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Whirlpool Dryer not tumbling
Common reasons your Whirlpool Dryer not tumbling
The most common reasons your Whirlpool dryer is not tumbling are a broken drum belt, an inoperative drive motor, or a defective electronic control board.
30% of the time it's the Drum Belt
24% of the time it's the Drive Motor
19% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
27% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool dryer
Drum Belt Replacement
When your dryer is not tumbling, a broken drum belt could be the problem. The drum belt wraps around the dryer drum and connects to the drive motor pulley. The drive motor rotates the belt to turn the drum. Over time, the drum belt becomes worn and can break. A switch on the idler pulley prevents the motor from starting when it senses that the drive belt is broken. When the dryer won't tumble, have a Sears Home Services Technician check your dryer and replace the drum belt if it's broken or worn.
Drive Motor Replacement
If your dryer is not tumbling or spinning, an inoperative drive motor could be the cause. The drive motor spins the pulley that drives the drum belt. If the drive motor fails, the belt is unable to rotate the drum. The dryer also may not start if the drive motor fails. If you suspect your dryer drive motor is inoperative, a Sears Home Services technician should check the motor and replace it if needed.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
A defective electronic control board can be the reason when your dryer isn't tumbling. The electronic control board manages the dryer’s functions, including the drum's rotation. If it’s defective, the control board might not send the proper signals to the motor, which drives the drum. This failure can result from damaged components or a burned-out circuit. When your dryer drum isn't tumbling, have a Sears Home Services technician examine the electronic control board and replace it if it's found to be faulty.
Why is my Whirlpool dryer not tumbling?
Broken or disconnected drive belt
A broken or disconnect drive belt is the leading cause of a dryer not tumbling.
If your dryer has a broken belt switch, the motor won’t run when the belt is disconnected from the drum or broken because that switch prevents the motor from getting electrical current.
When your model doesn’t have a broken belt switch, the motor will run but the drum won’t turn and tumble the clothes.
Checking the dryer drive belt in many dryers is fairly simple:
- Unplug the dryer to disconnect electrical power. Shut off the gas supply cut-off valve if you have a gas dryer.
- Remove the top panel mounting screws and lift the top dryer panel to view the drive belt on the top of the dryer drum.
Check to see if the belt is intact and fits tightly across the top of the dryer drum. If it does, then a different problem is likely preventing your dryer from spinning.
If the belt is broken, replace it or have a service technician replace it.
If you have a dryer with the lint screen housing on the top panel, you’ll need to follow the steps in this safe DIY video to access, check and replace the dryer drive belt:
If you’re not completely confident that you can complete this repair on your own, schedule dryer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix your dryer.
Bad dryer drive motor
When the drive motor buzzes and clicks off when trying to start, internal wiring or components in the motor could be bad. Replacing the drive motor in this situation will often cure the spinning failure in your dryer.
Here’s a DIY video that shows how to replace the drive motor in one of the most common types of dryers:
Replacing the drive motor in a dryer is a fairly advanced repair. If you’re not certain that you can safely replace the drive motor on your own, schedule repair service to have a service technician replace the motor.
Other causes of a dryer not tumbling
If the above tips don’t help you find the cause of your dryer not tumbling, a bad or switch, failed push-to-start switch, wiring failure or control system problem can also prevent your dryer from spinning.
This safe DIY troubleshooting video walks you through how to diagnose a common electric dryer that won’t start:
This video provides the same information for a gas dryer:
When you’re unable to find the cause of your dryer not tumbling, reach out to Sears Home Services and we’ll visit your home and repair the problem for you.
What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool dryer is not tumbling issue
How is the dryer not tumbling issue fixed?
Correcting most dryer not tumbling issues involves replacing the drum belt, drive motor, or electronic control board. 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 not tumbling problem
When a dryer is not tumbling, 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 not tumbling 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.
A Whirlpool dryer that fails to tumble means belts or motor couplings may be worn out. Damp clothes left idle risk odors. Avoid bigger trouble by calling dryer repair near me. Quick part swaps revive spinning action and ensure fresh results.
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Dryer service
He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.
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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.