How to Troubleshoot a Whirlpool Dryer That’s Not Starting

If your Whirlpool dryer is not starting, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. However, before calling a repair technician, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to try and resolve the issue yourself. By following these steps, you may be able to identify and fix the problem without the need for professional help.

Check the Power Supply: The first thing you should do is check that the dryer is properly plugged into a working power outlet. Ensure that the power cord is not damaged or frayed, and that the outlet itself is functioning correctly. You can test the outlet by plugging in another appliance or device to see if it powers on.

Reset the Circuit Breaker: If the dryer is plugged in and the power outlet is working, the next step is to check the circuit breaker. Sometimes, a tripped circuit breaker can cause the dryer to not start. Locate the circuit breaker panel in your home and look for any breakers that are in the “off” position. If you find one, switch it back on and try starting the dryer again.

Inspect the Door Switch: Another possible cause of a Whirlpool dryer not starting is a faulty door switch. The door switch is a safety feature that prevents the dryer from running when the door is open. Open the dryer door and locate the door switch, which is usually located near the top or bottom of the door opening. Press and release the switch to ensure it is functioning properly. If the switch is stuck or does not click when pressed, it may need to be replaced.

Check for Thermal Fuse Issues: The thermal fuse is a safety device that protects the dryer from overheating. If the thermal fuse is blown, the dryer will not start. To check for this issue, unplug the dryer and remove the back panel. Locate the thermal fuse, which is usually near the exhaust duct, and test it for continuity using a multimeter. If the thermal fuse does not have continuity, it will need to be replaced.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can hopefully identify and resolve the issue causing your Whirlpool dryer to not start. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to call a professional repair technician for further assistance.

Section 1: Power Supply

If your Whirlpool dryer is not starting, the first thing you should check is the power supply. Here are some steps to troubleshoot the power supply:

1. Make sure the dryer is plugged in securely to a working power outlet. Sometimes, the plug may become loose or disconnected, preventing the dryer from starting.
2. Check if there is power in the outlet by plugging in another device. If the device works, then the problem is likely with the dryer itself.
3. Inspect the power cord for any visible damage or frayed wires. If you notice any issues, it may be necessary to replace the power cord.
4. Look for any tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses in your home’s electrical panel. Reset the breaker or replace the fuse if necessary.
5. Consider testing the outlet with a multimeter to ensure it is providing the correct voltage. If the voltage is not within the proper range, you may need to contact an electrician to fix the wiring.

By checking and troubleshooting the power supply, you can determine if the issue lies with the dryer or the electrical system. If the dryer still does not start after following these steps, you may need to move on to other troubleshooting methods.

Check the Power Cord

If your Whirlpool dryer is not starting, the first thing you should check is the power cord. Make sure it is properly plugged into a working electrical outlet. Sometimes the cord can become loose or disconnected, preventing the dryer from receiving power.

Inspect the power cord for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires or burn marks. If you notice any issues, it is important to replace the power cord to ensure safe operation of the dryer.

Additionally, check if the circuit breaker or fuse for the dryer’s electrical outlet has been tripped or blown. Reset the breaker or replace the fuse if necessary. Faulty electrical connections can cause the dryer to not start.

It is also recommended to test the outlet with another appliance to verify if it is working properly. This will help determine if the issue lies with the power cord or the electrical outlet.

By checking the power cord and electrical connections, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue of a Whirlpool dryer not starting.

Test the Outlet

If your Whirlpool dryer is not starting, the first thing you should check is the outlet it is plugged into. Sometimes, the outlet may not be providing power, which can prevent the dryer from starting.

Here are the steps to test the outlet:

1. Unplug the dryer from the current outlet.
2. Plug a different appliance into the outlet to verify if it is working properly. If the appliance works, then the outlet is functioning correctly.
3. If the appliance does not work, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to see if the circuit has been tripped or the fuse has blown. Reset the circuit breaker or replace the fuse if necessary.
4. If the outlet and circuit are working properly, but the Whirlpool dryer is still not starting, you may need to call a professional technician to diagnose and repair the issue.

Testing the outlet is a simple and important step in troubleshooting a Whirlpool dryer that is not starting. It helps determine if the problem is with the outlet or the dryer itself, saving you time and potentially expensive repairs.

Reset the Circuit Breaker

If your Whirlpool dryer is not starting, one possible reason could be a tripped circuit breaker. The circuit breaker is a safety device that protects your home’s electrical system from overloads. When an overload occurs, such as when too many appliances are running at the same time, the circuit breaker trips and cuts off power to the affected circuit.

To check if the circuit breaker is the cause of your dryer not starting, follow these steps:

1. Locate the circuit breaker panel: The circuit breaker panel is usually located in the basement, utility room, or garage. It consists of a series of switches or circuit breakers labeled with the different areas or appliances they control.
2. Identify the dryer’s circuit breaker: Look for a switch labeled “dryer” or something similar. It may be in the “off” position or somewhere in between “off” and “on”.
3. Reset the circuit breaker: If the switch is in the “off” position or somewhere in between, flip it all the way to the “off” position and then back to the “on” position. This will reset the circuit breaker.

After resetting the circuit breaker, try starting your Whirlpool dryer again. If it still doesn’t start, there may be another issue causing the problem.

Note: If the circuit breaker trips again immediately after resetting it, there may be a more serious electrical problem that requires professional assistance. In this case, it’s best to contact a licensed electrician.

Section 2: Door Switch

If your Whirlpool dryer is not starting, one possible cause could be a faulty door switch. The door switch is a safety feature that prevents the dryer from running if the door is open. If the door switch is not functioning properly, the dryer will not start.

To troubleshoot the door switch, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the dryer door is fully closed. Sometimes the door may not be fully latched, which can prevent the switch from engaging.
2. Check the door switch for any visible signs of damage or wear. If the switch appears broken or worn out, it may need to be replaced.
3. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the door switch. Set the multimeter to the “ohms” setting and touch the probes to the terminals of the switch. If the multimeter does not show any continuity, the switch is likely faulty and needs to be replaced.
4. If the door switch tests positive for continuity, check the wiring connections to the switch. Loose or damaged wires can prevent the switch from functioning properly.

If you determine that the door switch is the cause of the problem, you can replace it yourself by following these steps:

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source to ensure your safety.
2. Open the dryer door and locate the door switch. It is usually located near the top of the door opening.
3. Disconnect the wiring harness from the switch by gently pulling it off.
4. Remove any screws or clips securing the switch to the dryer. Carefully remove the switch from its mounting location.
5. Install the new door switch by reversing the steps above. Make sure the wiring harness is securely connected and the switch is properly mounted.

If replacing the door switch does not solve the issue, there may be another problem with your Whirlpool dryer that requires further troubleshooting. It is recommended to consult the dryer’s user manual or contact a professional appliance repair technician for assistance.

Inspect the Door Switch

If your Whirlpool dryer is not starting, one of the first components to check is the door switch. The door switch is a safety feature that prevents the dryer from starting if the door is not properly closed. Here are the steps to inspect the door switch:

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source to ensure your safety.
2. Locate the door switch, which is usually located near the top of the dryer door opening.
3. Open and close the dryer door a few times to test if the switch is loose or not functioning properly. If the switch feels loose or does not click when the door is closed, it may need to be replaced.
4. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the door switch. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the terminals of the switch. If there is no continuity, the switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.
5. If the door switch is faulty, you can purchase a replacement switch from an appliance parts store. Make sure to disconnect the dryer from the power source before replacing the switch.
6. Once you have installed the new door switch, plug the dryer back in and test if it starts properly.

Inspecting the door switch is a simple troubleshooting step that can help you identify the cause of your Whirlpool dryer not starting. If the door switch is not the issue, there may be other components that need to be checked such as the thermal fuse, start switch, or timer.

Video:How to Troubleshoot a Whirlpool Dryer That’s Not Starting

Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Start – How to Diagnose, Troubleshoot & Fix

Kenmore Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Start – Easy Fix