Whirlpool dryer no power
Common reasons your Whirlpool dryer has no power
The most common reasons your Whirlpool dryer has no power are a defective electronic control board, defective power supply board or an open heating element.
63% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
19% of the time it's the Power Supply Board
13% of the time it's the Heating Element
5% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool dryer
Electronic Control Board Replacement
When your dryer has no power, a defective electronic control board could be preventing the control panel from powering up. Wires connect the user interface control board in the control panel to the electronic control board inside the dryer. When a defective electronic control board fails to send power and proper signals to the user interface control and control panel, the dryer won’t turn on. When your dryer is completely dead, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and fix the problem.
Power Supply Board Replacement
If your dryer has no power at all, a defective power supply board may need replacing. The power supply board distributes electrical current from the dryer power cord to the electronic control board and other components in the dryer. When the power supply board doesn’t send power to the electronic control board or the control panel, the dryer won’t power up. When your dryer is completely dead, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and check the dryer. The technician will replace the power supply board if it’s defective.
Heating Element Replacement
An open heating element could be causing the problem when your dryer has no power. An open (or broken) heating element can short against metal inside the dryer cabinet and cause the house circuit breaker for the dryer to trip. If you reset the tripped breaker and tips right away when you try to turn the dryer on, then you should have a Sears Home Services Technician check the dryer. The technician will replace the heating element if it’s open.
Why is my Whirlpool dryer not powering up?
Power issues with your Whirlpool dryer can stem from your home’s power supply. A bad power cord, wiring failure or defective electronic control board in the dryer can also prevent the dryer from powering up.
Check the power supply
Follow these basic troubleshooting steps to check the power supply going to your Whirlpool dryer:
- Make sure that the dryer power cord is properly plugged in.
- Reset the house circuit breaker for the dryer to make sure the outlet is getting power.
- For a gas dryer, plug a night light or small appliance into the electrical outlet for the dryer to test for power. If the item doesn’t get power from the outlet, have an electrician repair the electrical outlet in your home.
Examine the power cord and its wiring connections
Unplug the dryer and check the power cord for damage. Replace the power cord if it’s damaged.
For an electric dryer, check the power cord wire connections on the terminal block at the back of the dryer (with the dryer still unplugged). The image above shows how the power cord wires should be connected on an electric dryer.
Reconnect any loose power cord wires.
Check control board wiring
With the dryer still unplugged, check the wiring connection on the main electronic control board. Reconnect any loose wires.
If you see damage to the control board such as burn spots, you’ll likely need to replace the main control board.
Here’s a safe DIY video that shows how to replace the main electronic control board on a common type of Whirlpool dryer:
If you’re not completely confident that you can repair the dryer on your own, schedule dryer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.
What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool dryer no power issue
How is the no power problem fixed?
Correcting most no power problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, power supply board or heating element. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a dryer that has no power
When the dryer has no power it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dryer failures.
What to look out for with a dryer no power diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dryer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
Troubleshooting a Whirlpool Dryer That Won't Power On
When your Whirlpool dryer won't power on, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. There are several potential reasons for this issue, and understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot the problem effectively. Below, we outline some of the most common reasons your Whirlpool dryer might not be powering on and provide guidance on how to diagnose these issues.
Causes for a Whirlpool Dryer Not Powering On
One of the first things to check if your Whirlpool dryer is not powering on is the power cord. Ensure it is properly plugged in and not damaged. A loose or damaged cord can prevent the dryer from turning on. Another common cause is a tripped circuit breaker. Verify that the circuit breaker for the dryer is not tripped and reset it if necessary. Additionally, the door switch is a crucial component. If the dryer door isn't fully closed or if the door switch is faulty, the dryer won't start. Inspect the door switch for any issues.
How to Diagnose a Whirlpool Dryer That Won't Power On
When diagnosing a Whirlpool dryer not powering on, start by checking the power supply. Verify that the dryer is receiving power by examining the outlet and the power cord. Next, inspect the circuit breaker to make sure it hasn’t tripped and reset it if needed. Lastly, examine the door switch to ensure it is functioning correctly. If the dryer still won't start, the switch might need replacement. These steps can help identify whether the problem lies with the power supply, circuit breaker, or door switch.
Professional Help for a Whirlpool Dryer That Won't Power On
If you’ve checked all the common issues and your Whirlpool dryer still won't power on, it’s time to call in a professional. Our Sears Home Services technicians are experienced in diagnosing and repairing all types of dryer problems. Schedule a service appointment to get your dryer back up and running efficiently. We can help you identify and fix the root cause of the problem, ensuring your dryer operates smoothly again.
If your Whirlpool dryer remains silent, severed wiring or a shorted board might be the cause. Flipping breakers typically won’t fix hidden electrical faults. Instead, arrange dryer repair near me. Safe current flow returns your laundry routine to normal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.
A dryer filter, commonly known as a lint filter, is a component of a clothes dryer that captures lint and other debris from clothes during the drying process, preventing them from clogging the dryer vent.
A dryer pedestal is a platform that elevates a dryer off the ground, making it easier to load and unload laundry while also providing additional storage space in some models.
A dryer rack is an accessory for clothes dryers that provides a stationary platform to dry items without tumbling, ideal for delicate or bulky items, or shoes that might be damaged by the usual drying cycle.