Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Start? Simple Steps to Diagnose and Fix

You’ve sorted your laundry, loaded the dryer, and pressed the start button, only to be met with silence. It’s a frustrating hiccup in your day, leaving you with damp clothes and an appliance that seems unresponsive.

But don’t worry—there’s no need to call it quits on your dryer just yet. With a little troubleshooting, you can get your Whirlpool dryer back to work.

Common Causes of a Dryer Not Starting

When a dryer refuses to start, several issues could be at play. Identifying the root cause helps you target the problem effectively. Here are some common culprits:

• Power Supply Issues: A tripped circuit breaker, faulty power outlet, or loose plug can disrupt power to the dryer.
• Door Switch Problems: The dryer’s door switch must engage properly for the cycle to start. If it’s defective, the dryer will remain unresponsive.
• Thermal Fuse Failure: A blown thermal fuse can prevent the dryer from starting as a safety measure.
• Control Panel or Timer Malfunctions: Internal electronic issues, such as a faulty timer or control board, may disrupt operations.
• Broken Start Switch: The start switch might not trigger the cycle if it’s damaged or worn out.

Tools You’ll Need

• 1/4-inch nut driver
• 5/16-inch nut driver
• Putty knife
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Multimeter
• Torx 20-bit

Essential Safety Tips

Before you begin, follow these important safety guidelines to keep the process safe and smooth:

1. Power Off the Appliance: Unplug the dryer or turn off the circuit breaker to prevent electric shocks.
2. Allow Time to Cool: If the dryer was recently in use, let it cool down completely before starting any repairs.
3. Clear Your Workspace: Keep the area free of clutter, and make sure children and pets stay away while you work.
4. Work in Good Lighting: Proper lighting helps you clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
5. Dry Hands and Surfaces: Avoid working on electrical components with wet hands or in a damp area.
6. Consult the User Manual: Check for specific instructions or precautions related to your appliance.
7. Handle Parts Carefully: Use gentle pressure to avoid damaging components or injuring yourself.
8. Wear Protective Gear: Insulated work gloves and safety glasses can protect you from sharp edges, dust, or debris.
9. Avoid Exposed Wires: Use non-conductive tools or insulated gloves when dealing with electrical wires.
10. Multimeter Precautions: If you’re unfamiliar with testing live voltage, avoid doing so to prevent short circuits.
11. Prepare for Water Leaks: If the dryer connects to a water source, turn off the supply and have towels handy to catch residual water.

How to Troubleshoot an Electric Whirlpool Dryer That Is Not Starting

Step 1: Check Live Voltage

• Plug in and power on the dryer.
• Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the terminal block cover.
• Set the multimeter to voltage.
• Test the following connections:
  • Red wire to white wire: 120 Volts AC expected.
  • Black wire to white wire: 120 Volts AC expected.
  • Red wire to black wire: 240 Volts AC expected.
• If voltage readings are incorrect, inspect the house voltage, terminal block, or power cord. If readings are correct, move to the next step.

Step 2: Check the Thermal Fuse

• Turn off and unplug the dryer.
• Use a putty knife to release the clips holding the bottom panel and remove the panel.
• Locate the thermal fuse on the blower housing (two blue wires attached).
• Disconnect one blue wire.
• Set the multimeter to continuity and test the fuse.
  • Continuity present: Fuse is good.
  • No continuity: Replace the fuse and inspect for a blocked vent.

Step 3: Check the Door Switch

• Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the top panel.
• Locate the door switch on the right side and disconnect its connector.
• Set the multimeter to continuity and test the door switch:
  • Door closed: Continuity present.
  • No continuity or broken/missing tab: Replace the switch.

Step 4: Check the Push-to-Start Switch

• Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the rear console panel.
• Test the blue/black and solid blue connections with the multimeter for continuity while pressing the switch:
  • Continuity present: Switch is good.
  • No continuity: Replace the switch.

Step 5: Check the Timer

• Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the rear console cover.
• Locate the contacts marked BLK and BU.
• Set the dryer to a running position and test the contacts with a multimeter for continuity:
  • Continuity present: The Timer is functional.
  • No continuity: Replace the timer.

Step 6: Check the Belt Switch

• Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the console screws and remove the dryer top.
• Remove the front panel by disengaging clips, removing the door springs, lint screen, and screws.
• Locate the belt switch at the base of the idler pulley.
• Set the multimeter to continuity and pull the tension roller over by hand to activate the switch:
  • Continuity present: Switch is good.
  • No continuity: Replace the switch.

Step 7: Check the Drive Motor

• Reconnect the door switch and close the belt switch.
• Locate the motor and set the multimeter to voltage.
• Insert probes into motor switch terminals labeled 4M and 5M.
• Press the push-to-start switch and check for 120 Volts AC:
  • Voltage present and the motor doesn’t start: Replace the motor.
• Turn off and unplug the dryer when replacing the motor, and set the timer to a running position.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried basic troubleshooting and your dryer still won’t start, it may be time to seek professional help. Here are some scenarios when calling a technician makes sense:

• Complex Electrical Problems: Issues involving control boards, wiring, or other intricate components are best left to experts.
• Repeated Fuse Blowing: If the thermal fuse keeps blowing, there may be an underlying issue requiring professional attention.
• Unfamiliar with Repairs: If you’re unsure about handling any of the steps safely or correctly, a technician can resolve the problem efficiently.

A professional can diagnose and fix the issue without risking further damage to the appliance or compromising safety.

So, your Whirlpool dryer has been giving you the silent treatment? After following these steps, you’ve hopefully narrowed down the issue—or even fixed it! It might have been as simple as a loose power connection or something trickier like a faulty motor. Either way, knowing what’s under the hood can save you time, money, and frustration.

But if the troubleshooting steps still haven’t brought your dryer back to life, it’s okay to call in a pro. Sometimes, an appliance needs that extra expertise to get back in action.