Fix Whirlpool Dryer Stopped Working Mid Cycle – DIY Guide

Normally, a dryer completes its cycle fully. However, if your Whirlpool dryer stopped working mid-cycle, it has some problems. If this happens once, it can be normal. But, the dryer frequently stopping mid-cycle needs a serious workout.

This issue creates a lot of other issues for you. For example, if the dryer stops mid-cycle, your laundry will remain wet. Furthermore, it uses extra energy thus increasing the electricity bill. While the issue also affects your nerves as you cannot finish drying clothes in time.

If you are a DIY lover like me, you should try simple troubleshooting tricks at home. In this guide, I will tell you some of the effective solutions that I have tried myself on my Whirlpool dryer. I hope my effort will help you a lot.

Why My Whirlpool Dryer Stops Mid Cycle?

Before heading to the solutions, we must know the common causes behind the issue. Here are some possible reasons your Whirlpool dryer stopped working mid-cycle;

• The dryer is overheated
• Lint has blocked the vent
• Faulty power supply
• The door is not closing properly
• The blower wheel has some obstruction
• The thermal fuse is blown
• The circuit breaker is tripped
• The dryer motor is failed or defective

1. Cool Down Your Whirlpool Dryer

One reason your Whirlpool dryer stops working mid-cycle is overheating. It happens when the dryer runs continuously for several hours.

The motor and other components get too hot to function normally. Further, the vent may not be exhausting properly. So, a simple solution is to shut down your dryer and disconnect it from the wall power outlet.

Wait for 30 minutes and then turn it ON again. Now, put a load of laundry in the dryer and check again.

2. Remove the Lint

Overheating is caused by accumulated lint in the vent or in other parts. It is highly recommended to clean the lint filter before or after every cycle.

Otherwise, the lint starts growing and can block the vent or hose. So, airflow is restricted leading to the said issue. You can clean your dryer by the following steps;

1. First, clean the lint screen using warm water and a wet cloth. Soak the cloth in soapy water and rub it on the lint screen.
2. Mover your dryer away from the wall and disconnect the vent hose from the back of your dryer.
3. Clean the vent using a vacuum cleaner. Now, reconnect everything again, put a load, and start a new cycle on your Whirlpool dryer.
4. You may not have a common vented dryer instead a ventless model. It uses a tray to collect the lint and moisture.
5. So, if too much lint gathers on the tray, the condensation system stops working. Hence, you need to clean and empty the tray regularly.

3. Check the Power Supply

It can be a power issue that is causing the dryer to stop mid-cycle. So, make sure that the power cord of your Whirlpool dryer is plugged firmly into the outlet.

Moreover, examine the power cord for any cuts, twists, or faults. Plug in the dryer into a different power outlet. An electric dryer needs to be plugged into a 240V supply.

While a gas dryer can be connected to a 120V supply. Avoid using an extension as it fails to deliver the required power. You should also check the gas supply if your Whirlpool dryer uses gas as fuel.

4. Close the Door Firmly

Another reason is that the door of your dryer opens mid-cycle. The door latch is loose and cannot attach firmly. So, the dryer stops working when the door is opened.

It does so as a safety measure as clothes can spill out of the opened door. The light should go OFF if the door is shut properly. So, inspect the door latch to see if it is broken, bent, or loose.

You can check it further by using a multimeter. Replacing the door latch or switch can solve the problem.

5. Replace the Thermal Fuse

Overheating causes the thermal fuse to blow out. It is a one-time device. If it is blown out, you need to replace the fuse. It acts as a safety device and cuts the electricity to the heating element if it notices any threat. Replacing the thermal fuse is very easy;

1. Unplug your dryer from the power outlet and let it cool down.
2. Now, remove the back panel by opening the screws.
3. Locate the thermal fuse, it is a small white part with some wires connected to it. Look carefully at how the fuse is installed and connected to the wires.
4. Disconnect the wires from the fuse, install the new thermal fuse and connect the wires again.
5. Put on the back panel and tighten all the screws properly. Now, check the functioning of your dryer again.

6. Remove Obstructions in the Blower Wheel

The blower wheel is responsible to move air through the dryer and vent. It is connected to the motor shaft also. A small clothing piece can lodge into the blower housing and prevents the blower fan from running.

In turn, the motor will also stop working. You can check it with a simple trick. Unplug the dryer to ensure safety. Open the dryer door and try turning the drum with your hand.

If the drum cannot move smoothly and you have to try hard to move it, there is an obstruction. Hence, the object needs to be removed to run your dryer normally.

7. Check the Moisture Sensor

A moisture sensor is an essential component in a dryer. It detects the level of moisture in clothes and sends information to the control board. When the clothes are dried out completely, the dryer cycle stops.

However, if the moisture sensor has started malfunctioning, it will send false information. Even if your clothes are wet, it will trigger the control board to stop the cycle.

The moisture sensor is in the form of two silver plates and is located near the door. You can check its continuity using a Multimeter. Seek help from a technician to replace the sensor if it is defective.

8. Test the Circuit Breaker

It is possible that the circuit breaker in your house has tripped. Hence, the dryer cannot complete its cycle and stops in between. Check the circuit breaker and reset it. If it has failed, replace the breaker to solve the issue.

9. Repair the Defective Motor

If nothing helps, the motor of your dryer may have gone bad. It can be diagnosed by heating up too much. The motor stops due to overheating but runs again after it cools down.

So, your Whirlpool dryer will stop mid-cycle, will not function for a few minutes, and then starts working again. Another sign is that, on pushing the ‘Start’ button, the motor gives a humming sound.

In this case, you should consult Whirlpool support or call a technician to repair and replace the motor.

FAQs

I have included some of the frequently asked questions to help you further.

How can I reset my Whirlpool dryer?

Press and hold the ‘Start’ button on your Whirlpool dryer for a few seconds. The dryer will reset automatically. If it does not, unplug the dryer from the wall power outlet. Wait for 10-30 minutes and plug it back again to reset.

How to know if the thermal fuse on my Whirlpool dryer is blown?

The best way to check the thermal fuse or any other component is the Multimeter. Connect its wires to the fuse. The display needles should move or the digital display should change significantly. If this does not happen, the fuse has no continuity and has blown out.

Is it worth repairing my Whirlpool dryer?

If your Whirlpool dryer is less than 4 years old, go for a repair. Also, confirm the repairing cost, replacing a minor defective component costs less than $100. Spending half of the dryer’s original price on a repair is worth it. However, if the repair cost is almost equal to the price of a new dryer, you should better purchase a new Whirlpool dryer.

Also read: How to fix Whirlpool dryer that fails to start

Final Words

The control board or panel of your dryer can also get faulty. In this article, I have mentioned some basic checks that you can perform at home.

Minor issues like a blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker, insufficient power, clogged vent, and loose door latch can be fixed easily. However, it is risky to fix intricate problems like failed motor, moisture sensor, or any other hardware component.

You must contact the manufacturer or professional mechanic to repair such parts. Otherwise, you may spoil your dryer further. We will appreciate it if you tell us in the comment section which of the tricks fixed your Whirlpool dryer that has stopped working mid-cycle.