Are you annoyed by your Whirlpool Duet dryer that is not heating up? If yes then stop worrying. I can understand the frustration you may be facing right now. Because I also faced this situation in addition to other dryer problems.
But, feeling worried does not solve the problem. Instead, you have to learn to change the situation. I take every problem as a challenge. That’s why I like fixing different machines at home.
I really enjoy doing this. Nothing can meet the happiness of fixing a complex device at home. So, I keep on sharing my stories with you so that you can also repair your electronic appliances at home.
I will not suggest complex tips but simple and easy to apply. So, if you are eager to fix your Duet dryer, follow me till the end of this guide. This guide applies to both types of Whirlpool Duet electric and gas dryers.
Table of contents
1. Basic Workout- The Continuity Test
If your Whirlpool Duet dryer has stopped heating, it indicates a fault in some components. A dryer has various parts that function together.
For example, thermal fuse, heating element or gas valve, moisture sensor, idler pulley, motor, etc. All these components use electricity as fuel.
So, you can check their functioning using a Multimeter. It is a device to check the continuity or voltage supply. In this guide, I will be mentioning this device again and again.
It is a simple and easy-to-use device that comes in both analog and digital versions. You connect the two wires of a multimeter to the component you want to check.
The dryer should be turned ON during the test. If that dryer part is working, the needle of the meter should move to 120V, 110V, or 240V.
In the case of a digital Multimeter, the voltage reading will be shown in numbers. In this way, you can test all the important components of your dryer whether they are functioning or have failed.
This basic diagnosis will save your time and effort. You will diagnose the faulty component right in the beginning. But, be sure to double-check everything.
Then, your job is to replace that faulty part and your dryer will start heating. You can learn to use it here.
2. Run the Diagnostic Test
The issue in the Whirlpool Duet dryer can be found by running a diagnostic test. But, this test cannot detect faults with some of the hardware components.
However, still you can get an idea about the root cause of the problem. Here is how to put your appliance in diagnostics mode;
- Turn ON your Duet dryer by connecting it to a power supply. All the indicators on the dryer should be OFF.
- Now, press the following buttons sequence; “More Time+ Less Time+ More Time+ Less Time”. You have to press these buttons within 5 seconds.
- If you have done it right, all the indicators on the control board will illuminate. The “Estimated Time Remaining” display will show ‘88’.
- The dryer will show some error codes. For example, PF means Power Failure that happened during the cycle.
- You can check the meaning of the error codes on Whirlpool’s official page.
Testing the Dryer and Fixing the Issue
If the diagnostic test fails to detect any problem then you need to manually test the components for faults. Here are some of the elements that can malfunction, be defective, or fail to work causing the dryer not to heat. Further, we will check some other aspects.
1. Insufficient Power Supply
It is human nature to get worried about coping with an issue. When your Whirlpool Duet dryer stops heating, you suspect that it has an intricate fault and its parts have failed. But, a few people think otherwise.
The problem can be trivial such as insufficient power supply. It may sound silly, but some people forget to turn ON the gas or electric supply to their dryer.
Solution
Therefore, I recommend you double-check the power cord of your dryer. Make sure, it is plugged in firmly and the power outlet is working well.
Plug the dryer directly into the power outlet instead of using an extension. Connect your dryer to a different power supply. A gas dryer can work on a 120V outlet while the electric dryer needs a full 240V supply.
Furthermore, check the power cable along its entire length. Maybe it is cut, bruised, bent, or exposed at some point. Replacing it can solve the issue at once.
Similarly, if you have a gas dryer, confirm the gas is turned ON, the supply line is fine and the gas pressure is adequate.
2. Circuit Breaker is tripped
Many a time, the dryer itself is not faulty. Instead, the circuit breaker is tripped. An electric dryer is equipped with two circuit breakers; one is responsible for supplying power to the dryer and the other is used for heating.
If the breaker responsible for heating is tripped, the dryer will turn ON but will stop heating.
Solution
So, you should check the electrical panel in your home. Reset the circuit breaker if it is tripped. If the fuse is blown, replace it.
The breakers of the dryer can be checked using a Multimeter. Each one should be delivering 120 Volts or 110 Volts.
3. Blown out Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is a safety device in your Duet dryer. It prevents overheating and accidents such as catching fire. When the dryer overheats, the thermal fuse trips or blows.
Thus, the power supply to the dryer is cut off. On older dryer models, the dryer does not start when the fuse is blown. While on the latest models, the dryer starts but does not heat up.
Solution
The thermal fuse is located at the back of the dryer. However, you should read the user manual of your device to find its exact location. It is a small component in white or black color.
It has two metal plates that are attached to wires. You can easily replace the thermal fuse at home. Just, disconnect all the wires from it but remember the sequence.
Install the new fuse and connect all the wires again. Replacing the thermal fuse does not cost you much but can readily fix your dryer.
4. Lint Screen is Dirty
One of the common reasons for the dryer not heating is the blocked lint screen. It causes moisture to retain in the dryer drum.
So, it takes longer to dry clothes. If lint is too much, it can enter different parts of the dryer.
Solution
Clean the lint screen and lint filter after or before each dryer cycle. You can wash the lint screen using warm water. Soak a towel in a soapy cloth and rub the lint screen thoroughly.
Also, clean the lint screen slot. Moreover, check the vent of your duet dryer and clean it using a vacuum cleaner.
5. Defective Heating Element
The heating element is responsible for heating up a dryer. It is in the form of metal coils made of wire. The coil may be broken or defective. Therefore, your Duet dryer is not heating.
Solution
Inspect the heating element to see if it is broken, twisted, or detached at some point. Moreover, check the heating element for continuity using a Multimeter. If it is defective, replace it with the following steps;
- Purchase a new heating element for your Whirlpool Duet dryer.
- Now, unplug the dryer from the electric power outlet and cut off the gas supply.
- Read the user manual to know the exact position of the heating element. It is usually present on the back panel.
- First, check the heating element and then replace it carefully. If you are not confident, please call a technician.
6. Faulty Gas Valve Solenoid
If you own a Whirlpool gas dryer, it has a gas valve solenoid coils. These coils allow the gas to flow into the burner assembly. So, if the valve is defective, the gas will not be supplied properly.
In other words, the gas valve solenoid has the same function as a heating element in the electric dryer. You can observe the gas igniter of your dryer for any visible faults. It should glow and ignite the gas.
Solution
Check the gas valve solenoid with a multimeter. It uses electricity to function. You need to replace this part if it has failed.
7. Failed Cycling Thermostat
The thermostat monitors the temperature of the blower housing. It also regulates the temperature by cycling the heating element ON/OFF just like an iron or refrigerator.
If the thermostat fails to cycle, the heating element will not receive any trigger. Thus, it will stop working. I recommend conducting a continuity test on the thermostat and replacing it if necessary. Testing this element is tricky as it turns ON/OFF alternately.
Solution
Here is how to test the thermostat of your Whirlpool Duet dryer;
- Disconnect your dryer from the wall outlet and also turn OFF the gas supply.
- The cycling thermostat is generally present at the bottom of your dryer. So, move the dryer away from the wall and open its back panel.
- Disconnect the wires from the thermostat and remove the part from the blower housing.
- Now, set your multimeter at Rx1, and place its prongs on the terminals of the thermostat.
- This element is well if the reading is zero or infinity. Some other reading indicates that the part is faulty and needs replacement.
8. Burnt Igniter
Whirlpool Duet gas dryer uses natural gas as a fuel. However, it still needs electricity to ignite the flame. The current flow through the igniter which in turn ignites the gas flame in the burner assembly.
This flame is responsible for heating up the air flowing through the blower housing and in the drum. So, if the igniter is faulty, it will not burn and the dryer stops heating.
Solution
It can be checked by a multimeter. The physical appearance of the igniter can also tell you clearly whether it is functioning or not. Look if it is broken or has burnt marks. Replacing this component can fix your dryer.
9. Malfunctioning Flame Sensor
A flame sensor regulates the burning of the flame inside the flame chamber. It works just like a moisture sensor which sends information to the control board so that the dryer can complete a cycle.
Similarly, the flame sensor detects when the dryer needs to heat up. When you put a load of clothes and start a cycle, the flame sensor commands the igniter to burn until the clothes are completely dry.
However, if it starts malfunctioning, it will perceive everything wrongly. Even if your clothes are wet, the flame sensor will tell the control board to stop ignition. Hence, you need to replace this part.
10. Defective Moisture Sensor
This element detects the amount of moisture in your clothes and sends information to the control board. It keeps on running the cycle until the clothes are completely dry.
However, if the moisture sensor is faulty, it will pass on the wrong information. Hence, the dryer will not heat up even if your laundry is wet. It is located near the lint screen housing in the form of two metal plates.
Solution
You can test the moisture sensor very easily. Open the dryer door and locate the sensor plates. Bridge them with a wet cloth, the dryer will give a beep sound and the software revision number will be displayed on the screen.
This reaction indicates that the moisture sensor is fine. Also, check its continuity to confirm further. If the part is faulty, replace it with the help of a technician.
FAQs About Whirlpool Duet Dryer
Here are some of the frequently asked questions that will help you further in troubleshooting your dryer.
How can I reset my Whirlpool Duet gas dryer?
Disconnect the dryer from the wall power outlet and turn OFF the gas supply. Leave it for 10 minutes and then plug the power cord again into the outlet. Another way to reset the dryer is by turning OFF the circuit breaker for 10 or more minutes.
Why my gas dryer is blowing cold air?
If your gas dryer is blowing clod air, it means it has become too hot. The appliance has an automatic safety mechanism that activates on detecting a threat.
An overheated dryer can catch fire. So, the system starts blowing cold air to prevent such an accident. Generally, overheating is caused by a clogged vent or dirty lint screen.
Where can I find the heating element on my Whirlpool Duet dryer?
The heating element is located at the back of the dryer. So, you have to open the rear panel. The other location can be on the front under the drum. In this case, the front panel needs to be unscrewed. It is recommended to read the user manual to find the exact location of the heating element.
Also read: How to Fix Whirlpool Dryer That Won’t Turn ON
Final Words
Together we have checked all the possible faulty components of your dryer. Some of them can be fixed at home. While others need to be replaced or repaired by a professional.
It is better to call Whirlpool for support if you find any defective element in your dryer. Moreover, if you intend to replace a faulty component, be sure to purchase it from a trusted supplier.
But, before that double-check the component to make sure you have diagnosed the issue perfectly. I hope this article will help you a lot in fixing your Whirlpool Duet dryer that is not heating up. Stay connected with us to find more informational tips.
