Why Is My Whirlpool Dryer Not Heating?

Whirlpool is known for being a reliable brand, and dryers are usually trouble-free appliances. So it’s always frustrating when something goes wrong. If your Whirlpool dryer is spinning and blowing air but not producing heat, it means something is wrong with the heating system. This, among other potential causes, can be a fault with the element, a ventilation issue, or a problem with the wiring. While this may sound daunting, don’t panic! With a systematic approach, it’s easy to get the root cause of the issue and resolve it using this simple guide. Let’s get started. 

Our guide applies to most common models of Whirlpool dryers, including:

1LE4900XKW0

1LE4930XKW0

1LE5700XKW0

1LE5920XKW0

1LE7800XKW0

1LG5701XKW0

1LG5921XKW0

1LG9801XKW1

2LG5701XKW0

3CE2110XMW0

3CE2110XMW1

3CE2110XMW2

3CE2910XSN1

3CE2910XSW0

GEW9200LW1

GEW9250PW0

GEW9250PW1

WED4815EW1

WED5000DW2

WED6200SW1

WED9200SQ0

Blown Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse works to stop the dryer from overheating. If the temperature inside the drum gets hotter than it should, the fuse blows, preventing the heating element from turning on. If the thermal fuse has blown, then the dryer may still appear to turn on and otherwise work as normal, but it won’t produce any heat. If this is your problem, you’ll notice your clothes come out of the dryer still cold and damp. Here’s what to do:

• Unplug your dryer to ensure your safety. 
• Consult your Whirlpool manual to find out how to access the thermal fuse in your model. You may need to remove the rear panel.
• Check if the fuse is blown. It may not be immediately obvious, so use a multimeter to see if it has continuity. If not, it needs replacing. 
• Source a replacement fuse that’s compatible with the make and model of your dryer and replace the faulty one. 
• Test your dryer to ensure it’s heating properly. 
• Determine the issue that caused the thermal fuse to overheat and blow in the first place and resolve this issue to prevent the problem from occurring again. 

Clogged Lint Filter

A clogged lint filter is a common cause behind a blown thermal fuse as it can lead to overheating. If you’ve replaced a blown thermal fuse, make sure you clean the lint filter before drying any more loads as otherwise, the problem is likely to recur. To clean the filter:

• Locate the lint filter. In most models, this is located inside the dryer door, but consult your dryer manual if you’re not sure. 
• Remove the filter from its housing. 
• Remove all lint and dust from the filter housing. 
• Manually remove all lint from the filter. 
•  Replace the clean filter in the filter housing. 
• Make sure you completely clean the filter after every dryer load to prevent overheating from happening in the future. 

Obstructed Vent Pipe

After replacing the thermal fuse and checking the lint filter, it’s also important to check the vent pipe. The vent pipe conducts the hot, moist air from the dryer’s interior to the outside. Over time the pipe can become blocked with lint, which can lead to serious overheating. To clear the vent pipe:

• Disconnect the vent line from the back of your dryer and remove the other end from where it connects to the outside. In some cases, it may be screwed down or held in place with clips. This will depend on your particular dryer setup. 
• Manually clean away any lint buildup you can see at the entrance of the pipe. 
• Use a length of wire or a duct cleaning brush to remove any hard-to-reach lint buildup within the pipe. 
• Replace the vent pipe, ensuring it’s firmly held in place at both ends. 
• Keep the pipe clean. Ideally, you should check it for lint buildup every six months. 

Faulty Heating Element

The heating element produces the heat that allows your Whirlpool dryer to function. A blown thermal fuse prevents the heating element from working, but it’s also possible for the element itself to be damaged. If the heating element is faulty, your dryer will still run but your clothes will be damp and cold, or in some cases, only slightly warm. Here’s what to do:

• For your safety, disconnect the dryer from the power source. 
• Check your manual to locate the heating element. In most cases, you’ll need to remove the top and rear panels. The element will look like a long, narrow metal coil or tube. 
• Once you locate the heating element, use a multimeter to test for continuity. No continuity means that the heating element needs replacing. 
• If you feel confident in replacing the element yourself, you can source a replacement part online. Make sure it’s compatible with your model of Whirlpool dryer. If you’re unsure of what to do, hire a professional to replace the element for you. 
• Once you’ve replaced the faulty element, put the dryer back together and restore power. Then run a test cycle to ensure that the dryer is heating properly. 

Faulty Moisture Sensor

Not all dryers come with a moisture sensor, but they’re becoming increasingly common in newer models. The sensor aims to prevent unnecessary power use by recognizing when your clothes are dry and prompting the dryer to turn off. However, if the sensor isn’t functioning, it may incorrectly sense that clothes are dry when they’re still wet, which can lead to the heat being stopped prematurely.

If this is your issue, you may notice the clothes are still damp when the dryer turns off, and the cycles may be running for less time than usual. Luckily, this is usually a simple fix because a sensor malfunction is often caused by a buildup of fabric softener or detergent residue. 

• Locate the moisture sensor. It appears as two metal strips that are usually located inside the drum near the door. 
• Use a soft cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to thoroughly clean off any residue. 
• Once clean, run a test cycle to see if the clothes dry appropriately. 
• To prevent the problem from recurring, try to limit your use of dryer sheets or fabric softener, and regularly check the moisture sensors for residue.