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Nothing is worse than being in a hurry and not being able to dry your clothes. We’ve all been there. Now, how do you fix your dryer and get back to speed? Many reasons could be causing your Whirlpool dryer problems. It could be mechanical, electrical, or age that will slow your dryer down.
Some common issues that would cause your Whirlpool dryer to quit working are thermal fuse failure, defective start button, broken door latch mechanism, incompatible dryer settings, or other power supply issues. Keep reading to find out how you can get your Whirlpool dryer working for you again.
The Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Start at All
The solution to this issue could be many things. Whirlpool dryers may not turn on at all due to a blown fuse or a power issue. This is quite common.
If you find that the dryer is not starting due to a thermal fuse failure, you will need to replace the thermal fuse. This piece ensures that the dryer does not overheat. One reason the thermal fuse ends up going out is a dirty or obstructed vent. Be sure to clean the vent annually to avoid this.
Another common issue that will cause your Whirlpool dryer to have power but not start is that the operating thermostat may be broken. This mechanical piece regulates the heat level in the dryer. If it breaks, it can cause the thermal fuse to blow.
The heating element is another potential culprit for your power issue. This small wire coil can warp, which will cause it to generate more heat than the dryer needs for a long period. This can cause the thermal fuse to blow as well.
If there is no power to the dryer, the touch screen and start button components won’t work. This could be more of a power issue than anything else. Check your breakers, ensure the dryer is plugged in correctly, and don’t use extension cords.
The Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Start But Has Power
If you see that your Whirlpool dryer has power but won’t start, it might be an issue with your dryer door switch. This mechanism keeps the door locked while the dryer runs. It also stops it if the door is opened during a drying cycle. If it breaks, the dryer won’t start.
Replacing this piece is best done by a professional. However, you can find resources online to help you do it yourself.
An uncommon occurrence regarding dryers having power but not starting is that the timer can be compromised. The timing mechanism shuts off the dryer at the appropriate time. However, every so often, the timer can break, resulting in a dryer that won’t start a cycle.
To diagnose this as the issue for your Whirlpool dryer not starting is hard to do on your own. Repairing it is even trickier. It requires removing the front panel of the dryer and rooting around through the wires. Better leave this one to the professionals if you find yourself in this situation.
The Whirlpool Dryer Has No Power
When a dryer has no power, it is usually less about the dryer and more about the power source. Reset your circuit breakers and try to start the dryer again. Another reason the Whirlpool dryer has no power could be because the plug is faulty or not plugged in all the way. Ensure the power cord is in good condition and that it is plugged in correctly.
Another reason the dryer could have no power at all is due to the use of a power cord. A power cord, or an extension cord, does not give accurate electric power to the dryer. Remove the extension cord and plug the dryer into a wall outlet that provides enough power to run the dryer.
Always check your circuit breakers if you seem to be having an issue getting power to your dryer. Even if you have power in another area of the home, you may have a circuit breaker issue or a section of the grid that is out.
The Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Start When You Push the Start Button
There are also many possibilities for this dryer problem. A common occurrence is a mechanical issue like a broken dryer belt. The dryer belt exists to help the dryer turn over and run properly. If you find a broken belt, you will most likely hear a humming noise or hear the motor of the dryer attempt to start, but the dryer’s drum will not move.
Repairing this part is relatively easy and can be done by a professional or yourself as long as you have the proper tools and education.
It is also possible that the motor is obstructed or broken in your dryer. Similar to the belt issue, the dryer will attempt to start but won’t start. Repairing the motor is often best done by a professional.
The Whirlpool Dryer Touch Screen Not Working
If your Whirlpool dryer has a touch screen that is not working, there could be many issues here. These problems are mainly technological. Many dryers with a touch screen also have an app component, so there could be a simple issue with the app and the touch screen’s compatibility.
If the touch screen is frozen or not responding, it may mean that the dryer needs to be restarted. Restarting your Whirlpool dryer is easy. Just unplug it, wait a few minutes, plug it back in, and retry using the touch screen.
Sometimes the touch screen itself can break. If you try to touch the screen and only a part of it lights up or is responsive, you may have a faulty touch screen. This requires professional installation and repairs.
The Whirlpool Dryer Start Button Not Working
If everything is right with your Whirlpool dryer, but the start button is not working, you might have a broken start button. This can happen from time to time, but know that this issue is rare. If this happens, you will need to replace the wiring that controls the start buttons. It is best to have this repaired professionally since electrical issues are the main problem here.
Another reason it may seem that your Whirlpool dryer’s start button is not working has to do with the settings on the dryer. Double-check the control options on the dryer before you go looking for a repairman. Some cycles like the wrinkle-free cycle have a delayed start. So while you may have pressed the start button, it won’t start for a little longer.
Be sure to hold down the start button for the recommended amount of time per the dryer-specific instructions. Most Whirlpool dryers require holding the start button for two seconds before the cycle begins.
The Whirlpool Dryer Touch Screen Does Not Work
Touch screen malfunctioning is a possible outcome of any electronic appliance. The Whirlpool dryer touch screen is no different. Before getting into any repairs, be sure that you know how to work it, per the owner’s manual.
Once you are sure you are operating the dryer and the touch screen correctly, you can begin troubleshooting. One of the main issues with touch screens has to do with the fact that they can eventually break down. This breakdown is usually from wear and tear. If you press down too hard on it, you can cause damage.
Be sure to use a light touch, but always use the tip of your finger, not your fingernail.
Another issue that could cause the touch screen not to work is power-related. If the dryer seems to be on and the touch screen isn’t illuminating, the power source of the dryer could be the issue, or the backlight mechanism of the touch screen could be faulty.
You can check the power source on your own at home. But the illumination mechanism is best inspected by a professional.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are so many issues that can arise with a dryer. Hopefully, you have picked up a few Whirlpool dryer troubleshooting tips for the next time you find yourself frustratingly staring at your dryer in the morning.
It is worth noting that most Whirlpool dryers require that you hold the start button for two to five seconds for it to start a drying cycle. This simple fact could save you a headache in the future! As always, consult your owner’s manual or a paid professional for more information on how to fix your Whirlpool dryer if you cannot figure it out yourself.
There are many possibilities for this dryer problem. A common occurrence is a mechanical issue like a broken dryer belt. With the proper tools and knowledge this is repairable by yourself but calling a professional is recommended. Here you’ll find all other solutions to help you with your Whirlpool dryer problem.
You might think your dryer is broken when the power doesn’t turn on, but in most cases the power problem isn’t related to the dryer at all. One of the causes for having no power is a faulty power plug. If this isn’t the case then this might do the trick.
There are several causes for this problem. One of the most common ones is an issue with your operating thermostat. This is not always the case. Here you’ll find all possible causes to a dryer that doesn’t start and how to solve them.
