Whirlpool ultimate care ii dryer thermal fuse

A dryer that doesn’t start can leave your spirit just as dampened as your clothes. But a laundry setback doesn’t have to ruin the day or end in a complex repair. Common causes for a Whirlpool dryer not starting range from power issues to incorrect settings and some have simple fixes.

Whirlpool Dryer Not Starting? This Could Be the Problem

Whirlpool dryer troubleshooting can be frustrating if you don’t know where to start. Our list of the 6 most common reasons starts with simple causes that can rule out a repair.

#1. Dryer Not Getting Power

Sometimes a Whirlpool dryer not starting is more of a power issue than a dryer malfunction. To make sure your dryer is receiving adequate electricity here’s how to evaluate your incoming power:

• Make sure the dryer is correctly plugged into the proper electrical outlet.
• Check for tripped breakers or blown fuses. If needed, reset any tripped breakers and replace blown fuses.
• Avoid using an extension cord. Most extension cords can’t safely transmit the electricity required to power a dryer.

#2. Problem with Whirlpool Dryer Settings

If your Whirlpool dryer won’t start but has power, confirm that you’ve selected the right dryer settings. To start drying the dryer control knob should be set to the “Automatic” or “Timed” cycle. If the “Wrinkle Reduction” option on some models is selected, the dryer won’t start immediately.

Some dryers also have a “Control Lock” or “Child Lock” setting that locks the control panel to prevent the dryer from starting. To disable this setting, hold the “Start” button down for 3 seconds.

#3. Dryer Door Not Latching Shut

When attempting to start the dryer, make sure the door is properly closed. As a safety precaution, a Whirlpool dryer doesn’t turn on if the door isn’t closed and latched. Even if the door appears closed, gently push to make sure it’s latched. Confirm that all clothing is in the dryer and that trapped items aren’t preventing the door from closing correctly.

If the door won’t latch, it’s possible that the latching mechanism is broken and requires professional replacement.

#4. Blown Whirlpool Dryer Thermal Fuse

If there is a part malfunction when your dryer isn’t drying clothes a blown thermal fuse is often the cause. A dryer’s thermal fuse will trip to prevent the dryer from overheating, cutting power to the dryer. While a thermal fuse can malfunction over time, clogged dryer vents are a common trigger that blows the fuse.

When assessing for a blown thermal fuse, check your dryer vents, cleaning them of any visible debris. If multimeter testing of the thermal fuse reveals a lack of continuity, it needs to be replaced.

#5. Faulty Dryer Start Switch

Are you wondering why my Whirlpool dryer won’t start when I push the start button? It could be because the dryer start switch is faulty. If the dryer doesn’t make any noise or motion when pressing the start button it’s likely the start switch is the problem. If multimeter testing confirms a lack of power to the switch it requires replacement.

#6. Defective Whirlpool Dryer Motor

If the above parts are both working properly, it’s possible that a defective dryer motor is responsible for your Whirlpool dryer not starting. Before replacing the motor, first make sure there are no obstructions blocking the motor’s blower wheel.  If the wheel is unobstructed, it’s likely that the blower motor is defective and requires professional replacement.

If your Whirlpool dryer not starting continues to be a problem, it may be time for a professional dryer repair service. Call Oak Valley Appliance to schedule an appointment!

Tumbler Won't Spin

If the tumbler won't spin when it operates, unplug it and try to move the tumbler by hand. If it won't budge, then something is jammed. If it turns with no resistance at all, you may have a problem with your drive belt. If it turns with consistent, minor resistance then the problem may be electrical. Follow the instructions of your user's manual to remove the tumbler so the belt drive and motor are visible. Inspect the drive belt. If it hangs loose, it needs to be tightened. If it is frayed or has worked its way up the drive shaft, it should be replaced. Try to turn the driveshaft leading from the motor by hand. If it won't budge, then your motor is seized and needs to be replaced. If nothing is wrong with the belt or the motor, then the problem is in the control circuit. It may be damaged, preventing the motor from engaging.

Dryer Stopped Working Mid-Cycle

If the dryer stops working mid-cycle and will not respond to any of the control functions, unplug it, empty it of clothing and pull it away from the wall. Remove the service panel on the back and open it. Be mindful of smoke and the smell of burnt plastic; these are good indications that something carrying electricity has just died. This particular model of dryer is notorious for its electrical plug and power block, which should be the black box near the bottom in the back. If there are any signs of charring, melting, or discoloration, the power cord and block are your culprits. These can be replaced with a new power cord and terminal-connection wire kit obtained at any hardware store. If there is no indication of electrical damage, the problem is likely the control circuit set underneath the control board on the face of the dryer. Such boards can't be fixed, only replaced--a task best left to a certified repairman.

Dryer Won't Stop Running

Ultimate Car II Dryers are fitted with a mechanical timer that sends an impulse to the control circuit board to stop running once the set amount of drying time has elapsed. This is because, should an electronic timer fail, this would necessitate the replacement of the entire circuit board. Confirm that the mechanical timer is indeed broken by opening the dryer's door. If the dryer stops, the circuit board is working fine and is not the problem. Simply slide off the protective faceplate of the dryer, unscrew the control board beneath, and flip it over. Connected to the back of the timer's knob should be a small round device with two wires running to the circuit board within the body of the dryer. Unscrew this device from the back of the knob and disconnect the wires. A replacement timer costs a few dollars and should screw into place without trouble. Reconnect the wires and put the dryer back together. It should work fine now.

Are all Whirlpool dryer thermal fuses the same?