Otis Singleton
Whirlpool electric dryers are a convenient way to dry your clothes, but what happens when they stop working? There are several reasons why your Whirlpool electric dryer may not be working, from power issues to a broken drive belt or motor. In some cases, you may be able to fix the issue yourself, but other problems may require a professional. This guide will help you identify common problems and provide troubleshooting tips to get your dryer up and running again.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dryer not starting | Check if the "control lock" or "child lock" setting is on. If the dryer has power but still won't start, check the circuit breaker to ensure that both fuses are intact and tight. If the breaker has been tripped, replace the fuses or reset the breaker. |
| Dryer making strange sounds | If the dryer is unlevel, it can lead to squeaking or squealing noises. Use a level to see if your dryer has been installed properly on a flat surface and adjust the dryer legs if necessary. |
| Dryer not spinning | The drive belt may be worn out or broken and will need to be replaced by a technician. The dryer belt helps the appliance rotate the drum, which can help dry your clothes. |
| Dryer not drying clothes | There are several reasons your dryer may not be drying clothes properly, including a lack of power, an issue with the size of the load or its wetness, an issue with the heating element, or a blown thermal fuse. |
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What You'll Learn
Check the circuit breaker and fuses
If your Whirlpool electric dryer is not starting, it could be due to a tripped breaker or a blown fuse. Electric dryers run on separate 30-amp circuits fused on both sides of the line, meaning there are two circuit breakers operating the dryer. One circuit powers the motor to turn the dryer drum, and the other powers the heating element.
To check the circuit breaker, locate your home's electrical panel. You should see two breakers dedicated to the dryer. If either of these has tripped, reset the breaker. If the breaker has been tripped, you can either replace the fuses or reset the breaker.
If your dryer still won't start, it could be due to a blown thermal fuse. Thermal fuses are a safety feature in dryers that shuts down the dryer when the temperature gets too high. Blown thermal fuses require disassembling the machine to examine or replace the fuse. If you are unsure what the issue is, it is best to contact a professional.
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Ensure the dryer is level
If your Whirlpool electric dryer is unlevel, it can lead to squeaking or squealing noises as the dryer attempts to run a cycle. To ensure that your dryer is level, you should:
- Use a level to check if your dryer has been installed correctly on a flat surface.
- Adjust the legs of the dryer if necessary.
- Check your house vent for kinks and obstructions, such as lint, and clean the entire length of the vent as needed.
- Ensure that your dryer is using rigid or flexible metal venting, as other materials such as aluminum foil or plastic can easily collapse or be crushed.
- Make sure that your dryer vent is as straight and short as possible, as increased length and elbows can reduce airflow and encourage lint build-up.
- Check that your wall outlet has a 240-volt power supply and that your power cord is a 3 or 4-prong power supply cord.
If you continue to experience issues with your Whirlpool electric dryer, it may be necessary to contact a professional for assistance.
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Check the door is closed and latched
If your Whirlpool electric dryer is not starting, it could be because the door is not properly closed and latched. This is a common issue with dryers, and it can usually be addressed without the help of a technician.
Firstly, check that the door is firmly closed and latched. If the door is not properly closed, the "LOC" indicator will flash on your dryer, which means the lock switch has failed to engage. If the door is properly closed and latched, and you are still seeing the "LOC" indicator, the door switch may be damaged or obstructed.
To check for damage or obstructions, locate the door switch on the inside of the dryer door and inspect it. If the switch appears damaged, it may need to be replaced by a qualified appliance repair technician.
If the door switch appears intact, unplug the dryer from the power outlet for 30 seconds. Then, plug it back in and restart the cycle. This may reset the control board and clear the "LOC" error.
If your dryer is still not starting, there may be another issue with the appliance. For example, a broken dryer motor can cause the appliance to not spin or dry clothes properly. In this case, you should call a repair technician to diagnose the issue.
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Check the power cord and outlet
If your Whirlpool electric dryer is not starting, it could be due to an incoming power problem. Firstly, check that the dryer is plugged in and turned on. If it is, then the problem could be with the power socket or a tripped breaker. Using an extension cord could also be causing the issue, as they often cannot safely transmit the electricity required to power the dryer.
Electric dryers require a 240-volt power supply to operate. Check that your wall outlet has at least a 240-volt power supply. If you are unsure, consult a qualified electrician. Your dryer also needs to be connected to a three or four-wire power cord and be fully plugged into a proper wall outlet. Check that the plug is in good condition and fully connected to the outlet.
If your dryer still won't start, check your home's electrical panel for a tripped breaker or a blown fuse. Dryers usually have two breakers, and both should be reset to try and fix the problem. Use a multimeter to test the electrical socket the dryer is plugged into. Each side should have 120 volts and 240 volts in total (+/- 10%).
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Call a repair technician
If your Whirlpool electric dryer is not working properly, it may be time to call a repair technician. While some common dryer problems can be addressed without the help of a technician, more complex issues may require professional help. Here are some signs that it's time to call in a repair technician:
- Strange noises: If your dryer is making strange sounds, such as squeaking, thumping, or scraping noises, it could indicate worn rollers, bearings, or something caught in the drum seal or blower assembly. Technicians can use these audio clues to diagnose and fix specific problems.
- Heating problems: Electric dryers require a heating element to heat the air in the drum. If your dryer is not heating properly, it could be due to a clogged lint screen, a blown thermal fuse, or an issue with the heating element itself. Technicians can disassemble the machine to examine and replace heating elements if needed.
- Drive belt issues: If you hear the motor running but the drum isn't rotating, the drive belt may be worn out or broken. This is a job for a technician, as it requires replacing the drive belt, which connects to the motor to rotate the dryer drum.
- Drum not spinning: If your dryer isn't spinning, it could be due to a broken dryer motor or a seized dryer drum. A repair technician can properly diagnose and address this issue.
- Control board problems: If your dryer isn't starting, the problem may lie with the control board, which affects the dryer's timing, temperature, and function. Professional help is recommended for diagnosing and replacing any shorts in the control board.
By calling a repair technician, you can benefit from their experience and expertise in diagnosing and fixing specific Whirlpool dryer issues. They can also provide genuine replacement parts and reliable repairs, ensuring your dryer performs optimally and minimising disruption to your daily routine.
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Frequently asked questions
First, check if the power cord is connected to a wall outlet and ensure the dryer door is properly closed and latched. Check that the “control lock” or “child lock” settings are disabled. If the problem persists, it may be due to a defective start switch or a blown thermal fuse.
If your dryer is not spinning, it could be due to a worn-out drive belt. Check if you can hear the motor running but the drum is not turning. If this is the case, you may need to replace the belt.
There could be several reasons for this. Electric dryers require a 240-volt power supply, so ensure your dryer is receiving the correct voltage. Other possible causes include a clogged lint screen, a damaged heating element, or a blown thermal fuse.
Unusual sounds or movements could indicate a repair or replacement is needed. If the dryer is making a humming sound, it may be a drive belt or motor issue.
