Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Start – What To Do?

If your Whirlpool dryer won't start, it might put a damper on your day. But don't give up hope just yet because there are some things to do to get the dryer running again. We will help you troubleshoot this issue in this article.

If your Whirlpool dryer won't start then, you need to check the following:

  • Door switch
  • Power source
  • Check breaker
  • Lint screen and filter
  • Corrosion and rust
  • Thermal fuse
  • Operating thermostat
  • Heating element
  • Motor
  • Timer motor
  • Belt
  • Start Switch

As you can see, there are several reasons as to why your Whirlpool dryer won't start. However, don't worry; we will look at each part's warning signs to determine if it is the culprit to your problem. In addition, we will discuss and answer other frequently asked questions about the Whirlpool dryer, so read on!

A man repairs a washing machine, Whirlpool Dryer Won't Start - What To Do?

Whirlpool Dryer Won't Start - What To Do?

A dryer works by taking in the air via a vent. This air is heated up to around 140 degrees Fahrenheit, then blown over the fabric to dry it. Next, a fan blows the hair against a rotating tube, which pushes the water towards the heat source.

The heat source transforms the water into a gas, then pushes through an exhaust duct. However, like other machines, dryers can break, which can cause them not to start. In general, if your Whirlpool dryer won't start, the problem may be one of the following:

Upset woman sitting in laundry room

Door Switch

This is a safety feature designed by Whirlpool. When the dryer door is opened during the cycle, the switch turns off power to all cycles and lights on your dryer. In addition, the dryer switch tells the dryer that the door is shut so it can start its cycle.

If the door is open, then your dryer will not work. Check this by closing and opening the door a few times in a row. The dryer door should make a click sound when you shut it.

If the switch is faulty, then your dryer will not work at all, regardless of whether the door is open or closed.

To solve this problem, replace the switch.

Power Source

Another reason why your Whirlpool dryer won't start because it may not be getting any power from the outlet.

If the appliance is plugged into a wall socket, then there should be a cord that goes from the wall to the back of your dryer, which powers the machine.

Check Breaker

Sometimes, the problem might also be at the circuit breaker. To check if this is the case, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off your dryer by unplugging it or turning off the main circuit breaker in your home.
  2. If you cannot find which circuit breaker controls your dryer [if it exists], then you will have to check all the breakers in your home.
  3. If you find a breaker tripped, reset it by pushing it back into the on position.
  4. Once you have reset the circuit breaker, plug in your dryer and try turning it on again. If it still doesn't work, then continue reading this article.

Lint Screen and Filter

Sometimes, your Whirlpool dryer won't start because of a faulty lint screen or filter. To check if this is the cause of the issue, open up the lint screen cover.

If the screen is complete, you should clean it well and replace it if necessary. If this does not work, then it may be that your Whirlpool dryer won't start because of a defective filter.

Try replacing the filter or cleaning the existing one thoroughly before placing it back into the unit to solve this problem.

Corrosion and Rust

Another reason why your Whirlpool dryer won't start is that there may be rust on the drum or corrosion on other parts of the appliance. If this is the case, you should disassemble your dryer, sand off the rust completely with sandpaper, and then paint it so that corrosion does not occur again.

Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse is another safety device in your dryer designed to prevent the appliance from overheating. If this device malfunctions, it can cause your dryer not to start.

If you find that this is the case, you should replace the thermal fuse with a new one.

Operating Thermostat

Your Whirlpool dryer won't start if the operating thermostat is broken. To test if this is the cause of your problem, remove all parts blocking access to the heating coil and air ducts.

Then, use a meter to check for continuity between the terminals at the heating coil. If there is no continuity, then it means that the operating thermostat is broken and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

If it still doesn't work, then try replacing your operating thermostat.

Heating element

Another possible reason your Whirlpool dryer won't start is that the heating element may be burnt out.

To check if this is the case, pull out your heating element and check if there are any visible signs of burning or discoloration.

Motor

It is possible that your Whirlpool dryer isn't starting because it has a bad motor. If you hear buzzing or growling noise, it is a sign that the motor is bad. If this is the case, then you should replace your motor or contact a professional if you cannot fix it on your own.

Timer Motor

If your dryer's timer is broken, the appliance won't start. To solve this problem, open up the front panel of your dryer and check to see if there are any loose wires.

Also, you can use a multimeter to see if you get a high reading on time. If you do, that is a sign that the timer motor is bad.

Belt

If you hear a squealing noise or if the belt has broken, then this could be the reason why your Whirlpool dryer won't start.

You can fix it by removing the front panel of your dryer and checking if anything is blocking the belt from rotating.

If this does not solve the problem, check to see if your belt is slipping. If it is, then you should replace it with a new one.

Start Switch

If the start switch of your dryer is defective, then this can cause your appliance not to work.

To test if this is the case, open up your dryer's front panel and use a multimeter to check for continuity between the terminals on the switch. If you don't have a multimeter, remove the wires from the switch.

Then, check to see if there is continuity between each of the terminals on the start switch. If you notice that there isn't any, then that means that your start switch needs to be replaced.

Dust and hairs in reservoir

Where are the fuses located on a Whirlpool dryer?

The fuses on a Whirlpool dryer are located on the back access panel. Remove the back panel and locate the exhaust duct on the bottom of the dryer. You should see white plastic with black material where the wires lead.

If you need to locate the thermal fuse, it will also be in this area. However, the thermal fuse itself will be connected to the exhaust duct.

Does a Whirlpool dryer have a reset button?

Whirlpool dryers are great, but they do not have a reset button. To reset the dryer, you will need to unplug the dryer and then plug it back in. After doing this, try starting the dryer to see if this solved your problem.

Most dryers have overload protectors if too much strain on the motor. In this case, you will need to reset the dryer by following the steps above.

How do I know if my thermal fuse is blown?

You can easily know if your thermal fuse is bad by opening the back access panel and checking to see if there is continuity between the terminals on it. If the multimeter isn't getting a reading, that is a sure sign that the thermal fuse is blown and replaced.

How much does it cost to replace a dryer thermal fuse?

The price to change a dryer thermal fuse will vary depending on the type and brand of the dryer. However, the thermal fuse will only cost $5 to $10, so it is inexpensive if you repair it yourself. However, to have someone else do the job will cost about $80 to $130.

Handyman repairs the washer machine with wrench and screwdriver

Final Thoughts

A Whirlpool dryer won't start if there is a problem with certain parts. Therefore, it is best to troubleshoot the power sources, the breaker, door switch and see if debris is clogging the appliance before calling the professional.

If you cannot fix your Whirlpool dryer or are unsure of the source of the problem, then contact a professional who can assist you.

For more articles like this one, you should check out:

Dryer Won't Start But Has Power – What To Do?

GE Dryer Won't Start—What To Do?

Kenmore Elite Dryer Won't Start – What To Do?

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