Whirlpool Dryer Troubleshooting Q&A summary
Whirlpool is a major laundry appliance label that sells their clothes dryer models in many stores both off and online. Each model is part of a signature series that has unique Whirlpool parts and technology.
When they are purchased new they are rarely cited as having problems occur. However, over time Whirlpool appliance parts may need to be replaced.
Before attempting any self-repairs be certain that the electric power cord is unplugged, there is no excess water in the machine, and consult your Whirlpool dryer manual for further information.
The tester will need a device known as a multimeter to perform this maintenance service. A multi-meter is a device that checks electrical current. Depending on the electric dryer model in question the cabinet may need to be disassembled. Once access to the dryer's heat element is gained it is time to use a multimeter set on R X 1 resistance. Touch the meter probes to separate ends of the element. If you receive a reading of infinite resistance then replace the element it will no longer work properly.
The heating element in a typical Whirlpool dryer will be a coiled wire made of nickel and an alloy of chrome.
If the owner has an appropriate model they are all very simple Whirlpool dryer parts to repair. The repairing individual may be required to do no more than unscrew the screws holding the coil in place. Switch out the old faulty element, including things like thermal fuse or gas valve coils and replace the screws (or even the whole valve kit) before reassembling the cabinet if necessary.
Replacing Whirlpool dryer belts often sounds more complicated than it is. The DIY repair oriented individual will need a Phillips screw driver, a putty knife, a container for screws, and a 5/16th socket.
1. Remove the lint water filter (dryer lint screens).
2. Use the putty knife to open the dryer top before flipping it out of the way.
3. Remove the screws that hold the front part of the dryer on. They are in the front upper corners inside the dryer. There are two of them.
4. Pull the top of the dryer up and away. This will release the front portion so it can be moved aside. If necessary disconnect the lid switch wires.
5. Now remove the damaged belt.
6. Fasten a new belt around the dryer drum by running the belt underneath the dryer and through the pulley. The idler pulley is supposed to apply tension to the belt at this point.
7. Put the dryer back together and test out replacement Whirlpool dryer parts.
1. Open up the toe panel on the bottom of the dryer with a flathead screwdriver. Locate the retaining clips and press them inward. The clips are roughly four inches from each side normally.
2. Remove toe panel.
3. Remove the lint duct and the blower housing cover.
4. Remove the wiring harness plug from the appropriate fuse terminals.
5. Unscrew the fuse from the blower housing.
6. Place the new thermal fuse into its position and screw it to the housing.
7. Replace everything that was removed and test the new Whirlpool dryer parts.
1. Remove the top and front panel of the dryer cabinet.
2. The idler pulley is located at the front of the clothes dryer drive motor. Press it toward the rear of the motor mounting plate and remove the belt.
3. Remove the pulley by lifting it and pulling it through the front.
4. Now disconnect the idler pulley from the dryer base. This is accomplished by removing the mounting bolts at the bottom of the machine.
5. Put the new pulley into place and retrace your steps to finish up the repair. Make certain the drum is sitting properly.
1. Remove the toe panel as though changing a dryer thermal fuse.
2. Locate the thermostat behind the heat shield.
3. A red, black, and white set of wires will be near it. Remove them, but remember the order they were in.
4. Unscrew the dryer thermostat and replace it with the new one.
5. Reattach the electrical wires and replace everything that was removed.
6. Plug the dryer back in and let it run for a few minutes to see it it is working.
1. Open the dryer door and locate the actuator lever. It will be a movable part that press against a switch.
2. Remove the wires of the switch and unscrew the switch and lever from the door. Insert the replacement parts and reattach the wires.
1. Remove the plastic handle filler and the hinge filler on the opposite side of the door.
2. Open the dryer door fully and loosen the top keyhole screw. Remove the four hinge screws.
3. Lift and remove the door.
4. Remove the door handle.
5. Remove the inner door from the outer door assembly. There are normally six screws to be removed in this part of the procedure.
6. Remove the door hinge from the inner panel and handle bracket from the inner door.
7. Position the hinge assembly on the new side and secure it. Do the same for the handle bracket.
8. Replace the inner door assembly while making certain to align the hinge properly with the opening.
9. Place the handle in the side door opening. Make sure it is properly seated.
10. Take the hole plugs and place them in the exposed holes. This will be the opposite location as they were originally.
11. Reinstall the door and replace the trim fillers in their new appropriate location.
When Whirlpool dryer troubleshooting is the order of the day there are many error codes to check through. This specific error code is not uncommon to see. However, it is not found in any Whirlpool dryer manual, repair site, or the Whirlpool home site. In this instance the most likely outcome is that it is simply a random number that is shown during a diagnostic cycle meant to show the screen is working. This is an actual error code for a Maytag dryer, however. In that instance it is a thermostat error and it must be replaced. Should this error show up on a Duet it would not hurt to test the thermostat just to be certain. A quick fix may be something as simple as a tightening loose thermostat wire.
The moisture sensor is a set of bars located either on the front of the dryer or on the rear bulkhead. Whenever an owner is having problem with this Whirlpool dryer part they will have no trouble finding or troubleshooting it. They are always on the inside of the dryer drum.
Whirlpool dryer parts are easily found in several locations online and off. Certain sites online such as PartSelect offer good deals on parts. However, the best location to try will be the Whirlpool Parts Online website itself.
Related Whirlpool Articles:
Whirlpool Gas Dryer Repair and Troubleshooting
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