Do you anticipate that a power failure is the cause behind your Whirlpool dryer's failure to initiate? What if that's not the case? There are instances when the Whirlpool dryer possesses power but still refuses to start, leaving you with a sense of curiosity.
A Whirlpool dryer might exhibit this behaviour for several reasons, including a locked control panel, a Delayed Start feature, a malfunctioning or non-operational start switch, an improperly secured door, a blown fuse, or issues with the dryer belt, belt switch, motor, timer, or even a short-circuited control board.
Therefore, it's crucial to acknowledge that a power failure isn't the sole factor preventing your dryer from commencing its operation. Instead, you should consider the issues highlighted above, and I will guide you through them.
In the following troubleshooting guide, we will explore how each of these issues can hinder your dryer from starting despite having power and provide solutions to resolve them and get your dryer back to effectively drying your clothes.
Why Your Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Start But Has Power
Here are the top ten common causes when a Whirlpool dryer has power but refuses to initiate:
- Active Control or Child Lock
- Active Delayed Start
- Non-engaging or malfunctioning start switch
- Incompletely latched dryer door
- Blown thermal fuse
- Faulty dryer belt
- Defective belt switch
- Ageing dryer motor
- Malfunctioning timer
- Short-circuited control board
Now that you are aware of the reasons why your Whirlpool dryer has power but won't start, let's delve into the troubleshooting process.
Steps for Troubleshooting a Whirlpool Dryer with Power But Won’t Start
Step 1 – Check for the 'Control Lock' Status
The 'Control Lock' safety feature is designed to secure the control panel and prevent children from operating the dryer. However, this feature can also prevent the dryer from starting. To resolve this issue, follow these simple steps to disable the 'Control Lock':
- Locate the Control/Child Lock icon on the control panel.
- Press and hold the Control/Child Lock icon for a duration of 3 seconds.
By doing this, the 'Control Lock' will be deactivated and the dryer will be ready to use.
Step 2 – Verify if 'Delayed Start' is Active
If the 'Control Lock' is not the culprit, the issue might be related to the 'Delayed Start' function. This feature is designed to postpone the dryer's operation to prevent wrinkling of clothes. However, it does not indicate a malfunction.
If you have accidentally enabled this function and wish to start the dryer immediately, follow these steps:
- Check the control panel for the 'Delayed Start' option.
- If 'Delayed Start' is selected, switch to either 'Timed-Dry' or 'Auto-Dry' mode instead.
By making this adjustment, the dryer will commence its operation without any delay.
Step 3 – Hold Down the Start Switch
To initiate the dryer's operation, simply tapping the start button won't suffice. You must hold down this switch for a period of 2-5 seconds. Be sure to follow this step.
However, if the switch fails to engage even when held down, it may be faulty. To confirm if the switch is indeed defective, you can use a multimeter to check its continuity. If the multimeter indicates a lack of continuity, this confirms the issue, and you will need to replace the switch to restore proper functionality.
Step 4 – Ensure Proper Latching of the Dryer Door
If the dryer door is not securely closed, the dryer will not start. To address this:
- Check the door to ensure it is completely shut. Sometimes, a loose or partially closed door can prevent the dryer from starting.
- Inspect the door area for any obstructions or debris that may be hindering proper closure. Remove any obstacles if found.
- If the door is fully closed, but the dryer still doesn't start, use a multimeter to test the continuity of the door switch. If the switch lacks continuity, it indicates a problem, and you should replace the door switch to resolve the issue.
Step 5 – Check the Thermal Fuse for Continuity
A blown thermal fuse can be a reason why your dryer doesn't start even when it has power. This situation may occur if the dryer was running but suddenly turned off, possibly due to a power surge or overheating.
It's important to remember that the thermal fuse's primary function is to protect the dryer from overheating. When it blows, the dryer won't start.
To troubleshoot this issue:
- Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the thermal fuse.
- If the multimeter shows no continuity, it indicates that the thermal fuse has blown.
In this case, you should replace the thermal fuse to restore your dryer's functionality.
Pros and Cons of Whirlpool Duet Dryer
Pros
- Large Capacity
- Efficient Drying
- Design and Build Quality
Cons
- Price
- Complexity
- Repairs and Maintenance
- Energy Consumption
Differences Between Whirlpool Duet Dryers and Ventless Dryers
Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer
Whirlpool Cabrio dryers typically use conventional drying methods with heating elements and vents. They may offer advanced sensors to detect moisture levels and adjust drying times, but they rely on venting to expel moisture.
Ventless Dryers
Ventless dryers use different technologies, such as heat pump drying or condensation drying. Heat pump dryers recycle and reuse hot air, making them more energy-efficient. Condensation dryers collect and drain moisture without external venting.
Alternative to Whirlpool Duet Dryer
Compact Dryers
Compact dryers are specially designed for smaller living spaces or homes with limited laundry room Areas. These dryers are typically smaller in size compared to standard models, making them a practical choice for apartments, condos, or RVs.
Despite their compact dimensions, they still offer efficient and effective drying performance. Compact dryers are available in both electric and ventless (condensation or heat pump) configurations, allowing for versatile installation options.
While they may have a smaller capacity than full-sized dryers, they are suitable for individuals or small households with lighter laundry needs. Their space-saving design makes them an excellent solution for optimizing space in cramped quarters while still enjoying the convenience of in-home drying.
Whirlpool Gas Dryer Won’t Start But Has Power
A Whirlpool gas dryer may fail to initiate when it has electrical power due to an improperly secured door. Therefore, it's essential to inspect the door for proper latching, remove any clothing obstructions, and assess the continuity of the door switch. If the door switch does not exhibit continuity, it should be replaced.
However, another potential cause of the problem could be related to the start switch not being pressed for a sufficient duration. It's recommended to hold the start switch down for a minimum of 2 seconds to ensure proper operation.
Additionally, there are other potential issues that can prevent the gas dryer from starting, including a blown thermal fuse (indicating a lack of continuity), a damaged belt, or a malfunctioning motor. In the event of a fault with any of these three components, they should be replaced to restore the dryer's functionality.
Whirlpool Front Load Dryer Won’t Start But Has Power
When a Whirlpool front-load dryer has power but doesn't start, several common issues may be at play. These issues include a faulty start switch that fails to engage, a defective door switch preventing proper closure, or the control panel being locked with Control Lock.
If either the start switch or the door switch is found to be malfunctioning and lacking electrical continuity, it is advisable to replace the faulty switch. Simultaneously, it's important to deactivate the Control Lock feature. Additionally, check whether Delayed Start is active, as it can delay the dryer from initiating its cycle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when you encounter the issue of a Whirlpool Duet dryer having power but failing to start, it's essential to consider several potential factors that could be causing this problem.
This troubleshooting process involves checking for a faulty start switch, ensuring proper door closure and the functionality of the door switch, as well as verifying whether the Control Lock or Delayed Start features are active.
By methodically addressing these potential issues, you can diagnose and resolve the underlying problem, ensuring that your Whirlpool Duet dryer functions as intended and effectively meets your laundry needs.