This how-to guide seeks to help you troubleshoot and fix minor dryer issues without having to wait for a professional to come to fix them for you. It also serves to help you learn how to use your Whirlpool dryer more efficiently. And to discover features that will make using it much more fun.
Whirlpool dryer troubleshooting noise: sources, causes, and fixes
Weird noises coming from your dryer can be worrisome. But in most cases, the solution may be easier than you think. Below are the leading causes of your dryer’s noises and how to fix them.
Worn out drive belt
The drive belt is responsible for turning the dryer drum, which helps to tumble dry your clothes. It is a long belt that wraps around the dryer drum, tension pulley and drive motor. If it is damaged or frayed, the drum dryer may wobble, causing it to be noisy. To fix this, you need to replace the drive belt. Check this too: How to Fix Kenmore Series 70 Washer Won’t Drain
Worn out drum roller
The drum rollers work in tandem with the drive belt to help turn the dryer drum. They are usually located at the back of the drum. But some dryers have additional rollers in front of the drum. If your drum’s rollers are worn out, the dryer drum may make a rumbling noise similar to a rolling drum due to the lack of proper support when turning. Replace the rollers if they are worn out. In some cases, all you need to do is clean them as well as the roller shaft. Once you have done this and the noise persists, then proceed to replace the drum rollers.
Worn out drum roller axle
This axle helps the drum roller to turn and may wear out over time due to friction. When this happens, the drum will rattle when turning, causing it to make a noise. To test if the roller axle and rollers are worn out, remove the drive belt and turn the drum manually. If the drum does not rotate freely or requires force, then the rollers and axle are worn out. Proceed to inspect them and replace the roller axle as needed.
Blower wheel
This helps to draw air from the dryer into the dryer vent. At times it gets clogged by lint, socks, or small clothing causing it to become blocked. This may result in muffled noises caused by the clogging. Additionally, the blower wheel may begin to wobble if the blower wheel sleeve is worn out. Check airflow strength coming out of the dryer vent to determine if the blower wheel is functioning correctly. Then check for obstructions and remove them. If the issue persists, replace the blower wheel.
Worn out drum bearing
When your drum bearings are worn out, the dryer will make squealing and grinding noises. Additionally, when you turn the drum manually, it will be difficult to turn. The drum bearings are responsible for supporting the fryer drum at the rear. Replace them if they are worn out.
Worn out Drum Slide, Glide, or Pad
The drum slides support the front of the dryer drum and are usually made of plastic. As the drum rotates, the drum slides may wear out, causing the dryer to make a noise as the drum rotates. Inspect them for wear and replaces them as needed.
Worn out Idler Assembly and Idler Pulley
Inspect the idler assembly and the pulley for wear and tear and replace them if needed. For best results, replace the drive belt as well, as they all work in tandem, and you may still need to replace the belt at a later day.
Worn out drive motor bearings
This should be your last stop after you have inspected all the other parts listed above and find they are all functioning okay. Fidgeting with your dryer’s motor can lead to significant malfunctioning, so be careful when inspecting and replacing the bearings if they are worn out.
Whirlpool dryer troubleshooting no heat
Malfunctioning thermal fuse
The thermal fuse protects your dryer from overheating. It is usually located at the dryer’s heat sauce. A blown fuse severs the electrical path causing the dryer not to heat up. Use a multimeter to check for current and replace the fuse if the electrical current is not being transmitted.
Defective Gas Valve Solenoid
This is responsible for opening the gas valve ports to allow gas to flow into the dryer’s gas burner. If it does not work correctly, then your dryer won’t heat up. Assess to see if it is working by lighting the igniter and checking for a flame. Lack of a flame means the gas is not being released. Replace both solenoids to prevent a similar malfunction in the future.
Broken igniter
Your gas dryer will not work if the igniter is not working as there will be no flame to fire up the dryer. As such, make sure the igniter is not malfunctioning or broken by using a multimeter to see if it is receiving an electric current. Then proceed to replace or fix it if it is broken.
Finicky flame sensor
The flame detector senses the heat emitted by the flame. If the flame sensor is not working, your dryer won’t heat up. First, check to see if the igniter and thermal fuse are working. Then use the multimeter to see if it is working. Replace it if the flame sensor does not have continuity. Solution
Worn out heating element
The heating element heats the air before it enters the dryer drum. If it is not working, then the dryer will not work. Check to see if the heating element is worn out using the multimeter and replace it if needed.
Poor electric input
Incoming power problems may cause the dryer to fail to heat up. Measure the voltage using the multimeter at the circuit breaker and the fuse. And proceed to fix the circuit breaker; in case it is the source of the problem.
Malfunctioning High Limit Thermostat
This thermostat monitor s dryer temperature and shuts it down if it overheats. While it a vital safety feature, it may prevent the dryer from starting if it is malfunctioning by shutting off the dryer even before it heats up. Test for continuity and replace it if it is broken.
Defective Cycling Thermostat
This thermostat cycles heat on and off to maintain the set temperature. If it is not functioning as it should be, the dryer will not heat up. Check for continuity and replace it if it is broken.
Defective motor control board
This qualifies as a last result troubleshoot exercise after you have inspected all the other components capable of affecting the dryer startup. Inspect all the components of the control board and replace any worn-out and defective parts.
A faulty timer
This issue is highly unlikely, but check to see if the dryer timer is okay if all else fails. It may be the reason your dryer is not starting. And replace it if it is not working.
How to reset a whirlpool dryer
If your dryer is not working or starting up or is showing an error code, sometimes it may be due to a basic software programming issue. All you have to do is reset it, and you will be good to go. Steps to reset your dryer;
Let your dryer cool down for roughly ten minutes, then push the reset button.The dryer should restart as soon as it finishes resetting if it does not have any motor or electrical issues.For a whirlpool tumble dryer, turn on the tumble dryer’s power.Then turn the program selector from off to the 6 o’clock position, pointing straight down.Push the “Start” button three times, then turn the program selector to the “one” position, which should be the CW or airing program.
What causes a whirlpool dryer not to start?
This could be a result of a defective motor or switches. Check for continuity before replacing the parts. Here are the main causes of the
Defective start switch
If the swath is not working, then the dryer will not startup. Check for continuity using the multimeter and replace it if it is damaged.
Defective door switch
This switch is responsible for activating the dryer when the dryer door is closed. If it cannot detect the door closure, it will not activate the dryer, causing it to fail to start up. It usually makes a clicking sound when it activates the dryer. If you do not hear a click sound when you close an eth dryer door, it is broken and replaced.
Defective belt switch
Some dryers have a switch that turns off the dryer if the drive belt is broken. Check to see if this is the issue and replace the drive belt.
Whirlpool dryer troubleshooting error codes and their meaning
Below is a list of the various errors codes you should expect to see on your Whirlpool dryer and what they mean;
Code for dryers from 2007
AF – Exhaust airflow restriction. Check to see if there is restricted airflow. Inspect the outlet thermistor and look for a crushed vent or lint clogging the vent system and proceed to clear them or repair the broken part.PF – Power failure. Press the Start button to continue the cycle or the Stop to clear the PF from the display. If the code reappears, check the pigtail (power cord) for damage or bad connections.F-01 – Main control failure. Unplug the dryer for 5 minutes, then apply power again.F-02 – User interface (UI) keypad failure. This can also be signaled by a constant beeping. Replace the keypad if you are unable to fix it.F-22 or F-23 – Exhaust thermistor failure. Inspect the thermistor, harness, and control board and repair or replace as needed.F-26 – Drive motor failure. Inspect the connector at the motor. And repair and replace as needed.F-28 or F-29 – Moisture sensor failure. Check the harness between the moisture sensor and the control. Assess damage and fix or replace.F-31 – Low L2 voltage.
Code for dryers from 2015
F1E1 – Stuck motor relay on the control.F1E3 – Wrong EOC installed. Double-check the model number before ordering your new board.F2E1 – Stuck button on the user interface.F2E4 – User interface software error. This is an internal board failure and can only be fixed by replacing it.F3E1 – Exhaust thermistor failure. Check the thermistor’s harness to the control by measuring the resistance across the terminals. It should be at least 10K ohms at room temperature.F3E2 – Moisture sensor failure. Inspect the harness between the moisture sensor and the control to see if the connectors have fallen off due to vibration or damage. Then re-assemble or replace as needed.F3E3 – Inlet thermistor failure. Check the harness at the thermistor and the thermistor itself. The reading should be at least 50K ohms at room temperature.F4E1 OR F4E2 – Heater relay failure. Check the harness between the board and the heater.F4E3 – Airflow restriction. Inspect the vent to see if there is blocked or restricted airflow. Then clean and repair the vent.F4E4 – Supply voltage error. Check the circuit breaker to see if it’s tripped and reset it. Then check the pigtail (power cord) on the back of the dryer and the connector. Call an electrician if you are not sure what’s the issue.F6E2 OR F6E3 – Communication failure. Cycle the power and restart the dryer.
Whirlpool dryer touch screen not working
First of all, check to see if the control lock is on, which may prevent the touch screen from working. This is because it is meant to avoid accidental manipulation when not intended. Unlock the screen and use it as usual. If this does not work, turn off the dryer, unplug it for at least one minute, and then turn it back on. Then check to see if the screen will start working.
Whirlpool dryer won’t start, just clicks.
This could be a result of an incomplete startup. Press the start button for at least 5 seconds to start the dryer. This is to enable the motor to engage fully; so that it starts up. Sometimes a single tap may not suffice. The dryer may also not respond to a light touch. Use your finger instead of using your nail to turn it on the control panel. Also, ensure the control panel is dry and your hands before trying to use the control panel. Check to see if the fuse and circuit breaker are okay and ensure that you closed the dryer door properly. You should also check t see if the control panel is locked before you try to turn it on. Lastly, make sure you select the correct cycle or setting before turning it on.
Why is my whirlpool dryer not drying?
Air Flow Problem
A clogged vent will prevent heat distribution, which will, in turn, increase drying. Clean your ducts regularly to ensure they are able to distribute hot air properly.
Heating element
A malfunctioning heating element will affect the dryer’s operation, mainly if it barely emits any heat. Use the multimeter to see if the heating element is defective and replace it. You should also check to see if it is assembled correctly.
Moisture sensor
If the moisture sensor is not detecting the clothes’ moisture level, then your dryer will not get the signal to dry them properly. Which in turn leads to improper or longer drying time. Replace the moisture sensor to reduce drying time if it is defective.
Thermistor
The thermistor helps the control board to regulate the dryer temperature and heat cycling. If it is defective, then the dryer will not be able to dry your clothes properly.
Whirlpool gas dryer thermal fuse location and replacement guide
The thermal fuse is located at the back of the dryer, right next to the bottom’s exhaust duct. It is usually circular or oval in shape covered in white plastic with a black center with two wire leads, making it easy to spot. You will have to remove the back access panel to gain access to the fuse. Detach the lead wires and remove the screws to dismount the fuse from the exhaust dust. Then replace with a similar model and reattach the wire leads. Ensure the replacement fuse matches the existing one and has the same temperature rating.
