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HomeRepair HelpWhirlpool Dryer RepairWhirlpool Dryer won't start Repair
My Whirlpool Dryer Won't Start
If your Whirlpool dryer won't start or the dryer is not turning on, start with the parts that most often fail and work down the list. The thermal fuse is the top culprit; it sits on the blower housing or at the heat source and blows when the dryer overheats, usually because the exhaust vent is restricted, so check and clean the vent before replacing the fuse. Next make sure the door is fully closed and nothing is blocking it, since an open or obstructed door will prevent the dryer from starting. If the dryer is not starting but you hear a hum, check the start switch and the blower wheel for an object jammed against it; a bad start switch or a stuck blower will cause a hum without startup. If there is no noise at all, test the door switch and the control board with a multimeter and verify voltage to the drive motor. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to pull up the exact replacement part and step-by-step instructions for your specific dryer.
01 - Whirlpool Dryer Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to protect the dryer from overheating. The fuse is located on the blower housing or at the dryer’s heat source such as the heating element on electric dryers or at the burner on gas models. The fuse should be closed for continuity meaning it has a continuous electrical path through it when good. If overheated the fuse will have no continuity meaning the electrical path is broken and the fuse has blown. A multimeter can be used to test it for continuity. Be aware that a blown thermal fuse is an indication of a restricted exhaust vent from the dryer to the outside. Always check t...
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Top Solution
02 - Door is not fully closed
Since the dryer will not start with the door open, confirm the door is fully closed and remove anything that is obstructing the door.
Top Solution
03 - Whirlpool Dryer Start Switch
To determine if the start switch is defective, attempt to start the dryer. If the dryer hums but does not start, the start switch is not at fault. If the dryer does not respond or make any noise, the start switch could be at fault. Use a multimeter to test the start switch for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it.
Highly Likely
04 - Whirlpool Dryer Door Switch
The door switch activates when the dryer door is closed. On most dryers, the door switch makes an audible clicking sound when it activates. To determine if the door switch is working, try starting your dryer and then listen for the “click.” If the door switch makes a clicking sound, it is probably not defective. If you don’t hear a click, use a multimeter to use the door switch for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it.
Common
05 - Whirlpool Dryer Control Board
A dryer's control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. If the board is defective, it may not allow the dryer to start. You can inspect the board for signs of damage or a shorted component. You can also use a multimeter to test for voltage reaching the drive motor after reviewing the dryer's wiring diagram.
Common
06 - Object stuck in blower wheel
If the dryer won’t start, an article of clothing may have gotten past the lint screen and is caught in the blower wheel. When this happens the drive motor will either hum but won’t start or will make a lot of noise when trying to start. The blower cover will need to be removed to check for obstructions. If the blower wheel is damaged it will need to be replaced.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
My dryer won't start. What should I check first?
My dryer hums but won't start. What's causing that?
How can I tell if the thermal fuse has blown and what does that mean?
The dryer does nothing when I press start. Could the control board be the problem?
How do I use my model number or a part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?
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