While any appliance malfunction is an inconvenience, a dryer that won’t start can add hours to a laundry routine. Why is my Whirlpool dryer not starting? The door may not be completely closed, preventing the start of a cycle. Troubleshoot with these 5 common reasons your Whirlpool dryer won’t start.
Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Start? Check These Common Causes.
When your Whirlpool dryer won’t start, a part malfunction may require a professional repair. In other instances, a simple adjustment can resume function in minutes. Use these Whirlpool dryer troubleshooting tips to find the right solution to the problem.
1. Power Supply Issue
What if my Whirlpool dryer won’t start when I push the start button? Before considering a dryer malfunction, first make sure it has sufficient power. A variety of issues can cut off power to the dryer, preventing it from starting.
Here’s how to assess for power supply problems :
- Make sure the dryer is plugged in properly : Check the dryer’s electrical cord to make sure it’s free of damage and correctly plugged into a functioning outlet.
- Avoid extension cords : These cords can’t reliably transmit the voltage a dryer requires to operate, leading to surges that cut off power.
- Check for tripped breakers : Look for tripped breakers in your home’s circuit breaker box and reset them if needed. Electric dryers utilize two breakers while gas dryers use one.
2. Door Not Latched Shut
When closing the door, always give it a firm push to make sure it engages the door latch. As a safety precaution, the door latch signals the dryer to begin a drying cycle only when properly engaged.
If your Whirlpool dryer won’t start even if the door is closed or the door won’t close properly, the latch may be broken. If it doesn’t show visible damage, multimeter testing that reveals a lack of continuity means it failed electronically. A broken door latch requires replacement.
Pro Tip: To prevent door latch malfunctions, avoid slamming your dryer door when closing it. Shutting the door gently will help extend the life of the locking mechanism.
3. Need to Change Dryer Settings
Before starting the dryer, always check your cycle settings to make sure you’ve selected the right one for your wash load. Some settings, like the Wrinkle Reduction option, won’t start right away and only spin intermittently to reduce wrinkles. Other settings, like Control Lock, lock all dryer functions to prevent an accidental start. If the Control Lock light is illuminated, press and hold the Cycle Selection button for 3 seconds to disable it.
Also, keep in mind that a Whirlpool dryer doesn’t turn on unless you press and hold the Start button for 2-5 seconds. The Cycle Control knob must also be set on Automatic Dry or Timed Dry for the dryer to start immediately.
4. Whirlpool Dryer Thermal Fuse Failure
A failed thermal fuse is one of the most common part failures when your Whirlpool dryer won’t start. This fuse is a protective feature that blows if the dryer is in danger of overheating. If it fails multimeter testing with a lack of continuity, the fuse has blown and requires replacement for the dryer to resume function.
A vent obstruction is often responsible for a dryer overheating. If the thermal fuse blows, check the dryer vents for clogs that can restrict airflow. Most dryer maintenance tips suggest cleaning the vents annually to prevent blockages and overheating.
5. Defective Dryer Start Switch
When you push the Start button, it activates the start switch directly behind the control panel. Once activated, the start switch sends an electrical charge to the dryer motor to start powering a drying cycle. If the switch is defective, it won’t signal the motor and your Whirlpool dryer won’t start.
In most instances, a humming sound indicates that the start switch was activated. If there’s no audible humming noise, the start switch may be defective and should be replaced by a professional dryer repair service.
The team at Fix Appliance Repair can help when your dryer won’t start. Call us for all your laundry appliance needs!
