Our Whirlpool electric dryer, mfd in 1999, has been great until now. Here's the issue: it will run for a while, then stop. After it sits for maybe 5-10 min, it will run again. I'm guessing it's some sort of thermal switch that just needs to cool for a little while, but I really know nothing about dryers. I took apart the vent (exhaust), and it was clean. Any tips appreciated!
Whirlpool electric dryer problem
- Thread starter zrxkawboy
- Start date
- Status
I do know with some driers you have to open up the lint trap, and either take it apart or fish a vacuum nozzle into there to suck out any fuzz. They can get plugged up deep inside and cause the sort of issues you're referring to by generating an overheat, which sounds very plausible.
Our old dryer had a thermal switch or stat not sure which it was, any way on ours you pull the top off to ware the heating element was located, the switch was there, ours would not allow the element to come on. It was an easy fix held on by two screws and a connector. Also could be a lint build up in the dryer, if its over heating you should be able to smell it.
Last edited:
I removed the lint trap to clean the lint every year. After several several hundreds uses a year there are a lot of lints behind the trap.
I think AandPDan is on the right track.
Whirlpools have a thermal fuse on the exhaust system that will go out if the unit overheats. It is a one time fuse that doesn't kick back in.
Either something is causing the drum to turn hard, overheating the motor and throwing its thermal overload protector. Or, the motor is going bad.
http://fixitnow.com/wp/2011/04/21/whirlp...then-kicks-off/
Whirlpools are easy to work on and there are lots of tutorials on the web.
Whirlpools have a thermal fuse on the exhaust system that will go out if the unit overheats. It is a one time fuse that doesn't kick back in.
Either something is causing the drum to turn hard, overheating the motor and throwing its thermal overload protector. Or, the motor is going bad.
http://fixitnow.com/wp/2011/04/21/whirlp...then-kicks-off/
Whirlpools are easy to work on and there are lots of tutorials on the web.
Repairing appliances I have always had good luck with www.partsselect.com
Click instant repairman and put your serial in
I am not affiliated with them.... But they did save me $600 on my fridge.
;-)
Click instant repairman and put your serial in
I am not affiliated with them.... But they did save me $600 on my fridge.
;-)
Originally Posted By: Azeem
Sounds Like the motor is toast .The only way to be sure is if you hear HUMMING when you hit push to start button.
Yes, I had the exact same problem when my dryer motor went out. It would stop when the temp switch notice overheating.
Sounds Like the motor is toast .The only way to be sure is if you hear HUMMING when you hit push to start button.
Yes, I had the exact same problem when my dryer motor went out. It would stop when the temp switch notice overheating.
I also have a Whirlpool dryer...came with the house I bought in 1995. The manual and purchase receipts for it and the washer indicated that the original owner purchased them new in 1983. I've had the rollers and belt replaced several times over the course of time, although no repairs have been performed (or needed) since I moved it here 5 years ago. It's matching washer finally blew it's pump about 6 years ago and was replaced with another Whirlpool. I'll probably replace it when it fails...whenever it does.
You need to take it apart. You will probably see a lot of lint everywhere in the machine that needs to be cleaned. Check the condition of the belt. Have you searched for the manual? It may show a thermal cutout. My guess is the motor is fine, but it could be getting too hot from being covered with lint.
I took everything apart and cleaned it out, but I was surprised at how little lint there actually was. I mean, there was some, but not as much as I expected, for never having been apart before. Since reassembly, we've successfully dried two loads, one on high heat and one on low heat. I'm cautiously optimistic at this point. Time will tell, I guess. Thanks to everyone who responded; I appreciate it!
- Status
