Whirlpool Dryer: not starting

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Whirlpool dryer not starting? You may be facing issues such as a locked control panel, a faulty door switch, or even a tripped breaker. This problem can prevent the dryer from initiating a cycle, leaving you with damp laundry. Understanding the common causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

  • Control Lock feature can prevent start

Possible Causes

Control Lock (Child Lock) enabled

How to Identify: Control Lock indicator light on display; Start button unresponsive until unlocked.

Part: Control panel lock feature

Door not fully latched / faulty door switch

How to Identify: Dryer won’t start with door seemingly closed or latch not clicking; continuity test fails on door switch. (Whirlpool

Part: Door switch assembly

Tripped breaker / power supply interruption

How to Identify: No lights or sounds; breaker in electrical panel is tripped; resetting breaker restores power. (Whirlpool

Part: Circuit breaker / mains power

Blown thermal fuse

How to Identify: Dryer completely dead (no start after overheating; continuity test shows no continuity. (家电零件专家

Part: Thermal fuse

Faulty start switch / start circuit

How to Identify: Press Start – no sound or motor spin; multimeter test shows no continuity through Start switch. (Appliance Mastery

Part: Start switch

Control board malfunction

How to Identify: No startup or erratic operation; other components tested good; visible board burn marks possible. (Whirlpool

Part: Main control board

Drive motor failure or mechanical obstruction

How to Identify: Humming sound without drum turning; motor fails continuity test.

Part: Drive motor / drum rollers

DIY Solutions

Unlock Controls and Proper Start Press

Easy 2 minutes
  1. Check if Control Lock / child lock is on and disable per manual.
  2. Press and hold Start button firmly for 2–5 seconds.
⚠️ Safety First: None beyond normal operation.

Check and Secure Door Latch/Switch

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter (for testing)
  1. Ensure door fully closes and latch clicks.
  2. Unplug dryer, access door switch assembly.
  3. Use multimeter to test continuity when door closed.
  4. Replace door switch if no continuity.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug dryer before opening panels.

Test and Replace Thermal Fuse

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter, Replacement thermal fuse
  1. Unplug dryer and access thermal fuse.
  2. Test for continuity with multimeter.
  3. Replace fuse if blown, then restore panels.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before repair.

Check Start Switch Continuity

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter, Replacement start switch
  1. Unplug dryer.
  2. Access and remove start switch.
  3. Test switch with multimeter for continuity.
  4. Replace switch if defective.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure unit is unplugged.

Professional Repairs

Replace Main Control Board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Drive Motor or Internal Mechanism Repair

Estimated Cost: $200 - $450

When to Call a Professional

Burning smell during start attempts
Multiple parts failing continuity or unidentifiable cause
Control board or motor suspected
Gas line issues with gas model

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Overheating that could blow fuses
    Frequency: after every use
  • Inspect exhaust vent annually: Overheat-related start issues
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Dryer not starting?
Common causes include control lock enabled, door not fully latched, or a tripped breaker.
How do I fix Whirlpool Dryer not starting myself?
Check for control lock, ensure the door is secure, and test the thermal fuse.
How much does it cost to fix not starting?
Professional repairs can range from $150 to $450 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not starting?
If basic troubleshooting fails or if you suspect a serious issue like control board failure.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Thermal fuse failure (2 mentions)
  • Door switch malfunction (2 mentions)
  • Selector switch issue (1 mentions)
  • Drive motor failure (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the drive motor W11209428 due to failed start winding.

    Success rate: 25.0%

  2. Check and replace thermal fuse or door switch.

    Success rate: 0.0%
Analysis based on 3 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Whirlpool Heat Pump Dryer not starting
  2. Whirlpool twin thin - dryer not working - thermal fuse, push...
  3. Whirlpool Dryer (wed5700vw0) Won't Start

Community Discussions

The dryer won't start, drum turns slightly and stops, makes screech noise when it works

Replace the drive motor W11209428 due to failed start winding.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!