Wiktor Wise
Whirlpool electric dryers are a handy appliance to have in your home, but what happens when they malfunction? There are several reasons why your dryer may not be drying correctly, such as a lack of power, an issue with the load size, a faulty heating element, or a clogged lint screen. In this guide, we will troubleshoot common issues with Whirlpool electric dryers, including heating, starting, and spinning problems, and provide solutions to get your dryer back in working order.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dryer not starting | Check if the power cord is connected to the wall outlet, the door is closed, and the “Start” button is pressed. Also, ensure that the "control lock" or "child lock" settings are disabled. |
| Dryer making strange sounds or movements | This could indicate a repair or replacement is needed. Common issues include an unplugged power cord, an improperly closed door, or incorrect cycle selections. More complex problems may require a professional. |
| Dryer not heating | Ensure the gas shut-off valve is open (handle parallel to the pipe) and check the circuit breakers. Electric dryers require a 240-volt power supply and a functional heating element. Gas dryers use a burner for heating. |
| Dryer not drying properly | Clean the lint screen and dryer vent to optimize performance and prevent clogging, which can increase drying time. Ensure the load size and wetness are appropriate, and there is sufficient airflow. |
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What You'll Learn
Check the power supply and cord
If your Whirlpool electric dryer is not working, the first thing to check is the power supply and cord. Electric dryers require a lot of power to operate, so it's important to ensure your wall outlet has a 240-volt power supply. If you are unsure, check with a qualified electrician. Your dryer also needs to be plugged into an outlet with a 3 or 4-prong power supply cord. If your power cord is unplugged, simply plug it in. If your cord is damaged, you may need to replace it.
If your Whirlpool dryer still isn't starting, check to make sure the power cord is connected properly to a wall outlet. If the power cord is connected properly, but the dryer still won't start, the problem may be with one of the dryer's components, such as the control board, which may require replacement or repair by a professional.
If your dryer spins but keeps stopping mid-cycle, there may be other issues to investigate. First, check to see if all "control lock" or "child lock" settings have been disabled. If your dryer still won't start, check the circuit breaker to ensure that both fuses are intact and tight. If the breaker has been tripped, either replace the fuses or reset the breaker.
If your electric dryer is still not heating, check to see if either of the circuit breakers has tripped. Electric dryers run on separate 30 amp circuits that are fused on both sides of the line, meaning there will be two circuit breakers operating the dryer. One circuit operates the motor to turn the dryer drum, while the other operates the heating element.
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Ensure the door is closed
If your Whirlpool electric dryer is not starting, it is important to check if the door is properly closed and latched. An improperly latched door could be the reason why your dryer won't start or why it keeps stopping mid-cycle.
Firstly, check that the door is fully closed. Depending on the model, your dryer may have one or two door latches that signal to the motor that the dryer is ready to begin the cycle. If the door isn't fully closed or latched, the cycle won't start. Listen out for a "click" sound when you close the door—this is a good sign that the door is not defective. If you don't hear a "click" or if you want to be sure, test the door switch for continuity using a multimeter. To do this, first, unscrew and remove the door switch from the door. Once you've removed the switch, test it with the multimeter. If the switch has continuity, it is working fine, and you can screw it back into the dryer door.
If you are having difficulty closing the door, it may be that the hinges were not reversed properly during installation. Check that the door opening was reversed correctly. If this doesn't work, you may need to contact a professional service for assistance.
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Check the circuit breakers
If your Whirlpool electric dryer is not starting, one of the first things you should do is check the circuit breakers. Dryers run on separate 30-amp circuits that are fused on both sides of the line, meaning there will be two circuit breakers operating the dryer. One circuit powers the motor that turns the dryer drum, while the other operates the heating element.
If your dryer won't start, check the circuit breaker to ensure that both fuses are intact and tight. If the breaker has been tripped, either replace the fuses or reset the breaker. It is possible to trip the circuit breaker by using multiple large appliances at once.
If you are unsure whether your wall outlet carries 240 volts, which is necessary for electric dryers, check with a qualified electrician. If your dryer is plugged into an outlet that provides less than 240 volts, it will not be able to deliver power to your unit. To check if your circuit breakers have been tripped, unplug your dryer and reset both circuit breakers before plugging your dryer back in again.
If your electric dryer is still not heating, check to see if either of the circuit breakers has been tripped. If your circuit breakers are fine, the problem may be with one of the dryer's components, such as the control board, which may require replacement or repair by a professional.
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Examine the heating element
If your Whirlpool dryer is not heating up, you should examine the heating element for any issues. The heating element is usually found at the back or beneath the drum, depending on the model.
Firstly, unplug the dryer and locate the heating element. You may need to remove the front guard or bend it down to access the heating element. If your dryer has a heater box, you may need to take it apart from both the front and back ends to access the wires for the element.
Once you have located the heating element, examine it for any visible signs of damage, such as burns, breaks, discolouration, or broken coils. If you notice any of these issues, the heating element is likely faulty and may need to be replaced.
Additionally, you can test the continuity of the heating element using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the terminals of the heating element. If the multimeter shows infinite resistance, it indicates a break in the circuit, confirming that the heating element is faulty and needs to be replaced.
If you are uncomfortable or unsure about any part of this process, it is recommended to contact a professional for assistance.
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Clean the lint screen
Cleaning the lint screen on a Whirlpool dryer is a fundamental maintenance task. A clean lint screen promotes efficient drying and mitigates fire hazards from accumulated lint. It is recommended to clean the lint screen after every use, as a clogged screen can increase drying time and energy consumption.
To clean the lint screen, start by locating the screen, which is most likely near the dryer door. If the lint screen is on top of the dryer, remove it by pulling it towards you. If the lint screen is in the front of the dryer, open the door and pull the lint screen straight up. Using your fingers, roll the lint from the screen and dispose of it. Do not use water to remove lint from the screen, as wet lint is harder to remove.
Approximately every 6 months, inspect your lint screen for residue. If your lint screen has residue on it, clean it by wetting a nylon brush with hot water and liquid detergent. Scrub both sides of the lint screen, and then rinse each side thoroughly with hot water. Dry the lint screen thoroughly with a clean towel before reinstalling it in the dryer.
In addition to the lint screen, lint can also build up in the dryer's drum, vent, and duct system. These areas can be cleaned as needed to remove lint and keep your dryer in optimal working condition. To clean these areas, use a vacuum crevice tool or a dryer cleaning brush to carefully clean inside the lint trap slot and remove any accumulated lint.
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Frequently asked questions
First, check to make sure the power cord is connected properly to a wall outlet and latch the dryer door before restarting the cycle by firmly pressing the "Start" button. If the dryer still isn't starting, the problem may be with one of the dryer's components, such as the control board, which may require replacement or repair by a professional.
Strange sounds or movements could be a sign that a repair or replacement is needed. Some common dryer problems, like an unplugged power cord, improperly closed door, or incorrect cycle selections, can usually be addressed without the help of a technician. More complex issues like a worn-out drive belt or damaged roller shafts may require professional help.
Electric dryers require a 240-volt supply to operate. Check if your wall outlet has at least a 240-volt power supply and ensure that the dryer's circuit breakers have not been tripped. If your dryer is still not heating, there may be an issue with the heating element or a blown thermal fuse, which may require professional assistance.
First, check to see if all "control lock" or "child lock" settings have been disabled. If the appliance still isn't starting, there may be an issue with the power supply or a tripped circuit breaker. Ensure that both fuses are intact and tight, and if necessary, replace the fuses or reset the breaker.
