Whirlpool Dryer Not Heating? A Comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide

A cold dryer after a cycle is a frustrating experience. If your Whirlpool dryer isn’t heating, you’re not alone. This common problem can stem from various causes, but thankfully, many are easily fixable at home with some basic troubleshooting. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most likely culprits and provide detailed steps to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue, saving you the cost of a potentially unnecessary service call.

Understanding How a Whirlpool Dryer Heats

Before we dive into troubleshooting, let’s briefly understand the heating mechanism in a Whirlpool dryer. Dryers, whether electric or gas, work by drawing air into the drum, heating it, and then circulating it through the clothes to evaporate moisture. The process involves several key components:

• Heating Element (Electric Dryers): This coil of wire heats up when electricity passes through it, generating the necessary heat for drying.
• Gas Burner Assembly (Gas Dryers): This assembly ignites natural gas or propane to produce heat.
• Thermal Fuse: A safety device that shuts down the heating element if the dryer overheats. It’s a one-time fuse; once it blows, it must be replaced.
• Cycling Thermostat: This thermostat regulates the temperature within the dryer, turning the heating element or burner on and off to maintain the desired heat level.
• High-Limit Thermostat: A safety thermostat that trips if the dryer exceeds a set temperature, preventing overheating and potential fires. It can often be reset.
• Igniter (Gas Dryers): This component is responsible for igniting the gas in gas dryers.
• Flame Sensor (Gas Dryers): Ensures there’s a flame present and keeps the gas valve open during a cycle.
• Timer/Electronic Control Board: Controls the entire drying cycle, including the heating process.

Common Reasons Why Your Whirlpool Dryer Is Not Heating

Let’s investigate the common reasons for a Whirlpool dryer failing to produce heat. We’ll start with the easiest fixes and then move to more complex ones:

1. The Dryer is Not Plugged In or Power Issues

This seems incredibly basic, but it’s the most common oversight. Ensure your dryer is properly plugged into a working electrical outlet.

• Check the power cord: Inspect the cord for any damage. Replace it if you find any fraying or exposed wires.
• Test the outlet: Use a different appliance to test the outlet to make sure it’s working. A simple lamp or phone charger will do.
• Check the circuit breaker: Go to your home’s circuit breaker panel. Look for the breaker controlling your dryer (usually a double breaker for 240V dryers) and ensure it hasn’t tripped. Flip it off and then back on to reset it.

2. Lint Buildup

Excessive lint buildup is a significant fire hazard and one of the most frequent culprits for dryer heating issues. Lint restricts airflow, causing the dryer to overheat and the thermal fuse to trip or the heating element to fail.

• Clean the lint trap: Empty the lint filter before every use. Don’t just brush it; also scrub it with soap and water every few months to remove residue and oils that can clog it. Make sure it is completely dry before returning it.
• Clean the lint duct and vent: Disconnect the dryer’s vent hose from the back of the machine and use a dryer vent brush kit (available at most hardware stores) to thoroughly clean out the duct, including the section going to the exterior vent of your home. This is crucial. A plugged vent will prevent heat and air to circulate properly. Do this at least twice per year, more if you do lots of laundry.
• Inspect and clean the vent hood outside: Make sure there is not blockage from birds nests, lint or other debris.

3. Thermal Fuse Issue

The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to shut down the dryer if it overheats. It’s a common point of failure when airflow is restricted or the dryer malfunctions.

• Locate the thermal fuse: It is usually located in the exhaust duct of the dryer. It often looks like a small white or gray cylinder with two wires connected to it. Consult your dryer’s user manual or online diagrams to find its exact location.
• Test the thermal fuse: Using a multimeter set to the ohms setting, remove both wires from the thermal fuse and place a probe on each terminal of the fuse. If the multimeter reading shows infinite resistance (OL or 1), the fuse is blown and needs replacement. If the multimeter shows close to zero resistance, the fuse is ok.
• Replace the thermal fuse: If the fuse is blown, purchase a new fuse that’s compatible with your Whirlpool model, and replace it.

4. Cycling Thermostat or High-Limit Thermostat Failure

The cycling thermostat regulates the temperature, while the high-limit thermostat acts as a safety backup. If either malfunctions, the dryer may not heat properly.

• Locate the thermostats: These are typically found near the heating element (electric) or burner (gas). Consult your dryer’s manual.
• Test with a multimeter: Similar to the thermal fuse, use a multimeter to test continuity. A functioning thermostat will show close to zero ohms when it is cold and when activated will interrupt the circuit.
• Replace if faulty: If a thermostat shows no continuity, it likely needs to be replaced.

5. Heating Element Issues (Electric Dryers)

For electric dryers, a faulty heating element is a very common issue. The coil within the heating element can break, preventing it from generating heat.

• Inspect the heating element: Carefully visually inspect the heating element. If the coil is broken or has a burned spot, it needs to be replaced.
• Test with a multimeter: Using your multimeter, check the heating element for continuity. There is a specific ohm rating it should have, this information can be found in your dryer’s manual. If the reading is too low or infinite (open circuit), the heating element needs to be replaced.
• Replace the heating element: Replacement is a fairly straightforward process, but make sure to unplug the dryer and discharge any stored energy in the capacitor before working on it. Take a photo with your phone of how the old one is installed so you can correctly install the new one.

6. Gas Valve Solenoid Problems (Gas Dryers)

Gas dryers use a solenoid valve to control the gas supply to the burner. If the solenoid malfunctions, the gas will not flow, and the dryer won’t heat.

• Listen for a click: When the dryer turns on, you should hear a click from the gas valve opening. If you don’t hear this click, the solenoid may be the problem.
• Test the solenoid: Using a multimeter, test the solenoid coil for continuity. If there is no continuity, the solenoid is likely bad and will need replacement.
• Replace the solenoid: Replacement of the gas valve solenoid should be done with care since you are working with gas lines, so it is strongly recommended that a professional handle this repair.

7. Igniter Problems (Gas Dryers)

Gas dryers rely on an igniter to ignite the gas. If the igniter is faulty, the burner won’t light.

• Observe the igniter: When you start the dryer, the igniter should glow orange for a few seconds. If it doesn’t glow, or glows poorly, it may be bad.
• Test the Igniter: Use your multimeter to test the igniter for continuity. If no continuity exists, then the igniter has failed and needs to be replaced.
• Replace the Igniter: Replace the faulty igniter carefully. Be careful as they are brittle and can be easily broken.

8. Flame Sensor Issues (Gas Dryers)

The flame sensor ensures the presence of a flame. If it malfunctions, the burner may shut off prematurely or fail to ignite.

• Test the flame sensor: Using a multimeter, test the flame sensor. It usually should show continuity when cold. Check the technical information for the reading you should expect on your specific dryer model.
• Replace the flame sensor: If there is no continuity or if the resistance reading is outside of specifications, replace the flame sensor.

9. Control Board/Timer Issues

The control board (electronic) or timer (mechanical) governs all the dryer’s functions, including heating. A faulty control board/timer can prevent the heating circuit from engaging.

• Inspect the board/timer: Look for any burnt spots, swollen capacitors, or other visible damage on the electronic control board.
• Consult a professional: Control board or timer issues are difficult to diagnose without advanced testing equipment and knowledge. If you suspect a problem with the control board or timer, it’s best to seek assistance from a qualified appliance repair technician.

Troubleshooting Steps – A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a systematic approach to troubleshooting your Whirlpool dryer’s heating problem:

1. Safety First: Unplug the dryer from the power outlet or turn off the circuit breaker. Never work on an appliance with the power on. If working on a gas dryer turn the gas supply off.
2. Check the Basics: Ensure the dryer is plugged in, the outlet works, and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
3. Clean the Lint Filter and Ducts: Thoroughly clean the lint filter, dryer duct, and exterior vent. This is important even if you do this regularly as some dryers require it more frequently.
4. Test the Thermal Fuse: Locate and test the thermal fuse with a multimeter. Replace it if it’s blown.
5. Test the Thermostats: Locate the cycling and high-limit thermostats and test them with a multimeter. Replace any faulty thermostat.
6. Inspect/Test Heating Element (Electric): Check the heating element for breaks and test its continuity. Replace a damaged element.
7. Test Gas Valve Solenoid (Gas): Listen for a click, and test the solenoid for continuity. Replace if necessary.
8. Check Igniter (Gas): Observe the igniter’s glow and test it with a multimeter. Replace if faulty.
9. Test Flame Sensor (Gas): Using a multimeter, check the flame sensor for continuity. Replace if faulty.
10. Consider Control Board/Timer: If all other components appear to be functioning correctly, you might have an issue with the electronic control board or timer. This is typically a job for a professional.
11. Reassemble and Test: Once you’ve made the necessary repairs, carefully reassemble the dryer, plug it in and test it. Observe the dryer for a full cycle.

Preventing Future Issues

To help prevent future heating problems with your Whirlpool dryer, consider the following:

• Regularly clean the lint filter: Empty the lint trap before every drying cycle.
• Clean the dryer ductwork and vent: Inspect and clean the vent and duct at least twice a year.
• Avoid overloading: Do not overcrowd the dryer with too many clothes, which restricts air flow.
• Keep the area around the dryer clear: Ensure there is adequate airflow around the dryer.

When to Call a Professional

While many dryer heating problems can be resolved with DIY repairs, some issues require professional attention. Call a qualified appliance repair technician if:

• You’re uncomfortable working with electrical components or gas lines.
• You’ve tested all the common components, and the dryer is still not heating.
• You suspect a problem with the control board or timer.
• You are not sure how to work with gas lines and gas valves.

Conclusion

A Whirlpool dryer that’s not heating is frustrating, but by methodically troubleshooting and carefully checking all the possible causes, you can often find and fix the problem. Regularly maintenance and adherence to good dryer habits is also very important to keep your appliance in proper working condition. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can save money and extend the lifespan of your dryer. Remember to always prioritize safety when working with electrical or gas appliances. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with any part of the repair, it’s always best to consult a professional.