If your Whirlpool dryer won’t start but has power, there are steps you can take to diagnose the issue and determine if repair or replacement is necessary. By following these instructions, you should be able to determine if a repair or replacement is necessary for your appliance.
Common reasons a dryer won’t start include power issues, an unresponsive motor, an issue with the door switch or thermal fuse. While some of these can be fixed easily by yourself, others require professional assistance.
Check the Power
If your Whirlpool dryer isn’t starting, it could be due to a power issue. In order for it to operate properly, it requires an even 240-volt supply; thus, make sure your wall outlet provides this amount of electricity.
This task requires no professional expertise; simply unplug your Whirlpool dryer from its power source and let it rest for a few minutes before plugging it back in. Finally, try to start up the dryer again.
If this doesn’t solve the issue, you may need to reset the main control. Rebooting your machine usually resolves this task and usually provides a fresh start.
Another possible explanation for why your Whirlpool dryer won’t start but has power is that one of its internal components is malfunctioning. These could include the thermal fuse, timer, motor, or control board.
The thermal fuse is a safety element that blows when temperatures in a dryer get too high. To check its integrity, use a multimeter to test each terminal on the fuse for continuity. If readings aren’t zero ohms, it’s likely that your thermal fuse has failed and needs replacement.
If the door switch on your Whirlpool dryer doesn’t appear to have continuity, it is likely that it won’t start. To try and diagnose the problem, push the start button a few times and see if that helps.
If none of these options solve your issue, it could be indicative of a more serious issue requiring professional assistance. If you don’t feel confident working on your whirlpool dryer yourself, call in an expert who can diagnose and resolve the problem for you. They also recommend the correct part for your appliance to ensure proper performance and avoid future issues. Furthermore, technicians provide estimates for their services as well.
Check the Door Switch
If your Whirlpool dryer won’t start but has power, you may need to check the door switch. This component ensures that your machine knows you have closed the door properly and are ready to begin using it again.
Magnets securely close the door. To check if your switch is worn out, gently push it. If it feels stuck or makes grinding or squeaking noises, then it likely needs replacing.
You can test the switch for continuity with a multimeter. Attach an optical measurement instrument (VOM) probe to each terminal of the switch and press its button; if it reads zero, your switch is good; otherwise, higher readings indicate a problem.
Another way to verify the door switch is by listening for a clicking sound. This sound should be audible and cannot be missed, so if you don’t hear any clicks then it’s likely time for replacement of your door switch.
One of the most frequent reasons your Whirlpool dryer won’t start is due to a blown thermal fuse. This fuse protects your appliance from overheating and shutting it down in case of power outage or other malfunction.
A blown fuse is typically the result of an electrical issue, but can sometimes be due to a simple power surge. If you experience any sudden stoppage in your dryer’s operation, be sure to turn off its electricity immediately in order to prevent any potential damage.
Once the electrical issue has been addressed, your next step should be to inspect all components that control your dryer’s start and motor. These include the start switch, door switch, belt drive motor timer and control board.
Once you’ve eliminated all other potential causes and your dryer still won’t start, appliance repair may be necessary. There are various methods to do this but make sure you contact a qualified professional for proper assistance. Oak Valley Appliance has experienced technicians available in Tehachapi, CA and surrounding areas who can troubleshoot the issue and perform necessary repairs.
Check the Motor Relay
A Whirlpool dryer that won’t start but has power may indicate a defective relay. Relays are ubiquitous in vehicles and work like switches, controlling various electrical components with an electromagnetic field caused by their coil of wire and armature that opens or closes contacts – enabling one circuit to control another.
Relays feature a heavy-duty frame that holds all of their parts. A coil of wire winds around a metal core, pulling contacts up or down with its hinged armature. A spring attached to this device returns the armature back to its original position when voltage is applied or removed from the coil terminals.
Each relay has multiple contact points known as breaks, which can be either single or double. These contacts may also be rated according to their current-carrying capacity; however, this rating may not always be visible on the relay itself.
To test the relay, apply an electrical current of 9-12V across its switch pins. This should cause an audible “click” as the electromagnet coil energizes and closes the switch.
Measure the resistance of a relay using a multimeter. It should read between 50-120 ohms, but anything higher may indicate damage to the electromagnet coil.
Once you have identified that the relay is defective, replace it with a new one. New relays can usually be found at most home improvement stores or online.
When replacing a relay, make sure the new model is compatible with your existing wiring. An incompatible relay could potentially overheat or damage other components in the circuit.
The next step is to inspect the drive belt of a Whirlpool dryer. This belt connects to the motor and helps spin the drum during each cycle. If it becomes worn or broken, the drive will not rotate and your dryer won’t start.
Some dryer models feature a belt switch that shuts off the entire machine when its drive belt breaks. Although this isn’t an uncommon issue, some models may experience it.
Check the Start Button
When your Whirlpool dryer won’t start but still has power, there are a few steps you can take to diagnose the issue. Make sure the dryer is plugged in correctly and there is enough electricity supply. If so, then the issue could be with either the outlet or cord connecting the washer to a wall socket.
Test the fuses and circuit breakers in your home to make sure they’re not tripping. If they have, you must reset them for your Whirlpool dryer to start up again.
If your Whirlpool dryer is having difficulty starting, test the start switch to see if it’s defective. Over time, this component can wear out, so if your machine won’t start, be sure to replace it immediately.
To test the switch for continuity, you’ll need to use a multimeter. If the readings come back as infinity, then it’s likely defective and should be replaced.
Alternately, you can check the door switch to see if it has continuity. If so, you can replace it as well.
Another option is to disable Control Lock, which locks the control panel, or Delayed Start function which delays starting the dryer. If these settings don’t solve your problems then it could be an issue with either start switch or belt that needs replacement.
The belt switch is a safety mechanism that disconnects power to your dryer if the belt fails. Therefore, it’s essential that the belt be installed and tensioned correctly in order to ensure maximum performance.
You could also try replacing the thermal fuse in your dryer. Most dryers have these, and they’re designed to prevent overheating.
If the thermal fuse in your Whirlpool dryer has blown, it is imperative that you replace it immediately to avoid overheating and prevent your machine from not starting properly. By doing this, you can continue using your old dryer without having to spend money on a brand-new one.
If you’re not sure how to fix the issue, hiring a professional appliance repair service is wise. They’ll be able to diagnose the issue and offer solutions without causing any unnecessary harm.
