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Before I bought my dryer, I took suggestions from my friends. They told me to go for a Whirlpool dryer and I bought one. Everything seemed fine until one day, I noticed my whirlpool dryer was not heating. I was so disturbed then. But I decided to take things into my hands. I tried different whirlpool dryer troubleshooting to solve the issue.
I researched and tried different fixes. Guess what? I succeeded. So I thought of writing an article about it so that I can help you guys. Now, you may ask why is the Whirlpool dryer not heating up at all? Whether you’re using a gas or electric dryer, the most common reasons behind the heating issue of your dryer are-
- Blown circuit breaker
- Cut-off fuse
- Bad heating element
- Defective thermostat
- Faulty igniter
- Clogged vent or lint screen
Hey! That’s not all. I’ve more causes on the list regarding the heating issue. And obviously, with the solutions. So without further ado, let’s jump in.
Why Doesn’t the Whirlpool Dryer Heat Up?
When your new Whirlpool dryer is not heating, it wastes a lot of energy, and your clothes don’t dry. Even the old dryer does the same. Here’s a list of problems that are responsible for the heating problem:
- Clogged lint screen
- Clogged vent
- Overload dryer
- Extremely wet clothes
- Faulty timer
- Faulty thermostat
- Blown circuit breaker
- Burnt out heating element
- Burnt igniter
- Faulty flame sensor
- Defective gas valve solenoid
So, you already know what’s preventing your dryer from heating. It’s time to fix the problem and know the details.
Required Tools For Whirlpool dryer troubleshooting
Before jumping into fixing, your first job is to read the Whirlpool dryer troubleshooting manual. If you start fixing blindly, you may make the situation even worse. That’s why you need to read the troubleshooting manual carefully. You’ll need the following tools for carrying out the troubleshooting:
The solution to Why Whirlpool Dryer Not Heating
In most cases, when people find out the dryer isn’t drying the clothes, they think the dryer isn’t heating up at all. But actually, this is what happens-
- Whirlpool dryer not heating all the time
- Whirlpool dryer not heating or shutting off
- Whirlpool dryer not heating on timed dry
- The dryer runs but is not heating up enough
- The dryer heats up but fails to dry the clothes
You can quickly get rid of the most common problems, and the procedures won’t be lengthy. The real problem appears when you see the malfunction of components.
1. Clogged Lint Screen
When your Whirlpool dryer not heating up enough, you should check the lint screen. The lint screen stores the lint and debris. When the lint screen fills up, it prevents the dryer from heating up properly. As a result, your clothes remain wet. Moreover, a full lint screen can lead to a severe fire hazard.
Step by Step Solution for Clogged Lint Screen
The overall process is so easy; just go through the following table:
| Step No. | Instructions |
| Step 1 | Pull out the lint screen |
| Step 2 | Clean the lint with your hands |
| Step 3 | For intensive cleaning, apply soap and warm water |
| Step 4 | Use a brush to clean the lint |
| Step 5 | When the lint screen dries, reinstall it in the dryer |
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2. Clogged Vent
When you figure out your dryer is running but doesn’t heat up, there might be technical issues like the thermostat not working correctly. I’ll get into that, but first, you should check the vent. Because when the vent is clogged, the dryer fails to produce heat properly.
Step by Step Solution for Clogged Vent
| Step No. | Instructions |
| Step 1 | Turn off the power or gas supply |
| Step 2 | Look for the twist, bent, crush in the vent pipe |
| Step 3 | Move the dryer away from the wall and remove the vent pipe |
| Step 4 | Clean the debris and lint from the vent pipe with a long extension vacuum or a brush |
| Step 5 | Move the dryer to its previous position and plug it on and enable the gas supply |
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3. Overload Dryer
Did you find out your dryer is heating, but the clothes are still wet? I think the primary cause behind this is you overload the dryer drum. Well, a dryer comes with a specific capacity. If you load the dryer with too many clothes, its maximum capacity may exceed. As a result, your dryer gets less space to circulate air, and the clothes don’t dry.
Solution for Overload Dryer
Actually, it’s not a problem at all. Just don’t fill the dryer with too many clothes. Leave 25% space free so that the air can circulate and the dryer can operate adequately.
4. Extremely Wet Clothes
When you put extremely wet clothes in the dryer, your dryer won’t spin properly. Your clothes won’t get dry. Because of the excess water draining from the clothes, your dryer might stop working in the middle of drying.
Solution for Extremely Wet Clothes
Don’t put highly wet clothes in the dryer. Yes, it’s as simple as that. Before inserting clothes into the dryer, keep them in the washing machine and run a spin cycle. Hopefully, you’ll get rid of the extra water.
5. Faulty Timer
It’s an unusual case when you find out your Whirlpool dryer not heating and the timer not working. The malfunction of the timer results in different consequences that vary from model to model. For instance,
- The dryer won’t proceed with the cycle
- The dryer keeps heating until it becomes too hot
- Not heating at all
To find out if your timer is gone wrong and solve the issue, you should go for the following steps:
Solution for Faulty Timer
| Step No. | Instructions |
| Step 1 | Disconnect the dryer from the power source or gas supply |
| Step 2 | Remove the timer control knob and get into the panel |
| Step 3 | Use a multimeter (set to ohm) to check the continuity |
| Step 4 | The infinity reading of the multimeter indicates that your timer is faulty. |
| Step 5 | Move the dryer so that you can get access to the back panel |
| Step 6 | Now unscrew and remove the back panel of your dryer using a ¼ inch nut driver |
| Step 7 | Remove the timer. Before removing the timer, don’t forget to take a photo of the wires attached to the dryer. You need the location of the cables when you reattach the cables. |
| Step 8 | Install the new timer, attach the screws and wires properly |
| Step 9 | Reassemble the back panel firmly |
| Step 10 | Reinstall the knob and move it back to its position |
| Step 11 | Reconnect the dryer to the electric or gas supply |
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- Includes test lead input icons for correct lead placement and a set of positive and negative electrical test leads
6. Faulty Thermostat
There are at least 2 thermostats in the whirlpool dryer. However, it varies from model to model. The two types of thermostats are-
- High limit thermostat (commonly known as a thermal fuse, we’ll use this term in further discussions)
- Cycling thermostat
Thermal Fuse (High Limit thermostat)
You’ll find the thermal fuse at the dryer’s heating source (on electric models) or blower housing (on gas models). Manufacturers use a thermal fuse to protect the dryer from overheating and catching fire. It’s a safety device. When the dryer’s temperature exceeds a certain level in the latest models, the thermal fuse cuts off, and the dryer doesn’t work.
On the other hand, the older model dryers operate but don’t produce heat. Whirlpool dryer thermostat reset depends on the model. However, when you think the thermal fuse is blown or tripped, you need to replace it. Here’s how to fix the issue:
Solution For Faulty Thermal Fuse
| Step No. | Instructions |
| Step 1 | Unplug the dryer |
| Step 2 | Disconnect the vent |
| Step 3 | Move the dryer from the wall so that you can get access to its back. |
| Step 4 | Read the manual to locate the correct position of the thermal fuse. Mostly you’ll find it on the rear panel |
| Step 5 | Now remove the mounting screws with a nut driver from the rear access panel |
| Step 6 | Locate the thermal fuse |
| Step 7 | Remove the screws and wires attaching to the fuse |
| Step 8 | Pull out the faulty thermal fuse |
| Step 9 | Install a new thermal fuse |
| Step 10 | Now reattach the wires and screws. |
| Step 11 | Reassemble the back panel |
| Step 12 | Move the dryer back to its position |
| Step 13 | Continue the power supply |
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- INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION--- A thermal fuse is a disposable item that must be replaced with a new one when it is blown once The thermostat can be changed in the following cases: no heat or insufficient heat; it takes too long to dry; it is turned off too quickly; it does not start; it is too hot; the timer does not advance.If you like DIY, it can bring you fun, and it is quite easy to replace the hot fuse.If you do not replace your own, your local appliance repair shop can do it for you!
Defective Cycling Thermostat
If the thermal fuse isn’t responsible, why is your Whirlpool front load dryer not heating? Probably it’s the cycling thermostat. The most important job of a cycling thermostat is to turn on and off the heating element. Also, it monitors the temperature of the blower housing.
When your front load Whirlpool dryer not heating, you can assume that the cycling thermostat might be defective. However, a defective cycling thermostat is a rare case behind the heating issue. You can check it through a multimeter.
Set the multimeter to ohm and check whether the meter shows an infinity reading, then there must be a problem. You need to replace it. Here’s the solution:
Solution For Defective Cycling Thermostat
Mostly the process is the same as replacing the thermal fuse. Still, I’m providing a quick step by step solution:
| Step No. | Instructions |
| Step 1 | Turn off the electricity or gas supply |
| Step 2 | Remove the vent |
| Step 3 | Move the dryer so that you can get access to its rear panel |
| Step 4 | Remove all the mounting screws from the back panel to get access |
| Step 5 | Now locate the cycling thermostat (usually you’ll find it beneath the thermal fuse) |
| Step 6 | Remove the cables attaching to the cycling thermostat |
| Step 7 | Now install the new cycling thermostat and reattach the cables |
| Step 8 | Reassemble the rear panel and connect the vent |
| Step 9 | Move the dryer back to its position and turn on the electricity or gas supply |
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7. Blown Circuit Breaker or Inadequate Power Supply
When the electric whirlpool dryer not heating, it might be because of the tripped circuit breaker. Most dryers need 2 circuit breakers (30 amp circuit on both sides of the line) to work efficiently. The job of circuit breakers is specific. One circuit breaker is for operating the dryer, and another one is for the heating element. If one circuit breaker blows, your dryer will receive 120 volts. It means the dryer will only be able to operate but can’t produce heat. Your dryer requires 240 volts for proper functioning.
Solution
Sometimes the circuit breaker gets turned off; turning it on can do the job. But if your circuit breaker is blown or tripped, you need to replace it. Before that, don’t forget to check the voltage with a multimeter. However, dealing with electric wires is extremely dangerous. I won’t suggest you do it on your own. Call an electrician to replace the circuit breaker. Still, if you want to do it, the risk is yours.
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8. Burnt out Heating Element
When your Cabrio whirlpool dryer not heating, a burnt-out or faulty heating element could be responsible for this. A heating element is a metal chamber that consists of a coil of wires. When electricity passes through it, the coils heat up. As a result, the hot air flows to the dryer drum, and your clothes become dry.
When the heating element becomes defective, it fails to generate heat. Anyway, before replacing the heating element, check for burnt wires in the coil. For further confirmation, you can check the heating element with a multimeter.
Solution For Burnt out Heating Element
If you’re sure it’s the faulty heating element, here’s the step by step process to replace it:
| Step No. | Instructions |
| Step 1 | Unplug the dryer |
| Step 2 | Remove the vent |
| Step 3 | Move the dryer so that you can get access to its back access panel |
| Step 4 | Remove all the screws holding the back panel with a nut driver |
| Step 5 | Locate the position of the heating element |
| Step 6 | Disconnect the wires connecting to the heating element |
| Step 7 | Remove the faulty heating element |
| Step 8 | Install the new heating element |
| Step 9 | Reconnect the wires |
| Step 10 | Reassemble the back panel |
| Step 11 | Reattach the vent |
| Step 12 | Move the dryer back to its position |
| Step 13 | Turn on the power supply and run a test to see whether the dryer is heating |
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9. Burnt Ignitor (For Gas Models)
The gas dryer needs an igniter to produce heat, and the heat ignites the gas. If your gas whirlpool dryer not heating, the igniter is the primary thing you should check. A failed igniter looks white or yellow and might be broken. Also, don’t forget to check the igniter with the multimeter. Now, check the following instructions to replace the igniter.
Solution For Burnt Ignitor
| Step No. | Instructions |
| Step 1 | Unplug the power cord and stop the gas supply |
| Step 2 | Remove the 2 screws that are holding the lint screen to the top panel |
| Step 3 | To release the spring clip, insert a putty knife under the lid (mostly left and right edges) |
| Step 4 | Lift the front of the control panel and turn it away from the dryer top (a few dryers contain a lower front access panel, in some cases, you need to remove that too) |
| Step 5 | Detach the door switch cables |
| Step 6 | Once you detach the control panel, take a picture or write down the arrangement of cables connecting to the motor and pulley |
| Step 7 | Push the pulley to the right to release the driver belt tension |
| Step 8 | Take out the drive belt from the pulley and motor shaft |
| Step 9 | Remove the drum from the dryer and keep it aside |
| Step 10 | Now you’ll find the igniter on the burner tube. |
| Step 11 | Remove the screws securing the igniter |
| Step 12 | Now install the new igniter in the same manner as the previous one. Don’t handle the new igniter with bare hands. Use gloves to prevent the igniter from failing early |
| Step 13 | Reinstall the drum |
| Step 14 | Reassemble the front panel |
| Step 15 | Turn on the power and gas supply |
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- ✫ Model Number 4391996 304970 3-4970 3-04970 WE4X750 101 101M Norton AP2042796 WE04X0750 2101 Starlite 56970 276846 4391996 dryer igniter for many clothes dryer and washer/dryer combo models from top brands such as Whirlpool, Admiral, Amana, Crosley, Estate, Inglis, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Magic Chef, Maytag, Jenn-Air, International, Roper, and Speed Queen
- ✫ May be needed to address issues with dryer failing to heat up during operation
10. Faulty Flame Sensor (For Gas Models)
You’ll find a flame sensor in your Whirlpool dryer. The flame sensor detects the heat that comes from the igniter or burner flame. It allows the gas valve to open. If you think the igniter lights up but the gas valve isn’t opening, probably it’s the flame sensor.
A faulty flame sensor stops the heat from reaching inside the dryer drum. It results in the whirlpool dryer not heating all the time. Unplug your dryer and check for continuity. If the reading shows infinity, your flame sensor has broken. You need to replace it.
Solution For Faulty Flame Sensor
To access the flame sensor, you need to remove the front access panel and dryer drum. Follow steps 1 to 11 that I mentioned above to replace the burnt igniter, and then you’ll get access to the flame sensor on the burner tube. Install a new flame sensor and reassemble the parts. Turn on the power and gas supply, that’s all.
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11. Defective Gas Valve Solenoid (For Gas Models)
In gas dryers, you’ll see two or more gas valve solenoids. The gas valve receives power from the igniter and flame sensor circuit. This enables the valve to open and allows heat to enter the burner. Then the gas ignites, and the dryer is heated. When your dryer’s gas valve solenoid gets defective, the dryer will fail to heat. To ensure the defect, first, check the igniter. If the igniter sparks and the flame vanishes immediately, your gas valve solenoid becomes faulty. You need to replace the gas valve solenoids to fix the heating issue.
Solution For Defective Gas Valve Solenoid
| Step No. | Instructions |
| Step 1 | Turn off the power and gas supply |
| Step 2 | Remove the lint screen |
| Step 3 | Remove the screws and raise the top panels |
| Step 4 | Remove the front panel and keep it aside |
| Step 5 | Now the gas valve solenoids are visible to you. Detach the wires and screws from the gas valve coils |
| Step 6 | Now install a new gas valve solenoid |
| Step 7 | Reassemble the top, front panel |
| Step 8 | Continue the power and gas supply |
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What causes a Whirlpool dryer not to heat up?
The common causes behind whirlpool dryers not heating up are:
1. Blown circuit breaker
2. Cut-off fuse
3. Bad heating element
4. Defective thermostat
5. Faulty igniter
2. How do you fix a Whirlpool dryer that is not heating?
Firstly identify the problem starting from the power supply. Then check different components with a multimeter to figure out which part is faulty.
3. Why is my dryer running but not heating?
When your dryer runs but doesn’t heat up, there might be several reasons. The common causes are a clogged vent, blown thermal fuse, faulty heating element, a defective thermostat, burnt igniter, etc.
4. How do I test my dryer for not heating?
Firstly check the power and gas supply line. Then look for clogs in the vents. Lastly, check the components with a multimeter.
5. How do I know if my thermal fuse is blown?
Use a multimeter to know whether your thermal fuse is blown. Set the multimeter to ohm. Place the test leads of the multimeter on the terminal points of the fuse. If the reading doesn’t show zero, the fuse is faulty or blown.
Conclusion
By now, you’ve already come to know why the whirlpool dryer not heating and how to fix that. I’ve tried to show every possible reason and troubleshoot. However, I wanted to help you by sharing my experience. Let me know what causes I missed. I’ll try to cover that.
Trust me; you can troubleshoot the heating problem on your own like me. Still, if you’re unsure or find it complicated, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Lastly, don’t forget to read the manual and follow safety precautions before performing any troubleshooting.
For now, I’m signing off. Adios!
