Whirlpool dryer not heating

Why is my Whirlpool dryer running but not heating?

As soon as you find that your Whirlpool dryer is not heating and it’s an electric version, check the house circuit breaker for the dryer to see if one of the 2 breakers for the dryer has tripped. Reset the circuit breaker if you find one tripped. This may restore power to the dryer heating circuit so it begins heating.

For a gas Whirlpool dryer that is not heating, check gas supply cut-off valve and open that valve if you find it shut.

If these basic troubleshooting steps don’t help restore heat in your dryer, schedule dryer repair service to have a Sears Home Service technician visit your home and fix the heating failure.

Why is my Whirlpool dryer running but not getting hot?

When your Whirlpool dryer is running but not heating, a number of different failures could be causing this symptom. Diagnosing and fixing heating problems differs for gas and electric Whirlpool dryers.

We’ll provide advice for both types of dryers.

Why is my Whirlpool Electric Dryer Not Heating?

In this helpful DIY video, we show you how to troubleshoot your Whirlpool dryer that won’t heat, including checking the heating element, high-limit thermostat, operating thermostat, thermal cut-off fuse and timer. Learn about a few easy tests you can run to find the problem, including using a multimeter to make sure current is flowing between the parts. Once you know what the issue is, you can fix the issue yourself or have our Sears Home Services technician fix the problem for you.

Check the Power Supply

The first step is to check to see if the dryer is getting the correct amount of power. You may think the dryer is getting enough power if the motor runs, but the heating element needs 240 volts of electricity to heat. The motor will run even if the dryer is only getting 120 volts of power.

Check your power cord to make sure it’s not damaged. Then, reset your house circuit breaker to make sure it’s not tripped. Set your dryer to a timed dry, high-heat cycle and see if it heats up after resetting the breakers.

If it’s still not heating, you’ll need to check the components on the control circuit. Checking continuity with a multimeter will allow you to test them all at once.

First, unplug the dryer. For safety, always disconnect power before checking continuity. Remove the back panel from the dryer, then remove the back of the control panel. Unplug the large red wire from terminal "A" on the timer. Set the multimeter to read ohms of resistance.

Measure resistance between the large red wire on the timer and the heating element terminal where the large red wire is connected. If you measure near 15 ohms of resistance through this circuit, then you know that the heating element, high-limit thermostat, operating thermostat and thermal cut-off fuse are all okay. You can skip ahead to learn how to check out your timer in the video.

Check the Dryer Heating Element

If you measured no electrical continuity through the circuit described, then check the heating element. Place your meter leads on the heating element terminals. You should measure near 15 ohms of resistance through the heating element.

If you measured no continuity, then the heating element is broken. This video will show you how to replace it:

If you measured near 15 ohms of resistance, then the heating element is good. Continue with the troubleshooting tips in the video to find the cause of your Whirlpool dryer not heating.

Why is my Whirlpool Gas Dryer Not Heating?

There are a many things that could keep your Whirlpool dryer from heating up. You might have a problem with the gas supply to the dryer, or problems with the flame sensor, gas valve coils, high-limit thermostat, operating thermostat, thermal cut-off fuse, thermal fuse, igniter or timer. I know that sounds like a lot, but don’t worry, we’ll help you work through it with the troubleshooting tips in this video:

Once you find the cause of the heating failure, decide whether you want to fix the problem yourself or have a Sears Home Services technician fix the dryer for you. If you want to have a technician fix the dryer, schedule dryer repair service.

Resolving a heating problem in your Whirlpool dryer will fix the appliance so it dries your clothes properly again.

What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool dryer not heating issue

How is the not heating problem fixed?

Correcting most not heating problems usually involves replacing the heating element, thermal cut-off fuse or thermal fuse. 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 is not heating

When the dryer is not heating it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend scheduling a Whirlpool dryer repair with a Sears Home Services professional who can perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced in diagnosing all types of dryer failures.

What to look out for with a dryer not heating 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.

Whirlpool Dryer Models and Heating Issues

When your Whirlpool dryer is not heating, pinpointing the issue can save you time and frustration. Below, we explore common problems and solutions for specific Whirlpool model series: Duet, Cabrio, and Ultimate Care II. Understanding these issues can help you restore your dryer's performance efficiently.

Whirlpool Duet Dryer Not Heating

If your Whirlpool Duet dryer is not heating, the problem may lie with a faulty thermal fuse. This small but critical component prevents the dryer from overheating. When the thermal fuse blows, it cuts off power to the heating element, causing the dryer to stop producing heat. To diagnose this issue, you can use a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, replacing the thermal fuse should resolve the problem.

Another potential issue is a defective heating element. If your new Whirlpool dryer is not heating, the heating element might be burnt out. This element is responsible for generating the heat necessary to dry your clothes. If it fails, the dryer won't heat up. Inspecting and replacing a faulty heating element can often fix the problem, ensuring your Duet dryer heats efficiently once again.

Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer Not Heating

For those experiencing issues with a Whirlpool Cabrio dryer not heating, a clogged vent system could be the culprit. When the vent is blocked, hot air cannot escape, causing the dryer to overheat and shut off the heating element as a safety measure. Regularly cleaning the vent system is crucial to maintaining optimal airflow and preventing overheating.

Additionally, a malfunctioning thermostat might be why your new Whirlpool dryer is not heating. The thermostat regulates the dryer's internal temperature, and if it fails, the dryer might not produce any heat. Using a multimeter, you can test the thermostat for continuity. If it is defective, replacing the thermostat should restore your Cabrio dryer's heating function.

Whirlpool Dryer Ultimate Care II Not Heating

If your Whirlpool dryer Ultimate Care II is not heating, a common cause could be a broken igniter. In gas dryers, the igniter is responsible for lighting the gas flame to produce heat. If the igniter is damaged or worn out, it won't ignite the gas, leaving your dryer without heat. Inspecting the igniter for visible damage and testing it with a multimeter can help determine if it needs to be replaced.

Another reason your new Whirlpool dryer is not heating could be a malfunctioning flame sensor. The flame sensor detects whether the igniter is hot enough to light the gas. If the sensor is faulty, it won't signal the gas valve to open, and the dryer won't heat. Testing the flame sensor with a multimeter and replacing it if necessary can resolve this heating issue.

Whether you own a Whirlpool Duet, Cabrio, or Ultimate Care II dryer, understanding the common reasons behind heating issues can help you diagnose and fix the problem efficiently. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can keep your dryer running smoothly and prevent future heating problems. If you encounter difficulties in diagnosing or repairing your dryer, consulting a professional technician is always a wise choice to ensure safe and effective repairs.
No heat in a Whirlpool dryer commonly arises from broken coils or thermostats. Endless cycles don’t solve the missing warmth. Rather than overworking the dryer, schedule dryer repair near me. Restoring heat ensures you’re not stuck with soggy laundry.