Whirlpool Dryer Not Heating: Common Causes
If you have DIY know-how, you may not need to contact a technician if your Whirlpool dryer isn’t heating properly. The following are some possible causes of the problem and the parts you might need to fix it yourself.
Blocked Lint Screen – Restricted Air Flow
If your dryer is still heating but taking longer than usual to dry your laundry, it could be because of a dirty lint screen. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. All you need to do is clean the lint screen.
To prevent the issue from recurring, remove the lint from the lint screen after each use. This step also helps extend the life of your dryer, as lint buildup could limit airflow and put stress on the heating system. Heat is only half the story when it comes to drying clothes. Sufficient airflow is just as important as sufficient heat.
Whirlpool advises deep cleaning your dryer’s lint trap at least twice a year. Scrub either side of the lint screen with a wet nylon brunch and detergent. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry before you put it back into the dryer.
Blocked or Crushed Dryer Vent Duct – Restricted Air Flow
If your dryer is heating but not enough to completely dry clothes, a clogged or kinked dryer vent might be the cause.
Your dryer dries wet laundry by tumbling wet laundry through heated air. The heat evaporates the water, and your dryer uses a fan to expel it through a metal vent on the back. A hose or duct then vents the moist air out to the exterior of your home.
If the dryer duct is blocked or kinked, or if the tube has detached from the dryer, the moist air won’t be able to escape properly. As a result, your laundry ends up not fully dried.
Blown Circuit Breaker – Electric Dryers (less common malfunction)
Is your Whirlpool dryer turning but not heating?
If you have an electric model, one of the first things you should check when it stops heating is the circuit breaker in your home’s main circuit breaker box. Thunderstorms and random electrical surges can cause your circuit breaker to blow. This is not a common problem, but it does happen and it is easy to fix.
Many main circuit breaker boxes have two circuit breakers for the dryer. It is possible to blow only one of the two breakers. If one circuit breaker is blown or trips, the dryer may still turn on but not heat.
To fix this, reset the blown breaker. This is a quick and easy fix you can do yourself without getting your hands dirty.
Ignitor – Gas Dryers – (most common malfunction on gas dryers)
Is your gas Whirlpool dryer turning but not heating? The ignitor failing to glow and get hot is the most common malfunction. You can bring your ignitor to the nearest U-FIX-IT Appliance Parts store for free testing.
Gas dryers get their gas supply through a safety valve. If it’s closed, the dryer will run but won’t heat.
Check to see if the gas supply is turned off. The handle on the valve that controls the gas should line up with the pipe when it is open for gas to flow to the dryer..
If the gas supply is turned on or you’ve adjusted the handle to the correct position, but the dryer still won’t heat, the problem might lie in the ignition system.
Parts that could be the culprits include the flame sensor and the gas valve coils. To determine which one could be the cause of the problem, you can bring them to the nearest U-FIX-IT Appliance Parts store for free testing or your can follow these steps:
- Set the dryer to any setting that requires heat.
- Observe the gas burner and see if the igniter glows.
If it isn’t glowing, it could indicate a problem with the igniter itself and the thermal fuse. Before going further, unplug the dryer. A multimeter will come in handy here to see if the igniter is showing more resistance than 80-400 ohms or if it’s showing no continuity at all. If either is the case, the igniter might need to be replaced.
On the other hand, if the thermal fuse doesn’t show continuity, it might also need replacing.
If it’s glowing and stays on for at least five minutes, but the flame doesn’t start, this could mean that the flame sensor is bad. On the other hand, if it stays on for less than two minutes, the issue could be the gas valve solenoid coils. Shut the power to the dryer and use your multimeter to check for continuity. If it shows “No Continuity,” it’s likely time to replace them.
Faulty Heating Element (Electric Dryers)(common malfunction)
If the circuit breaker isn’t blown, the next step is to check the heating element. Fortunately, it’s easy to tell if it’s still working–A visual inspection usually does the trick. You can take the heating element to the nearest U-FIX-IT Appliance Parts store for FREE testing.
The heating element is typically located on the back of Whirlpool dryers or under the drum. Make sure to disconnect the power before you remove the back or front dryer to check the heating element.
Heating element coils look like door springs that have been stretched out. Look closely and check for breaks in the coils. If there is one, then the heating element is faulty. If there isn’t one, then the heating element is still good.
You can also use a multimeter to check the continuity of the heating element. “No continuity” indicates the coil is broken and needs to be replaced. However, even if the device shows a complete circuit, you’ll still need to perform a visual inspection. This is because broken coils may still touch when cool.
Blown Thermal Fuse (common malfunction)
What If the circuit breaker, heating coils and ignition system are working correctly? The no-heating issue could be down to a blown thermal fuse or thermostat on the dryer.
The thermal fuse is an anti-fire measure meant to function only once. If the dryer gets too hot, the thermal fuse will go off. This shuts down the dryer, and you won’t be able to use it again until you’ve replaced the thermal fuse.
The thermal fuse and thermostat are located on the heater element and the blower housing. If you need help finding the exact location of these parts in your dryer, contact us with your model number so we can guide you.
Unplug your dryer, then use a multimeter to check the fuses and thermostats for continuity after removing the wires. Alternatively, bring them to us, and U-FIX-IT will test them for free.
Faulty Control Board (less common malfunction)
If your dryer is running but doesn’t heat, then it could be due to an issue with its control board. This part controls all of the functions of the dryer, including heating. The heating element might not work properly if the control board is damaged or defective. In turn, the dryer may not heat.
The dryer’s error codes can help you diagnose the problem. If the control board or one of its components malfunctions, your Whirlpool dryer will display the error code F01 or F07. Call us with your error code or your user manual can be a good source for more information on control board error codes.
The Importance of Using Quality Parts in Whirlpool Dryer Repair
When repairing a Whirlpool dryer, it is crucial to use high-quality parts. Appliance repairs require precision and accuracy; even a minor fault defect could result in a substandard repair job. You might even end up having to redo the repairs if the parts themselves malfunction. What’s more, using low-quality parts could create safety hazards.
Additionally, quality replacement parts allow for faster reassembly because they’re explicitly configured for your dryer. You won’t waste time adjusting components because they don’t fit or align correctly. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about replacing the parts again in a few months or a year because they have incompatibility issues.
Shop Online for Dryer Replacement Parts for your Whirlpool Dryer
U-Fix-It is a trusted source of appliance replacement parts for Whirlpool appliances and other top brands, including Maytag, Samsung, GE, Frigidaire, and LG. We have a wide selection, and in the unlikely event we don’t have the parts you need in stock, we will be happy to special order them for you. We have it, or we’ll get it!
Our team of appliance repair experts is looking forward to helping you with your appliance repair project. In addition to appliance parts, we provide FREE diagnosis assistance over the phone and in our stores. FREE testing of parts you bring into the store. We aim to give you the peace of mind of knowing that you’re replacing the right part: No more and no less.
View some of our parts online, and place your order today or call for personalized attention! If you have questions or need advice with a repair, please feel free to get in touch. For additional information, see WHIRLPOOL DRYER NOT HEATING.
