12 Reasons Why Whirlpool Dryer Won't Start [Solved]

Your Whirlpool dryer won’t start? It’s a common problem with many possible causes. The good news is that it’s an uncomplicated repair job.

Generally, all whirlpool dryers use the same basic control board, making diagnosing and fixing the problem fairly straightforward.

Furthermore, most of the Whirlpool dryers also tend to malfunction in exactly the same ways again and again.

Here are some of the most frequent fixes for a Whirlpool dryer that won’t start, along with the solutions and tips to avoid these problems in the future. Let’s get started!

12 Most Common Reasons Why Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Start

There can be several reasons Why a whirlpool dryer won’t start. Before getting started with this troubleshooting guide,

you need to have the user manual ready. Furthermore, make sure you have basic tools like a screwdriver or a tool kit that will help you open the dryer.

Also, if you don’t know anything about the dryer, it is best to get your dryer repaired by a technician, or else you will break it for sure.

Apart from that, while you are repairing your dryer, you need to replace some components, so you need to find out the replacement unit,

which may be difficult, but usually, you can find them at a local repair shop or from online stores.

1. Dryer Not Receiving Power

The most basic cause of a Whirlpool dryer that won’t start is that the machine isn’t receiving power.

Make sure your Whirlpool dryer is properly plugged into the power outlet and the switch is turned on.

Further, you need to ensure that you have pressed the power button on the dryer.

The power outlet has some breakers or fuses, so you need to ensure that the power outlet is working fine.

You can check the power outlet by unplugging the dryer and plugging any other device into the outlet.

If the breaker has not tripped and the power fuse is not blown, then you can check the outlet for power with a plug-in appliance tester.

If no power is showing, you’ll need to hire an electrician to find the problem and fix it. If you find power at the outlet, the problem may be with the machine itself.

On top of that, if you are using an extension cord, there is a high chance that the problem is with the extension cord.

You need to make sure that the extension cord is transmitting power to the dryer.

2. Incorrect Dryer Settings

One of the most common causes of a Whirlpool dryer that won’t start is incorrect dryer settings.

If the dryer is receiving proper power, but it is not running as intended, then you need to make sure that you’ve set the machine for the type of load you’re putting in it: clothes, towels, sheets, etc.

Make sure you’ve selected the right heat setting for the type of load you’re drying.

If the settings are correct, and you’ve cleaned the lint filter, there’s a chance the machine has simply entered an error cycle.

Press the Cancel button to reset the dryer and try again. If it happens again, the machine may be faulty.

Different whirlpool dryers have different settings, and if you are not sure what settings you should use for the specific load, you can set the dryer to Automatic or Timed cycle.

Also, if you have mistakenly selected the Wrinkle Reduction option, the dryer won’t run.

3. Child Lock is On

Almost all of the Whirlpool dryers come with a child lock function to prevent unwanted starts and button presses.

Sometimes the child lock gets turned on unintentionally when you mistakenly press the buttons on the dryer, and this makes the dryer not run.

You need to make sure that the child lock is not on while using the dryer. Most of the modern Whirlpool dryer models have a child lock icon that glows when turned on,

and you need to disable it by pressing the Start button for 3 seconds.

Moreover, some old models of Whirlpool dryers require you to press a combination of buttons to disable the child lock, so you can check it in your user manual.

4. Tripped Circuit Breaker

When you use multiple large appliances at the same time, it is possible to trip the circuit breaker.

If the circuit breaker has tripped, the dryer won’t run.

To fix this issue, you need to inspect the circuit breaker, and you need to be sure that the fuses are tight and intact.

However, if they have tripped, you need to replace them. Furthermore, you can reset the breaker.

5. The Dryer Door is Not Latched

If the dryer door isn’t latched, the whirlpool dryer won’t turn on. Whenever you close the dryer’s door,

it always gives a click sound which confirms that the door has been properly latched.

You can test this by unplugging the machine and manually opening and closing the door.

If the door is not working after properly latching the door, then there is something wrong with the door switch,

and it will probably need a replacement. If you want to replace the door switch, then you can check out method no 7.

Pro Tip: If you want to avoid door latch malfunctions, you should prevent slamming the door while closing it.

You can gently shut the door, which will extend the life of the locks and door switch in your Whirlpool dryer.

6. Blown Thermal Fuse

A thermal fuse is one of the crucial components in your Whirlpool dryers that prevents the dryer from getting fires, as it can easily detect the overheating inside the drum.

Moreover, it is a crucial safety component, and if it stops working, the dryer won’t run.

Thankfully, a thermal fuse is a common component, and it is readily available in local repair shops.

Furthermore, it is very cheap, so you can easily replace it yourself.

How to Replace a Thermal Fuse in Whirlpool Dryer?

First of all, you need to identify that it is the thermal fuse that is preventing the dryer from starting.

You can use a multimeter to test the continuity of the thermal fuse.

While replacing a thermal fuse, you should always check the dryer’s vents, and if they are clogged, you need to clean them out before replacing the thermal fuse.

It is because the vents get clogged, due to which the dryer’s drum starts overheating, which leads to a blown thermal fuse.

Shut off your whirlpool dryer and unplug it.

Remove the back panel using a ¼ inch nut driver and set the panel aside.
Next, locate the thermal fuse using the user manual. You will be easily able to locate the thermal fuse as it gets exposed as soon as you take off the back panel.
Remove the thermal fuse using a ¼ inch nut drive and then pull the fuse off from the blower’s housing.

After that, install a new thermal fuse in place and secure it with the mounting screws. Connect the wires and then push them into the blower’s housing.
Reattach the dryer’s back panel and plug the dryer to test it out.

7. Defective Start Switch

If the dryer doesn’t start, the start switch may be faulty. The start switch is an electromechanical device that uses a solenoid, a switch, and a spring to control the start cycle.

If the dryer’s start switch is faulty, you’ll need to replace it.

Start switches are sold as a kit, with the solenoid and a variety of switches.

You’ll need to figure out which switch your dryer uses before you can buy a replacement.

Start switch problems are uncommon, but they are not difficult and expensive to repair.

You can turn on the dryer, and if the dryer doesn’t start, but it hums, then the start switch is working fine.

However, if the dryer doesn’t respond or make any sound, it could be the start switch that is defective. You can test the start switch using a multimeter for continuity.

How to Replace a Start/Door Switch in Whirlpool Dryer?

1. Turn off the whirlpool dryer and take out the power cord.
2. Detach the lint housing and remove the housing screws.
3. Open the dryer’s top panel by sliding a putty knife the under the lip of the dryer lid and then pry upward to loosen it.

4. Carefully lift the dryer’s top and keep it aside.
5. Then, remove the old door switch by disconnecting the electrical connector.
6. Remove the mounting screws and then lift out the old door switch.

7. Install a new door/start switch and connect the electrical connector.
8. Tighten the mounting screws and then close the panels.
9. Run a test cycle to see if the dryer is working or not.

8. Faulty Dryer Motor

If the dryer doesn’t start, the motor may be faulty. The motor is an electromechanical device, and it uses a set of coils to generate power.

If the dryer’s motor is faulty, you’ll need to replace it. Motors are sold as a kit, and they often come with the mounting brackets and screws you’ll need to install them.

Motors rarely go bad, but they are expensive and difficult to repair.

9. Defective Belt Switch

The belt switch is another vital component in any dryer. Some of the Whirlpool dryers come with a belt switch, while some don’t have a belt switch.

The belt switch is responsible for operating the motor, and if it breaks, the dryer will turn on, but the drum won’t rotate.

You can identify a broken belt switch by listening to any humming sound coming from the dryer.

If the humming sound comes, then the belt switch is not defective. You can also determine a faulty belt switch by using a multimeter for continuity.

How to Replace Belt Switch in Whirlpool Dryer?

Unplug the dryer.
Use a 5/16-inch socket, or you can also use a nut driver to unscrew the screws that hold the top panel.

Slide the top panel by lifting it up.
Then unscrew the control panel housing.
After that, you need to disconnect the control panel wire connector from the main control board.

Remove the door switch wire connector.
Install the new door switch and take out the old one.
Reconnect the door switch wire connector.

Resemble the dryer and test it to see if it is working or not.

10. Broken Drive Belt

A broken drive belt could cause your Whirlpool dryer to not run. The drive belt is responsible for transferring the power from the motor to the drum and the fan.

It is made up of rubber material and can eventually break over time and use. It can also break if it gets exposed to too much heat.

How to Replace a Broken Drive Belt in Whirlpool Dryer?

Turn off the dryer.
Take out the lint filter by using a 5/16th screwdriver.
Use a putty knife and open the top of the dryer.

Now, you need to remove the control panel wire connector and then remove the control panel.
Next, take out the main control board.
You will then have to take out the front panel of the dryer using a screwdriver. Make sure to disconnect the lid switch and also remove the wire connectors.

Then, you will see the drive belt, which you have to remove.
To remove the belt, you need to push the idler pulley, which is attached to the motor.
Take out the broken drive belt.

Install the new drive belt by pulling the idler pulley.
Resemble the dryer by following the steps in reverse.
Test to see if it is working or not.

11. Faulty Main Control Board

If the Whirlpool dryer doesn’t start after trying all the methods given above, the main board may be faulty.

The main board is an electromechanical device that uses microprocessors to receive inputs and send outputs. If the dryer’s main control board is faulty, you’ll need to replace it.

However, it is very uncommon for the main control board to be at fault, so make sure you have properly tested all the other components before checking the main control board.

How to Replace Main Control Board in Whirlpool Dryer?

Unplug the dryer.
Start by taking out the top panel using a putty knife.
Disconnect the control panel wire connector.

Use a screwdriver and unscrew the control panel housing.
Gently take out the control panel and keep it aside.
The main control board will then be exposed. Disconnect the wire connectors.

Use a screwdriver and then unscrew the main control board.
Take out the faulty control board and install a new control board in its place.
Now you need to connect the wire connectors to the main control board.

Then follow the steps in reverse and assemble the dryer.
Test to see if the dryer is working or not.

12. Timer Issue

The timer issue is very rare in Whirlpool dryers, and if you have tested out everything, then it is probably the dryer that is causing the issue.

Before replacing the dryer, make sure to check all the other components listed above.

You can check the timer using a multimeter, and if it doesn’t show continuity, then you need to get it repaired or replaced by a technician because the timer is a component that is not easy to find in offline stores.

How to Fix F3E2 Whirlpool Dryer Code [In 2 Minutes]

Conclusion

These are some of the most common causes of a Whirlpool dryer that won’t start.

If you’ve checked these and the dryer still isn’t working, it’s best to call a technician.

And as you troubleshoot the problem, remember: It’s always easier to prevent problems than to fix them.

Avoid lint buildup by using the machine’s lint filters, and make sure to clean the filters regularly.

Check the dryer’s settings before each use to make sure they’re correct for the type of load being dried. Hopefully, you will be able to fix your dryer with this guide.

12 Reasons Why Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Start [Solved]