Dryers are more likely to run into problems than a washing machine. This is because of the additional moveable parts within a dryer, not to mention that they use more energy and run at higher temperatures. Heat and electricity are a combination for problems, which is why you’ll likely find yourself repairing your whirlpool dryer more frequently than the washing machine. You need to know whirlpool dryer repair basics so you can determine if you should perform the repair yourself, or call in a professional.
Quick Navigation
DIY Vs. Whirlpool Dryer Repair Profesional
Identify the Problem
There are a number of problems you’ll need to look out for in your Whirlpool dryer, or any dryer. The exact problem is typically easy to identify as the dryer only performs a number of specific jobs. When that job doesn’t happen, you know what the problem is. The more difficult issue is finding out what’s causing it and then figuring out how to fix it.
Dryer Doesn’t Start
This issue is self explanatory. The dryer doesn’t turn on or start at all. It just sits there as if it died.
Stopped Spinning
In this instance, you’re able to put clothes in the dryer, the dryer makes all the right sounds when you select the desired settings, but then the dryer just stops spinning in the middle of the cycle. The heat may still be on, but it isn’t turning as it should. There are specific causes behind this issue.
Dryer Is Overheating
If your clothes are coming out burned or if the dryer is hot to the touch, this is another issue you need to take care of. An overheating dryer becomes a fire hazard and puts the rest of your home in harm’s way.
Determine the Cause
Spotting the problem during the Whirlpool dryer repair isn’t difficult. You will know the problem just about instantly. The more difficult issue is determining what is causing the problem and what you can (or should) do about it.
Dryer Doesn’t Start
It is important to understand when performing Whirlpool dryer repair that the individual model types from the company may function slightly differently, so panels might be in different places on different dryers. Just keep this in mind when performing all of these troubleshooting steps.
If the dryer it isn’t starting up at all, first check the power connection. It’s unlikely the dryer pulled the power cord out on its own, unless you put in a heavy, uneven load (such as a rug or pillows) and it caused the dryer to shift away from the wall.
If it isn’t the wall, check the thermal fuse. This is designed to prevent the dryer from overheating. It is located in the blower housing or around the heat source (near the heating element). If the fuse is damaged, broken, or blown out, you need to replace it.
Does the dryer make any noise, but just isn’t starting? If it hums but won’t start there is another potential issue; but if it doesn’t make any noise at all, it may be the start switch. You must use a multimeter tester to check the switch for continuity. If there is no electrical continuity, the fault is with the switch and you need to replace it.
Check the door switch. The door needs to be closed for the dryer to run. If the door doesn’t “click” shut it means the switch is likely bad. Again, use a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no reading, change the door switch.
Stopped Spinning
If you have a problem with your dryer and it isn’t spinning, but is still heating up, the issue is likely with the drive belt. As time goes by the belt will wear down and may eventually fall off (similar to the belts on your car engine). If the belt has pulled off or is broken, you need to replace it. To check, turn the dryer by hand. If it spins easily, the belt is broken.
If the dryer doesn’t spin easily, it means a drum might be worn out. The drums support the turn of the dryer. You must open the dryer up and take off the belt. If the drum doesn’t rotate easily without the belt, look over the drums. You’ll spot the drums that are damaged and no longer able to roll.
If all the drums look good, inspect the axels under the drums. These are used to prop up the drums and prevent them banging into the dryer wall. If the axels are cracked and damaged, the issue is with the axel and you need to replace this part.
Dryer Is Overheating
When a dryer runs, there is a heating element within the device that heats the air. If the heating element has partially shorted out, it will continually create heat, which the dryer will recognize as a danger. The dryer will then turn itself off. Use a multimeter to test the terminals for continuity. If the element doesn’t have continuity, it means it has shorted out and you need to replace it.
If everything checks out, test the heating element for continuity. If this doesn’t have any, it is dead and you need to replace it. You should also check to see if the vent leading from the rear of the dryer is clogged or not. If it is clogged with debris and lint it is preventing the outflow of heat from the drier, forcing it to remain put. You need to disconnect the vent from the rear of the dryer and check. You should do this every few months just to make sure lint doesn’t collect in the first place (it is a major fire hazard if lint remains).
DIY Vs. Whirlpool Dryer Repair Profesional
There are substantial benefits to using a professional, but it can be equally beneficial to learn to do things yourself. It ultimately comes down to what you’re more comfortable with and whether you believe you’re able to perform the Whirlpool dryer repair on your own.
Using a Professional
For starters, with a Whirlpool dryer repair professional you know your job will be done correctly the first time. This you can’t say with complete certainty when performing the Whirlpool dryer repair on your own. Plus, if you bring in a professional they will be able to identify other potential issues ahead of time, before the issues turn into major problems. This is another benefit to using the professional.
They may look over the issues, the age of your dryer, and the current state of the equipment and tell you it’ll be less expensive in the long run to install a brand new dryer. It is possible that, in the end, a Whirlpool dryer repair professional might cost less than trying to perform the repair on your own.
DIY Repair
On the other hand, it can be especially rewarding to perform the repair on your own. You may look over the dryer and know what the issue is using these troubleshooting steps. If you accurately identify the problem, purchase the replacement part (when needed), and perform the repair on your own, you’ll save money and you’ll likely save time.
The cost to bring out a Whirlpool dryer repair professional can increase the total repair sum by several hundred dollars. You will also need to adjust your schedule to meet that of the repair technician. You will need to be around for the technician when they arrive at your home. If they have the part, they can perform the repair the issue right on the spot. If, however, they don’t have the replacement part, you must avoid using the appliance for potentially weeks as the technician finds time for the part to arrive and a way to fit you back into their schedule.
Outside of saving time and money, you will learn more about your appliance. It’s always a good idea to understand your appliance, how it functions and what causes it to run into trouble. This way, you can avoid future issues later on down the line. So when you perform the Whirlpool dryer repair on your own, you’ll gain these valuable insights.
It ultimately comes down to what you’re interested in, what you can afford to pay, and what you’re comfortable with. You may believe you can perform the Whirlpool dryer repair on your own, but you may feel better if a professional comes in and performs the repair for you. Whatever the issue might be, you must make this decision on your own.
Conclusion
There are several problems your Whirlpool dryer might run into. Many of these issues are well documented and have occurred on thousands of other devices. By understanding these issues and looking up the more common Whirlpool dryer repair methods, you may discover a way to repair the issues without bringing in a service technician. Performing the repair on your own will cut costs and help you save money. You need to use these Whirlpool dryer repair troubleshooting steps to determine whether or not you’re able to perform the repair on your own.