Sears Home Services
Sears Home Advantage
appointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
telephone logo646-440-2692
RepairHome WarrantyTune-Up & MaintainFencingShop Parts
Resources
RepairHome WarrantyTune-Up & MaintainFencingShop PartsResource CenterGlossaryHelp
sears home advantageSears Home Advantageappointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
  1. Repair
  2. Whirlpool
  3. Whirlpool Dryer

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%

    30% of the time it's the
    Drum Belt

  • 24%

    24% of the time it's the
    Drive Motor

  • 19%

    19% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 27%

    27% of the time it's the
    Something else

  • Schedule your dryer repair now!

    We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 10,000 Whirlpool dryers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

    Call (646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.
    Text (240) 616-1772 to schedule now.

    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.

    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.

    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    Excellent service from Daniel

    Daniel provided excellent service and was very quick to perform the repair. I have nothing good to say about the warranty program and the LACK of customer service and the inability to contact a human being to talk.


    Tammy M, Hilton, NY

    Satisfied customer

    Excellent technician Very thorough and detail oriented Would be happy to have him work on appliances again He managed to find our ranch headquarters in the middle of the desert


    Rose W, Las Cruces, NM

    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.


    Terry F, Oklahoma City, OK

    Repair Dryer Resources

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Gas Dryer Work?"
    8 min readNov. 20

    Learn how a gas dryer works so you can use it safely and efficiently.

    A ventless dryer fits into small spaces and spaces without venting infrastructure.
    11 min readNov. 13

    Discover how ventless dryers work and if they're right for your home. Learn about energy-saving designs, types, benefits, and maintenance tips.

    How to Change a Dryer Vent Cover
    4 min readNov. 01

    Learn how to change a dryer vent cover easily with our step-by-step guide.

    A homeowner deciding if it's better to repair or replace her dryer.
    6 min readOct. 23

    Discover if it's worth repairing your dryer with Sears Home Services. Get professional advice and make an informed decision.

    Glossary Terms

    Natural gas is a fossil fuel used primarily for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. It's a hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting mainly of methane, but it also contains smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons and sometimes sulfur compounds.

    A gas dryer is a laundry appliance that uses natural gas or propane to generate heat to dry clothes.

    A furnace condensate pump is a device installed in HVAC systems, particularly high-efficiency furnaces, to collect and automatically remove the water (condensate) produced during the heating process.

    A furnace door is a crucial component of a home heating system, providing access to the interior of the furnace for maintenance, repairs, and inspections. It helps in maintaining the system's efficiency and safety.

    Additional possible Whirlpool dryer symptoms you may experience