace it. When you replace the idler pulley, also put in a new belt for the drum drive. Replacing both together will help make sure your Whirlpool dryer runs properly.

How to Replace Whirlpool Dryer Idler Pulley

1. Unplug the Whirlpool dryer from the power source. Make sure the Whirlpool dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the Whirlpool dryer cabinet to access the belt and pulleys. The top or front panel usually comes off easily.
3. Locate the idler pulley and examine it for damage or signs of wear. Note how it guides the drive belt.
4. Remove the idler pulley retaining clip using pliers.
5. Slide the idler pulley off the mounting bracket. You may need to move the pulley arm.
6. Place the new idler pulley on the mounting bracket in the same position as the old one.
7. Reattach the retaining clip to secure the idler pulley in place. Make sure it clicks into position.
8. Check the belt path and adjust tension if needed by moving the idler pulley arm.
9. Re-install the Whirlpool dryer cabinet panels and secure them in place with screws.
10. Plug in the Whirlpool dryer and run it empty to verify the idler pulley is working properly before drying clothes.

Repair Instructions:

The Whirlpool dryer has a long, thin belt that goes around the drum and two pulleys. One pulley is for tension and the other is on the motor. With regular use, this belt can break over time. If the belt breaks, the drum won't turn. To check if the belt is broken, reach into the Whirlpool dryer and try to turn the drum by hand. If the drum spins very easily, the belt is probably broken. Look at the belt to confirm it is broken. If the belt is broken, you need to replace it. Replacing the belt will allow the drum to turn again.

How to Replace Whirlpool Dryer Drive Belt

1. Unplug the Whirlpool dryer from the power source. Make sure the Whirlpool dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the Whirlpool dryer cabinet to access the belt and rollers. The top or front panel usually comes off easily.
3. Locate the drive belt and examine it for signs of wear and cracking. Identify the path it takes around the rollers.
4. Turn the rollers to loosen tension, then lift the belt up and off the pulleys. Be careful not to tear the old belt.
5. Compare the old belt to the new one to ensure you have the correct length and type.
6. Place the new belt onto the pulleys, following the same path as the old one. Make sure it isn't twisted.
7. Turn the pulleys and check that the belt is centered and tight. Adjust tension as needed.
8. Re-install the Whirlpool dryer cabinet panels and secure them in place with screws.
9. Plug in the Whirlpool dryer and run it empty to verify the drive belt is working properly before drying clothes.
10. Make sure the Whirlpool dryer is not excessively noisy with the new belt installed.

Repair Instructions:

When the Whirlpool dryer belt breaks, the motor runs but the drum won't turn. Some Whirlpool dryers have a switch that shuts off power if the belt breaks. If that switch is bad, power could go off even with the belt okay. First, start the Whirlpool dryer and listen for humming. If it hums, the belt switch is likely fine. Search your model number to see if you have that switch. If so, use a multimeter to test it. Check if electricity flows through. If not, replace the switch. Follow safety tips when testing. Make sure power is off before touching wires. The switch turns the Whirlpool dryer off when the belt breaks. Testing it finds problems.

How to Replace Whirlpool Dryer Belt Switch

1. Unplug the Whirlpool dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.

2. Open the Whirlpool dryer cabinet and locate the belt switch near the motor pulley.
3. Note which wires are connected to the old belt switch terminals. Disconnect them.
4. Remove the mounting screws to detach the old belt switch.
5. Position the new belt switch in the same place and install mounting screws.
6. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect wires to the proper terminals.
7. Reassemble the Whirlpool dryer cabinet and double check connections.
8. Plug in the Whirlpool dryer and start a test cycle to verify proper operation.
9. If the Whirlpool dryer won't start, recheck the wire connections on the new belt switch.
10. Confirm the switch activates properly when the motor is running.

Repair Instructions:

The main control board in a Whirlpool dryer controls the power going to all the parts. If the board is bad, it could stop sending power to the motor. This would make the drum not turn. Look at the board for any damaged or shorted parts. You can also use a multimeter to check if power is getting to the motor. First check the wiring diagram for the Whirlpool dryer. Replacing the control board can fix the problem if it's not giving power to the motor.

How to Replace Whirlpool Dryer Main Control Board

1. Unplug the Whirlpool dryer from the power source. Make sure the Whirlpool dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the control panel on the Whirlpool dryer, usually on the top front area. Remove any screws securing it.
3. Take photos of all wire connections on the old control board to use for reference later.
4. Disconnect the wires from the terminals noting their positions. Remove any mounting screws.
5. Carefully remove the old control board and dispose of it properly.
6. Position the new main control board and reinstall any mounting screws to secure it.
7. Refer to your photos to reconnect each wire to the correct terminal. Double check connections.
8. Reinstall the control panel cover and secure with screws.
9. Plug in the Whirlpool dryer and turn it on to verify functionality. Test all settings before drying clothes.
10. Refer to a wiring diagram if needed to troubleshoot any connections on the new main control board.

Repair Instructions:

If your Whirlpool dryer drum is not starting, it's probably not because of a bad timer. That rarely happens. First check the parts that usually break. If everything else is working right, then test the timer. Use a multimeter and wiring diagram to check the timer. If the timer is bad, replace it. But again, the timer is not likely to be the problem if the drum won't turn. Look at the other parts first before replacing the timer.

How to Replace Whirlpool Dryer Timer

1. Unplug the Whirlpool dryer from the power source. Make sure the Whirlpool dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the Whirlpool dryer control panel to access the timer. It is usually located behind a panel on the top console.
3. Take a photo of the wire connections on the old timer for reference. Then remove the wires noting their positions.
4. Remove the mounting screws that secure the timer using a Phillips head screwdriver.
5. Carefully remove the old timer and dispose of it properly.
6. Position the new timer in place and reinstall the mounting screws to secure it.
7. Reconnect all the wires to the same terminals they were originally attached based on your photo. Double check connections.
8. Reinstall the Whirlpool dryer control panel ensuring all components are secure.
9. Plug in the Whirlpool dryer and test both heating and cycles to verify the new timer is working properly before drying clothes.
10. Refer to a wiring diagram if needed to troubleshoot any connections.

Repair Instructions:

Plug in the Whirlpool dryer cord. Or check that the house power is on at the outlet and circuit breaker. Make sure the Whirlpool dryer is getting electricity.

Repair Instructions:

If the Whirlpool dryer won't start, clothes may have gotten past the lint screen. They can get stuck in the blower wheel. Then the motor will hum but not start. Or it makes loud noises when trying to start. Remove the blower cover to check for stuck clothes. If the blower wheel is damaged, replace it. Follow safety tips when taking the Whirlpool dryer apart. Unplug it first. Wear gloves to protect your hands. Stuck clothes can jam the blower wheel. This stops the Whirlpool dryer from starting up.