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Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Work (Thermal Fuse/Timer/Knob/Keypad Problems)

Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Work (Thermal Fuse/Timer/Knob/Keypad Problems)

Dryers are considered to be some of Whirlpools’s best products. They are reliable, durable, and their design allows you to place them almost anywhere in your house. Yet, like any other electronics, they will eventually present problems. 

The thermal fuse is the main issue if your Whirlpool dryer is not working. This is caused by the ventilation systems but is not the only possible problem. Your timer might not be working properly, or your dryer might even be locked. You can avoid many problems with regular maintenance and cleaning. 

In this article, you’ll learn how to spot a problem in your dryer and how to fix it yourself. Keep reading to find more. 

Whirlpool Dryer Blowing Thermal Fuse

Whirlpool Dryer Blowing Thermal Fuse

Please visit the our updated Whirlpool Dryer Blowing Thermal Fuse article.

Causes

This will happen if your vent-air flow gets clogged or is restricted in any way. By blocking the airflow, the thermal fuse won’t be able to control its temperature. An overheated dryer will eventually stop working.

Check your air vent if you believe you are having problems with your thermal fuse. If your vent is clear, then the problem is the thermal fuse. 

Here is how you check if a thermal fuse is broken: 

  1. Disconnect your Whirlpool dryer and remove the back.
  2. With the back removed, you will be able to spot the thermal fuse (it is white and has two wires connected to it).
  3. Unplug the wires.
  4. Use your ohmmeter to see if there is any electrical resistance. We recommend the AstroAI Digital Multimeter
  5. If so, you need to change the thermal fuse.   

Remember: If the thermal fuse is broken, you will also need to fix what’s causing it before you replace the fuse. 

How to Fix

Now you know there is a problem with your thermal fuse. You can buy a new one online or in appliances parts stores. You might have luck with the DR Quality Parts 3392519 Dryer Thermal Fuse.  

  1. Disconnect the Whirlpool dryer.
  2. Remove the back.
  3. Next to the thermal fuse, you will see the air conduct.
  4. That air conduct needs to be removed and cleaned properly. 
  5. Once you have cleaned it, put it back, and secure it tightly.
  6. Once this is done, replace the thermal fuse with the new one. 

If you want to see how it is done, here is a video explaining the process of cleaning the air conduct next to the thermal fuse: 

There are ways to avoid this problem, mainly by giving the air conduct a regular clean. Also, make sure to clear the vent after every use. That way, you’ll be making sure that the air can flow without interruption. 

Whirlpool Dryer Timer Won’t Advance

Whirlpool Dryer Timer Won’t Advance

Causes

The timer is the device that tells your dryer when to stop working or even when to start. So, if your timer is not working properly, you might experience a dryer that won’t start or advance.

To properly check if the timer of your Whirlpool dryer is not working, you can follow these steps:

  1. Disconnect your dryer from the power source.
  2. Remove the control console. 
  3. Remove the timer. 
  4. Use your multimeter on the terminals of the timer. You should have continuity between 2000 and 3000 ohms. 
  5. If it is outside of this range, then you need to replace your timer. 

Note: Timers are usually long-lasting devices, and they do not malfunction often. So, before removing your timer, check that it is broken first. 

How to Fix

Once you have purchased a new timer for your Whirlpool dryer, you will need to replace the previous one. This can be done in a couple of steps, and it is usually an easy task. Here is what you should do: 

  1. Once again, always disconnect the electronics before performing any task on it.
  2. Locate the broken timer (usually at the back of the control console panel).
  3. Remove the timer’s knob from the timer’s shaft. 
  4. Remove the screws. 
  5. Replace the broken timer with the new one and secure it tightly. 
  6. Reassemble your dryer and plug it. 

If you find it difficult to do it without seeing how it is done, here is a video that can help you:

Tip: If you need to replace a timer, then we suggest you only replace the motor itself and not the entire timer. Motors are a lot cheaper, and they are usually the source of the problem. 

Whirlpool Dryer Timer Doesn’t Stop

Whirlpool Dryer Timer Doesn’t Stop

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Causes 

If your Whirlpool dryer won’t stop, several issues could be causing it. The most common one is the ventilation. Always check that the ventilation is working properly. Check the air conducts, the vent, and the thermal fuse. 

If you have checked everything and cannot find a problem, then the only thing to do is check the timer. 

You can follow the steps in the previous section to check if your timer is working properly. 

When a timer is not working, there are few things to do. But if you do not want to replace it, then what you can do is to check the contacts inside the timer’s motor. If the contacts are corroded, you will only need to clean them and see if the problem is fixed. 

For this, you will need an emery board to polish the contacts and remove the corrosion. We recommend the Revlon Compact Emery Board

How to Fix

If you want to polish the contacts, you can follow these steps: 

  1. Disconnect the dryer.
  2. Remove the timer by following the steps in the previous section.
  3. Take the timer and open it to see the motor. For this, you only need to take off the screws and open it. 
  4. Once you have opened the timer, you will be able to see the contacts (they are made of copper).
  5. Polish the contacts using the emery board. This process can take up to 30 minutes.
  6. Once done, place the timer back on the dryer.
  7. Make sure you have put everything back to where it belongs.

If you want a more detailed and visual guide, you can watch this video:

Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Unlock

Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Unlock

Causes

Whirlpool dryers have a control lock feature. This feature allows you to lock the control panel so that it cannot be used once you have started a cycle. It is meant to prevent children from playing with the buttons and damaging the dryer. 

Your dryer won’t work until you have turned off the locked option. 

How to Fix

To unlock it, you have two options: reset your dryer or push on the lock button for a certain amount of time. 

Here is how to reset your dryer:  

  1. Unplug it for about five minutes. 
  2. Connect it again, and you’ll see the red light locked in green again. 

Here is how to unlock it with the buttons:

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on November 22, 2020.

  1. To unlock your dryer, you only need to press on the Lock/Unlock button for 3 seconds until you hear a double beep. 
  2. This will turn the dryer into the lock mode.
  3. Repeat the process to unlock it. You should notice the red light of the lock mode turning green. 

If this is not working, you should consult a specialist. 

Final Thoughts

Whirlpool dryers are reliable appliances, but they might give you some problems along the way. Most of the problems can be avoided by paying attention to the maintenance guide of your dryer. 

Always clean the air ducts and vents, and make sure no one is playing with the buttons. Before performing any maintenance, always make sure that your dryer is disconnected from the power source. By doing this, you’ll ensure your Whirlpool dryer will work for many years.

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