Whirlpool Dryer not working

[PropsterII]

Suddenly the electric clothes dryer is not working - when you press the start button nothing happens, no noise or anything. Checked the breaker for the outlet, that's good. I would think if it was a bearing or a belt or something I'd hear it attempt to go or groan or something. So I have to believe there is something else - is there an internal fuse on these? I haven't pulled it out away from the wall yet to be able to see the whole thing but leaning over the back I don't see an obvious spot for a fuse. If there is likely a fuse, where would I look and what type are they generally? And if not a fuse, what else do I check to see if I can get it going? Thanks

[Eric Wettschreck]

1. Even though you checked the breaker, check voltage at the recepticle also. I had a problem a few years ago with a faulty recepticle. Also, while unplugged, check cord connections.

2. There should be a switch on the door that "Proves closure" of the door. Ohm it out open and closed.

3. There could be a fuse. remove the back panel and look for one. On the back panel is where you'll also find the wiring diagram. This diagram will tell you fuse type/size and also where to find terminals for the door switch.

[Northlander]

Same thing happened to me and I put in a new door switch and all was good.

[JeremyCampbell]

I just had this happen a couple days ago too.I found out online that it can be one of ten things.I decided after checking the breakers and the voltage from the outlet, I would just buy a new one.I got one on the way to be delivered from Home Depo..

Sale price on a dryer for $318.00.

Delivery,Take away old unit, hook up, taxes.Roughly $360.00 Total

Maybe you will be successful and resolve the issue swiftly.

I took the lazy way out, I don't really have the time and patients for carp like this.Lol

[liebs]

Did you just visually check the breaker? I had the same thing happen to me. The breaker wasn't tripped so I assumed that it was some internal electrical issue. I have Service Pluse with Centerpoint and they sent someone out to check out the dryer. After opening the dryer, I asked him to check the outlet since I don't own a voltage meter. He said that I didn't have power to the outlet. So, either bad outlet or breaker. It ended up being a bad breaker that I replaced myself. I've got to get me a voltage meter and learn how to use it. Would have saved me a week of waiting for service.

[PropsterII]

Thanks Guys. I will check voltage at outlet first. How do I check for power at the door switch, or confirm closure I should say?

[givetoget]

As mentioned above, im leaning to the door switch. Had it happen to me.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Thanks Guys. I will check voltage at outlet first. How do I check for power at the door switch, or confirm closure I should say?

Use a multi-meter and set to ohms. When switch is closed there should be no resistance. When open there should be a whoppin butt load of resistance.

[Tom7227]

PropsterII

Please spend a little time learning how to use the volt/ohm meter before you start. Once you get the basics down it isn't all that complicated but it can be a bit on the risky side if you don't know what you're doing and just tear into things. For instance if you are checking for continuity with an ohm meter you can do that with the power turned off. I am all for DIY rather than just replacing something but when you start messing with 220 it can ruin your day if you don't know what you're doing.

[delcecchi]

If you are testing the door switch, be sure to unplug the drier first!

[PropsterII]

Great advice (unplugging)! I guess I am more wondering how/where to put the leads to rest the door - mine has a simple metal post with a little widening at the end, sticking out of the dryer, and opposite that post on the door is a slot where the post goes in and "latches" the door. So where do I hook up the leads, and how do I get at it when the door is closed?

[delcecchi]

I believe you have to open up the drier to access the wires on the switch. Instructions on how to do it usually can be found by searching the web. Typically there are a couple of hidden clips that hold the front of the top, and then some screws for the front.

[Eric Wettschreck]

It's possible you can trace the switch leads by removing the back panel.

[givetoget]

Like delcecchi said, you need to remove the top. Also there is a good chance you will find a manuel for electrical and other repairs taped to the inside of the top. Top removal is easy by removing a couple screws in the back at top I believe.

[delcecchi]

OK, watch this video. About 1 minute in you will see the connector for the door switch.

[PropsterII]

Wound up being a "thermal fuse", which my local hardware had for $17. Runs like a champ. Thanks for the help everyone.

[Finns]

Good news on repair.

And thanks for posting a finishing reply!

[Tom7227]

Wound up being a "thermal fuse", which my local hardware had for $17. Runs like a champ. Thanks for the help everyone.

I am curious. Did you test if and figure this out by yourself? No offense but you seem to be pretty new at this and I am wondering if you found it to be difficult. Sort of 'if you could do it anyone can?'

[PropsterII]

No offense taken Tom

I'm not unhandy, live out in the woods and fix a lot of my own stuff, but was completely inexperienced regarding a clothes dryer. I go on here a lot for you guys' advice. No one here mentioned this thermal fuse, which when I googled "dryer not working", they listed it as the number one reason. So I took the back off my unit, saw this white thing with two wires (blades) stuck on there. Of course my manual never mentioned it. Took it off, took it into town and asked the guy if he had one and told him my problem. He said yep and that the new fuse should do it. If not then it's probably your door switch, which many here suggested. He said that generally if it is clicking, your switch is still working, which mine was. So I bought this and he said before you open the package and can't return it, put those two wires together and see if it starts. It did, so I put the new fuse in and good to go. Funny thing is that the dryer worked better as well - in other words it dried quicker, on a lower setting, after putting this fuse in. Doesn't make complete sense but maybe that's why it's called a thermal fuse - it maybe was limiting heat output before it went to heck altogether.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Good to know you got her going and your stuff will now be april fresh.

I'm curious tho, and we may never know the answer, but why did the fuse blow in the first place? I ask as I fix things for a living. Somtimes (rare but happens) fuses get weak and blow. However, when I find a blown fuse I look for the reason why as the fuse is normally a symptom of a deeper problem.

Not trying to rain on your parade and hopefully this puppy will be drying the undies for years to come. Just a little curious if there was anything deeper is all.

[delcecchi]

#conspiracytheory Planned obsolescence. Fuse goes, some folks buy a new dryer rather than pay a $200 service call.

[highlife4me]

If the thermal fuse is blowing that is a good sign that the vent maybe getting plugged or the blower motor isn't circulating enough air to disapate the heat being built up in the dryer.

[PropsterII]

Good to know you got her going and your stuff will now be april fresh.

I'm curious tho, and we may never know the answer, but why did the fuse blow in the first place? I ask as I fix things for a living. Somtimes (rare but happens) fuses get weak and blow. However, when I find a blown fuse I look for the reason why as the fuse is normally a symptom of a deeper problem.

Not trying to rain on your parade and hopefully this puppy will be drying the undies for years to come. Just a little curious if there was anything deeper is all.

Could be what Del said, or the other thing I can think of besides age - unit has to be 15 years old, is that this spring a dang wren kept popping the cover open outside and trying to build a nest in the exhaust pipe. Every day we'd take a big wad out of there until she finally gave up. Then about 6 weeks ago I went to put a different cage on the outside so I had the pipe off, and lo and behold there was another wad of twigs and sticks further back in there. I wonder if that inhibited flow enough to eventually burn out the fuse later. And I guess we are lucky that it didn't start a fire, though there was no lint caught in there to help ignite the twigs.

[Eric Wettschreck]

a dang wren kept popping the cover open outside and trying to build a nest in the exhaust pipe. Every day we'd take a big wad out of there until she finally gave up. Then about 6 weeks ago I went to put a different cage on the outside so I had the pipe off, and lo and behold there was another wad of twigs and sticks further back in there.

That'll do it. Restriction in air flow causing heat build up, thermal fuse does it's job and pops, thus resulting in your house NOT burning down.

Good catch good fix. Glad things are runnin for ya.