Why My Whirlpool Dryer Not Heating Up [Solution]

If you have a Whirlpool dryer that isn’t heating up, there could be any number of reasons why it is not working as it is supposed to.

However, the problem is likely to be one of a few key issues.

That’s because Whirlpool is known for its high-quality appliances, so most Whirlpool dryers shouldn’t experience performance issues unless they’ve been tampered with or neglected in some way.

Nevertheless, even the best household appliances can break down from time to time.

To help you troubleshoot and get your Whirlpool dryer heating again as quickly as possible,

we’ve compiled a list of the top reasons why your Whirlpool dryer isn’t heating up.

Why is the Whirlpool Dryer Not Heating Up?

Why My Whirlpool Dryer Not Heating Up [Solution]

There can be several different reasons why your Whirlpool dryer is not starting up.

You need to diagnose the problem and repair the dryer.

The possible cause if your Whirlpool dryer is not heating up could be because of a bad heating element.

Apart from that, thermal fuse cut-off or blown can also cause the issue.

Below we have listed all the reasons which could cause a whirlpool dryer to not heat up.

Most Common Causes of a Whirlpool Dryer Not Heating Up

To start off, be ready with a few basic necessities that you will require to diagnose the dryer.

A screwdriver, multimeter to check continuity, adjustable wrench, a putty knife, and last but not least, the user guide that comes with the dryer.

The user guide will help you to locate the components inside the dryer and troubleshoot the problem.

The Heating Element has Burned Out

The heating element is the core component of any dryer. It’s what allows the dryer to create heat and dry your clothes.

The most common reason for a Whirlpool dryer not heating up is that the heating element has burned out.

This is an easy enough issue to fix, but it does require the services of a professional appliance tech.

As the heating element is the component that dries the clothes in your dryer, you want to make sure it’s working properly. If it isn’t, then all you’re doing is wasting electricity.

Even if you’ve got a faulty thermal fuse or your cycling thermostat is not switching the heating element on, the dryer will still be able to run.

However, it won’t be able to get hot enough to dry your clothes. So, it’s best to have the heating element tested and replaced if necessary.

How to Replace Heating Element in Whirlpool Dryer?

First things first, turn off the dryer and unplug it.

Access the back panel of the dryer by unscrewing the screws.
Locate the heating element using the user manual.
Next, remove the wires from the thermostat and then install the thermostat to the new heating element.

Position the new heating element in the machine and install it. Make sure to connect thermostat wires.
Tight the screws of the heating element.
Reassemble the dryer.

Test and check if it is heating up or not.

The Heating Element Assembly has Burned Out.

If the heating element is fine, then it could be the faulty heating element assembly that is causing the issue.

The heating element assembly is responsible for passing the warm air to the dryer’s drum.

If it goes bad, the heating element will generate heat, but the drum will not be able to make use of it.

To check and fix a heating element assembly, you need to use the multimeter for continuity, and if there is no continuity,

then you will have to get the assembly replaced at a local repair shop.

Thermal Fuse Cut-Off

All of the whirlpool dryers come with a thermal fuse cut-off function. It is a safety component that measures the dryer temperature,

and if it gets overheated, the thermal fuse will cut itself off, and the power will not pass through.

If the thermal fuse has been cut off during the last drying cycle, it is the one that is probably causing the issue.

While most of the thermal fuse cut-off resets after every restart, if it is damaged, it may not work as intended.

In this case, you need to replace the thermal fuse. In the next section, you can check out how to replace a thermal fuse in a whirlpool dryer.

Thermal Fuse has Blown

If restarting or resetting doesn’t fix your problem with the thermal fuse,

then it is very much possible that it has blown away and needs a complete replacement.

To replace a thermal fuse, you can buy a new one from any local store, and it would work fine.

How to Replace a Thermal Fuse in a Whirlpool dryer?

Turn off the dryer and remove the plug.

Take out the dryer’s vent.
Also, pull out the dryer’s back panel by unscrewing all the screws.
After removing the back panel, locate the thermal fuse with the help of the user guide. It will be located in the blower’s housing.

Next, you need to disconnect the 2 wire terminals and then unscrew the holding fuse.
Pull out the damaged fuse and replace it with a new one.
Follow the steps in reverse to assemble the dryer.

Test to see if the dryer is heating up or not.

Clogged Vent

The vent of the dryer is designed to push the hot air created by the dryer out of the machine.

However, if it gets clogged with lint, the dryer will still heat, but it will probably take a long time to dry out clothes.

Moreover, it is highly possible that the dryer’s internal components will get damaged if the vents are blocked.

Clogged vents will retract the hot air back into your dryer, causing it to overheat.

If your Whirlpool dryer isn’t heating up or it’s overheating, a clogged vent is a good place to start looking for the cause.

You can usually unplug the hose and remove any lint that’s been blocking the vent.

To prevent this issue in the future, you can also invest in a dryer lint trap. These are designed to keep lint from clogging the vent in the first place.

The dryer’s vents are easy to clean, so it is advisable to clean them regularly after a couple of dry cycles.

Dryer Overloaded

You may have overloaded if the dryer is not heating up or it is heating up but taking a long time to dry up the clothes.

Then it is possible that you have overloaded the dryer, due to which hot air cannot circulate around the clothes, leading to wet and damaged clothes.

If the clothes are coming out partially damp or wet, you need to check for overload by filling your dryer with fewer clothes.

Moreover, you should try to put even clothes inside the dryer. For instance, if you are drying a blanket with jeans, then it may not dry as intended.

Apart from that, you need to ensure that you are not filling the dryer drum 100% with clothes.

Instead, try to fill the drum with 75 to 80% to get the best results.

Defective Cycling Thermostat

The cycling thermostat is what controls when the heating element in your dryer switches on and off.

If your dryer isn’t switching the heating element on at all, or it’s shutting it off too soon, it’s possible the cycling thermostat is faulty.

To test this, you need to check the continuity of the part. Here is how you can test the cycling thermostat for continuity.

Unplug the dryer.
Open the rear panel and locate the cycling thermostat.
Take out the thermostat gently from the dryer.

Use the multimeter and set it to Rx1. Place it on both terminals of the thermostat.
The reading should be infinity or zero. If there is any other reading, then the cycling thermostat is faulty.

How to Replace Defective Cycling Thermostat in Whirlpool Dryer?

As you have already accessed the back panel and tested the thermostat, you need to disconnect the dryer’s vent first.

Then, remove all the wires connected to the thermostat.
Remove the holding screws of the thermostat and then replace the component with a new one.
Connect the wires and then mount them back in place.

Resemble the dryer and check if it’s working or not.

Power Supply Issue

If you’ve checked all of the above, and you’re still not able to get your dryer heating again, then it may be an issue with the power supply.

You can test for a power supply issue by plugging your dryer into a different outlet.

If it still won’t turn on, then it’s possible the issue is with your wiring rather than with your dryer.

However, if the dryer turns on but still not heating up, then it could be due to electricity fluctuation as the Whirlpool dryer needs 240 volts to operate.

You can use a voltage stabilizer to fix the power issue if it exists.

But if there is no power issue, then it could be happening because one of the two 120v AC legs of the dryer has tripped.

You will need to inspect the circuit breaker or the fuse box for possible problems.

A multimeter device can be used to test the fuse box or circuit breaker.

Also, test to see if the voltage is coming out properly from the power outlet.

To diagnose this issue, you’ll need to call an electrician. They’ll be able to test your wiring and make sure everything is up to code.

If not, they can repair the wiring appropriately because it is dangerous to fix the fuse box or circuit breaker by yourself.

Ignitor has Burned Out (for Gas Dryer only)

The ignitor is a piece of equipment responsible for igniting the gas inside your Whirlpool gas dryer. If the ignitor is broken, it can cause your dryer to not light at all.

How to Replace the Ignitor in a Whirlpool Gas Dryer?

Turn off and disconnect the power.
Take out the lint screen and then the screws around it.

Using a putty knife, release the spring clips on the top of your whirlpool dryer.
Then, rotate the top panel and flip it back.
Remove the door switch wire and then remove the top panel along the front panel screws.

Depending upon the model, the dryer may have a lower front panel that will also need to be removed.
Once you have removed the panel, you need to depress the idler pulley to release the belt tension.
Then, unthread the belt from the motor shaft and the pulley.

Lift out the drum using the belt and locate the ignitor on the burner tube.
Detach the wires and then unscrew the ignitor and take it out.
Install the new ignitor and then follow the steps in reverse to reassemble the dryer.

The flame Sensor Isn’t Working (for gas dryers only)

If the flame sensor inside your whirlpool dryer is not working, it will cause the Whirlpool dryer not to be heating up the issue.

If it goes bad, you need to test it for continuity. Using the user manual, locate the flame sensor and then check for continuity using a muti-meter.

How to Replace a Flame Sensor in Whirlpool Gas Dryer?

Disconnect the dryer from power and take out the link screen.

Use the putty knife and remove the top panel by rotating and lifting it up.
Then, remove the door switch wire and the top panel along with the front panel screws.
Once the entire panel is removed, you need to depress the idler pulley to release the belt tension.

Unthread the belt from the motor shaft and the pulley.
Then, use the belt to take out the drum.
Locate the flame sensor and then disconnect the wire from the flame sensor.

Remove the flame sensor and install a new one in the burner tube slot.
Follow the steps in reverse and reassemble the dryer.
Check if the whirlpool dryer not heating up issue still persists.

Malfunctioning Gas Valve Solenoid (for gas dryers only)

The gas valve is responsible for regulating the flow of gas inside your dryer.

If the gas valve is faulty, it can cause your dryer to not light at all.

If the gas valve is working as it should be, you’ll be able to hear the clicking sound it makes as it opens and closes.

If the gas valve is faulty, you can replace it with a new one. Before you replace it, though, it’s important to rule out other issues with your dryer first.

That’s because the gas valve is a simple part that rarely goes faulty by itself.

How to Replace a Faulty Gas Valve Solenoid in Whirlpool Gas Dryer?

First of all, disconnect the dryer from power and take out the lint screen along with the mounting screws.

Then, use a putty knife and remove the top panel of the dryer. Lift and rotate it to take it out.
Remove the door switch wires and then remove the top panel along with the front panel screws.
Once you get access inside the dryer, you need to depress the idler pulley and release the belt tension.

Then, unthread the belt from the idler pulley and also from the motor shaft.
Using the belt, lift out the drum from the machine.
Disconnect the wires from the gas valve solenoid coils.

Unthread the mounting screws and remove the old gas valve coils.
Replace them with new coils and follow the steps backwards to reassemble the dryer.
Test to see if it is heating up or not.

Main Control Board Problem

If the gas valve solenoid is working perfectly fine, then the Whirlpool dryer not heating up issue is taking place due to a faulty control board.

This is not very common that the main control board is defective and causing the issue.

In this case, you need to check all the other components, and if all the working fine, then the main control board is at all fault.

In this case, you need to call a professional technician for assistance, as the main control board is a component that you may not be able to replace.

Moreover, only whirlpool officials can provide you with the replacement unit.

Timer Issue

If you have tested out everything else and everything is working fine. Then it could be due to a faulty timer which is causing the issue.

However, it is a very rare case that a faulty timer would cause the whirlpool dryer to not heat up.

You need to use the multimeter and check for the continuity of the timer.

However, accessing the timer is not everyone’s cup of coffee, so you should call a technician, and in case you can’t diagnose the problem, they will fix it.

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Conclusion

If you’ve made it this far, then you know that there are many reasons why your Whirlpool dryer might not be heating up.

However, there’s also a good chance that your dryer will work again if you are able to fix it with the help of this comprehensive guide.

That being said, if you do find that your dryer isn’t heating up even though it should be, then don’t worry.

Using this guide, you can troubleshoot the problem and have your dryer heating again in no time.