Why My Whirlpool Dryer Overheating [Solution]

If you own a Whirlpool dryer and it’s broken, the first thing you should do is stop using it before it gets even worse.

There are many different ways to repair a whirlpool dryer overheating issue.

The problem could be fixed simply by unblocking the clogged vents or a blown thermal fuse.

However, there can be certain other problems that are causing the Whirlpool Dryer overheating issues, like a faulty sensor or belt. It all depends on what exactly is broken.

The important thing here is that no matter what your specific issue is, there are general troubleshooting steps you can take to get your Whirlpool dryer working again.

Keeping reading for further details and our 8 easy ways to fix the whirlpool dryer overheating problem.

8 Common Reasons for Whirlpool Dryer Overheating and Their Solutions

Why My Whirlpool Dryer Overheating [Solution]

To start with the troubleshooting guide, you need to keep some things ready which will help you fix the Whirlpool dryer overheating problem.

The first basic tool you need is a screwdriver. Make sure to use a proper screwdriver that fits the dryer screws,

or else the screws will be ripped off, and it will become very difficult to open the dryer.

Next, you will need the Whirlpool dryer’s user manual, which will help you open the specific dryer model.

Moreover, you may require a wrench and a putty knife, depending upon the structure of the dryer, as it will help you to open the machine.

Clogged Vents

When you have a problem with your Whirlpool dryer overheating, the vents are the first thing you should examine as a standard procedure.

It is possible that your dryer will not be able to control the amount of heat that it generates if it is clogged. As a result, it could get too hot.

The lint trap and vent in your dryer need to be cleaned before you can move on to any other troubleshooting steps.

In order for your dryer to do its job properly, if the airflow is restricted due to a clogged vent, it will have to work much harder.

If your dryer’s vents are clogged, it will have to work significantly harder to complete its tasks since the airflow will be blocked.

If you have noticed that it takes longer for your clothes to dry, this could be a sign that the vent in your dryer is clogged.

You can also determine if you are having this issue by removing the lint trap and looking inside it.

If you notice a significant amount of lint, this is an indication that your vent is obstructed in some way. You will need to empty it and clean it up.

Restricted Air Flow

If the lint trap is clear and no other vents seem to be blocked, the problem may be caused by a blocked exhaust vent.

If the exhaust vent is blocked in any way, the airflow within the whirlpool dryer will be restricted, which will result in the dryer overheating.

If the exhaust vent is blocked, the heat generated by the dryer will not be able to escape, which will cause the appliance to overheat.

Additionally, there is a possibility that the dryer will not be able to generate sufficient heat to properly dry your clothes in some instances.

Because of this, it’s possible that your dryer will take a lot longer to dry your clothes.

It’s possible that you’ll also notice that your clothing is still wet. Your monthly electricity bills could go up as a result of this as well.

It is essential to examine the exhaust venting system of your dryer to ensure that it is not blocked in any manner.

Blown Thermal Fuse or Cycling Thermostat

In the scenario that the thermal fuse in your Whirlpool dryer blows, the dryer will immediately power off.

There are a few different potential reasons why anything like this may occur.

People tend to make the mistake of loading the dryer with more items than it can accommodate at once.

It’s possible that the dryer will overheat if you overload it with too much laundry.

In the case that this occurs, the thermal fuse will trip, which will disconnect the power to the dryer and prevent any further damage.

You can reset the thermal fuse in the dryer by unplugging it and allowing it to cool down for a period of half an hour.

After it has reached the desired temperature, the fuse can be changed, and the dryer can then be plugged back in.

If there is a clog in the dryer vent, you can also expect the thermal fuse to blow, which is another usual cause.

The dryer will be turned off because of the excess heat created by the clog, which will cause the thermal fuse to blow.

This issue can be solved by thoroughly cleaning out the lint trap as well as the vent.

Bad Heating Element

Heating elements can break down over time and with the overuse of the dryer.

If the heating element is broken of your Whirlpool dryer is, it’s likely that you’ll experience a wide range of problems, including overheating.

You may notice that your clothes don’t dry as quickly as they used to or that they’re still wet.

You may also smell a strange burning odour coming from your dryer. You can test your heating element by unplugging your dryer and testing for voltage.

If there’s power flowing through the heating element, it’s broken and needs to be replaced.

You can usually find the heating element behind the exhaust duct or at the bottom of the Whirlpool dryer.

You’ll have to remove the dryer’s outer housing to get access to it. Replacing the heating element is a fairly easy do-it-yourself project.

How to Replace Heating Element in Whirlpool dryer?

Before starting off, turn off the dryer and unplug it from the power outlet
Next, you need to access the back panel by unscrewing the mounted screws using a screwdriver.

Pull away the rear panel carefully.
Next, you need to disconnect the wires of the thermostat.
You are advised to photograph the wiring so that you can place it back in place during assembly.

Disconnect the wires and then detach the heating element from the heat tube and pull it down and away using a screwdriver.
Get the replacement heating element and install it. But before that, ensure you have transferred the thermostat to the new heating element.
To transfer the thermostat, you need to take off the thermostat from the old heating element and put it into the position of the new heating element.

Install the new heating element in the position and make sure it fits smoothly without any pressure. Also, ensure that the screw holes are properly aligned with the new heating element.
Tighten up the screws.
Now reassemble the dryer and tighten back all the screws.

Bad Heating Element Assembly

If your Whirlpool dryer’s heating element assembly is broken, the entire element must be replaced.

However, if it is partially shorted out, it may continue to produce heat which will result in the whirlpool dryer overheating.

If you want to analyze whether the heating element assembly is bad or not, there are two ways.

The first one is by using a multimeter to check for continuity, and the second one is by checking the current flow.

However, the multimeter method is much more effective and works in most cases.

You may also notice a burning odour coming from your dryer. You can test your heating element assembly by unplugging your dryer and checking for voltage.

If there’s power flowing through the heating element assembly, it’s broken and will need to be replaced.

You can usually find the heating element assembly near the back of the dryer.

You’ll have to remove the dryer’s outer housing to get access to it. Replacing the heating element assembly is a fairly simple thing if you have all the necessary tools.

Defective Thermostat

If there’s an issue with your Whirlpool dryer’s thermostat, it may not be able to regulate the heat properly.

This could cause your dryer to overheat. You may also smell a bad odour from the dryer if the thermostat is faulty.

Further, you may also notice that your clothes come out drier on the outside but still damp on the inside.

This could be a sign that your thermostat is broken and needs to be replaced.

You can test your thermostat for continuity by unplugging your dryer and using a multimeter.

You can usually find the thermostat behind the front panel of your dryer.

How to Replace a Defective Thermostat in a Whirlpool dryer?

Turn off and unplug the whirlpool dryer.
You will then need to take out the back panel using a screwdriver.
Locate the thermostat using the user manual.

Then, disconnect all the wires from the old high-limit thermostat and detach it from the heating element.
Now, disconnect the wires of the old thermal fuse as well, and also remove the mounting screws to get the fuse released.
Now, you need to install the new high-limit thermostat and the fuse.

Get the new thermostat and align it in position with the heating element along with the two screws.
Reconnect the wires of the top terminal to the thermostat and also connect the jumper wire to connect the thermostat with the heating element.
Now, you need to install the new thermal fuse, which is fairly simple.

Take the thermal fuse and position it in place along with the mounting screws.
Tighten the screws and reconnect the wires.
Place the back panel in place and connect the dryer with power.

Turn it on, and check to see if it is still overheating.

Damaged Felt Seal

If the felt seal around your Whirlpool dryer’s drum is damaged, it may not allow your dryer to regulate heat properly.

It could lead to overheating and even a shutdown of your Whirlpool dryer.

The felt seal is the component of the whirlpool dryer which create a seal between the door and the opening of the dryer, and if it gets damaged, the heat may not retain.

However, this issue alone doesn’t create the Whirlpool dryer overheating problem. But you need to ensure the felt seal is not worn out.

You can test for damage to your felt seal by unplugging your dryer and opening the door.

If you find out wear or tear signs on the rubber seal, you may need to replace it completely.

The felt seal is a fairly cheap part that is readily available at a local repair shop or hardware store.

Problem With The Blower Wheel

An issue with the blower wheel, which is not the least likely reason for the Whirlpool dryer overheating problem, can also be a factor.

Blower wheels and drive motors work together to draw air into dryer drums through the blower wheel.

If there is a problem with the blower wheel, the dryer will not be able to draw air into the drum, which will result in the dryer overheating.

There are a number of things that can go wrong with the blower wheel, including clumps of lint or socks,

as well as some small particles of dust or dirt, all of which have the potential to stop the functioning of the blower wheel.

In addition to this, the blower wheel will start to wear out over time, which will cause the motor shaft to wobble.

The problem with the whirlpool dryer overheating will occur regardless of whether the blower wheel is obstructed or not working properly.

In order to determine the nature of the problem, you will need to take apart the dryer vent and examine the movement of air.

It is recommended that you clean it and make the necessary adjustments to the airflow if it appears that the airflow is insufficient.

On the other hand, if there is nothing blocking the flow of air and it is coming out strong, then it is likely that the blower wheel is broken.

In this particular scenario, you will be required to totally replace the blower wheel. To have it replaced, you will need to get in touch with an experienced professional.

Conclusion

In short, fixing an overheating problem with a Whirlpool dryer can be done in a variety of different ways.

There are a great many alternative approaches to solving this problem, and the right one will depend on the root of the problem.

These are the standard troubleshooting methods you may do to get your dryer running again, and it doesn’t matter what the specific problem is that you’re having with it because that’s not the main thing here.

With any luck, you will be able to solve the problem of your Whirlpool dryer overheating by following the instructions in this detailed guide.

In the case that you are still experiencing issues with your dryer, it is highly recommended that you get assistance from a technician.