With the cost of repair services on the rise, more people are becoming "do-it-yourselfers". So when something goes wrong with your Whirlpool dryer do a little troubleshooting before you call in the professionals. Several things may be causing the same problem. The secret is to eliminate each one to determine the culprit. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Check the power. If your Whirlpool dryer does not operate you may need to replace defective fuses. That includes the thermal fuse located inside the back cover panel. Look for open contacts in the timer. Verify that the door switch and the door switch activator are operational and that the circuit breaker hasn't been tripped.
2. Examine the coils. If your dryer isn't producing any heat the gas valve coils may be defective. This prohibits the valve from opening and the gas from igniting. The electric igniter and the terminal bracket that secures it may need to be replaced. Also check to see if the thermal fuse is blown, if both volt circuits are on and the thermostats are functional.
3. Test the drive belt. If your dryer does not tumble a broken drive belt and/or idler pulley may need to be replaced. Test for a burned out motor. If the motor is stiff, does not rotate manually and the blower fan housing is obstruction-free, the motor needs replacing. Also check for a defective door switch.
4. Check the vent. If a load takes longer than one hour to dry clear the vent duct of any obstructions. Determine if the heating element is partially burned out. Unclog the internal ductwork by removing the lint filter and inspecting inside the duct. Verify the cycling thermostat is working properly. In gas dryers a defective flame sensor may be responsible.
5. Inspect the motor. If your Whirlpool dryer is making too much noise it is most likely due to a defective motor. Worn rollers (or wheels), idler pulley, plastic glides, rear drum bearing or blower wheel may also be to blame. In most instances replacing the worn part will solve the problem.
6. Check the thermostat. If your appliance overheats replacing a defective cycling thermostat or unclogging a vent system generally will alleviate the problem.
7. Replace worn rollers. If your clothes are being damaged you may need to replace the rollers that support the clothes drum, rear and/or front drum seals and/or front glides.
8. Search the Internet or your local Yellow Pages to find out where you can purchase Whirlpool dryer replacement parts. Sites, such as repair2000.com, offer appliance repair guides on CD-Rom.
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