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  1. Repair
  2. Whirlpool
  3. Whirlpool Dryer
  4. Dryer not turning on

Whirlpool dryer not turning on

Common reasons your Whirlpool dryer is not turning on

The most common reasons your Whirlpool dryer is not turning on are a defective electronic control board, defective power supply board or an open heating element.

  • 63%

    63% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 19%

    19% of the time it's the
    Power Supply Board

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 5%

    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 is not turning on, 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 the dryer is not turning on, 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 is not turning on. 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 it trips 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.

    What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool dryer not turning on issue

    How is the not turning on problem fixed?

    Correcting most not turning on 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 is not turning on

    When the dryer is not turning on 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 turning on 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 Duet Dryer Will Not Turn On

    Having trouble with your Whirlpool Duet dryer not turning on? Understanding the potential causes can help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem efficiently. Whether it's an electrical issue or a faulty component, identifying the root cause is essential for getting your dryer back in working order. Below are common reasons why a Whirlpool dryer will not turn on and steps to diagnose and fix the issue.

    Potential Electrical Issues

    If your Whirlpool Duet dryer will not turn on, the first thing to check is the power supply. Make sure the dryer is properly plugged into a functioning outlet and that there are no tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. A common issue is a loose or damaged power cord, which can prevent the dryer from receiving power. Replacing a faulty power cord can often resolve the problem. Also make sure the door is fully closed and that the door switch is functioning correctly. A faulty door switch can prevent the dryer from starting, as it is designed to stop the dryer from running when the door is open. If the door switch is defective, it will need to be replaced.

    Component Failures

    Another common reason a Whirlpool dryer will not turn on is a defective electronic control board or power supply board. The electronic control board manages the dryer’s functions, while the power supply board distributes electrical power to the dryer’s components. If either board fails, the dryer will not power up. When the electronic control board is defective, it can prevent the control panel from receiving power, rendering the dryer non-functional. Replacing the electronic control board is often necessary when it fails. Similarly, if the power supply board is defective, it won’t send power to the control panel or electronic control board, preventing the dryer from turning on. Replacing the power supply board can resolve this issue.

    Additional Troubleshooting Steps

    If your Whirlpool Duet dryer will not turn on, you can take additional steps to diagnose the problem. Check for error codes on the control panel, as some Whirlpool dryers display error codes when there is a problem. Refer to your dryer’s user manual to interpret these codes and identify potential issues. Another component to inspect is the thermal fuse, which is a safety device that blows if the dryer overheats. If the thermal fuse is blown, the dryer will not turn on. You can check the thermal fuse with a multimeter to see if it needs replacement.

    By systematically checking these potential issues, you can diagnose why your Whirlpool dryer will not turn on and take the appropriate steps to fix it. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable performing these checks yourself, consider reaching out to a professional technician for assistance.

    What our customers say about us

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    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.


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    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


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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.


    Terry F, Oklahoma City, OK

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    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