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Whirlpool Dryer has a burning smell

A burning smell from your Whirlpool dryer usually means something inside is overheating or rubbing where it should not. Start by checking the lint filter and venting for heavy lint build-up, the most common cause and a real fire hazard. If vents and the lint screen are clean, the next suspects are mechanical parts: a stretched, frayed or slipping drive belt or a worn blower belt can rub and emit a hot, burning odor, especially if the belt is slipping on the drum or blower. Worn idler pulleys or a seized idler assembly that fail to keep proper belt tension often cause the same slipping smell. Less common but still possible is a shorted main control board or scorched component producing an electrical burning smell—inspect the control board for burn marks. These checks will narrow the fault and whether you need a replacement belt, pulley, blower wheel or control board. Enter your dryer model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your machine and get the right parts and instructions for a safe repair.

01 - Whirlpool Dryer Lint Filter

Excessive lint build-up in the dryer can be a fire hazard. The element or burner can cause the lint to catch on fire. It is recommened to clean out the dryer and dryer venting at least once a year.

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02 - Whirlpool Dryer Drive Belt

A drive belt that is stretched, worn or frayed can slip producing a burning smell. If the belt is damaged also check that the drum and idler pulley turn freely.

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03 - Whirlpool Dryer Main Control Board

A dryer's main control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. The board itself can become shorted and produce a burning smell. You should inspect the board for any burn marks or a shorted components and replace if necessary.

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04 - Whirlpool Dryer Blower Belt

Some dryer models use a belt to run the blower. If the blower gets stuck or the blower belt is worn, loose and slipping, it can produce a burning smell. Confirm the blower turns freely and replace the belt if needed.

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05 - Whirlpool Dryer Idler Pulley

The idler pulley keeps tension on the belt to prevent it from slipping. If the idler wheel is damaged or stops turning, the belt can slip on the drive pulley, producing a burning smell. If your idler pulley is damaged or doesn't turn, you should replace it. Replacing the drive belt is also recommended.

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06 - Whirlpool Dryer Idler Assembly

The idler pulley assembly keeps tension on the belt to prevent it from slipping. If the idler wheel is damaged or stops turning, the belt can slip on the drive pulley, producing a burning smell. If your idler pulley assembly is damaged or doesn't turn, you should replace it. Replacing the drive belt is also recommended.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dryer smell like something is burning?

My dryer is overheating and smells like it's burning. What should I check?

Dryer making grinding noise and a burning smell when drum turns. Could it be the belt or pulley?

My dryer takes too long to dry and sometimes smells like it's burning. Are these related?

How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?

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