Whirlpool Dryer How to & Troubleshooting Guide

Whirlpool dryers include a range of electric and gas units of different loading styles. They have a reputation for reliability and are long lasting. But being machines, these dryers can develop some issues in the cause of their use. Fortunately, some problems can be resolved easily by troubleshooting. If you are having difficulties with your Whirlpool dryer, follow the troubleshooting steps to fix the common Whirlpool dryer issues below.

Whirlpool Dryer Won’t Start

If your Dryer will not start, follow these troubleshooting instructions to resolve the problem:

Check if the dryer door is firmly closed. If it is not, close the dryer door tightly.
Make sure the start/pause button is firmly pressed. Large loads may require pressing and holding the start/pause button for 2-5 seconds.
Check whether a household fuse is blown or if the circuit breaker has tripped. There may be two household fuses or circuit breakers for the dryer. Check that both fuses are intact and tight, or both circuit breakers have not tripped. Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker.
Make sure you have the correct power supply. Electric dryers require 240-volt power supply.
If you are using a regular fuse, make sure you replace it with a time-delay fuse.

Whirlpool Dryer Troubleshooting Codes

F#E#

If a code beginning with an “F” appears in the display, alternating between F# and E#, the dryer control has detected a problem.

To troubleshoot, try resetting the controls following the instructions below:

Power down the unit by turning the circuit breaker(s) for one minute.
Power up the unit by turning on the circuit breaker(s).
Start a time dry cycle.
Monitor the dryer for 1 minute to ensure the error does not display again.

If the error code persists, call for service.

Check Vent Indicator is lit

If the check vent indicator is lit, it means the airflow is limited going through the dryer and to the outside. This can be due to the lint screen or vent is clogged; the vent is crushed or kinked or has too many turns.

The dryer will continue to run when this indicator is lit. Try the following to troubleshoot:

Clean lint screen.
Check if the vent run from the dryer to the wall is crushed or kinked.
Confirm that the vent run from the dryer to the wall is free of lint and debris.
Confirm that your vent system falls within the recommended run length and number of elbows for the type of vent you are using. Refer to “Plan Vent System” in the installation manual.
Select a Timed Dry heated cycle, and restart the dryer.
If the indicator is still lit, clean your entire home venting system.

Dashes(-:–) in the display

If this error code is displayed for all cycles, a control reset may resolve the issue.

To reset the controls:

Power down the unit by turning the circuit breaker(s) for one minute.
Power up the unit by turning on the circuit breaker(s).
Start a time dry cycle.
Monitor the dryer for 1 minute to ensure the error does not display again.

ERR

You will see the “ERR” error code when the door has not been completely closed and latched. This indicates that the dryer will not run unless the door is closed.

If you are unsure if the door is closed, open it, and firmly close. Do not slam the door. Contact service if you are certain you closed the door and you still get the ERR code.

L2 Error Code

An L2 (Low or No Line Voltage) error code indicates there may be a problem with the home power supply, keeping the dryer’s heater from turning on. The dryer will continue to run when this error code displays. Touch any pad to clear the code from the display and return to the estimated time remaining.

Try the following troubleshooting instructions:

Check to see if a household fuse has blown or circuit breaker has tripped. Replace the dryer fuse(s) or turn off the household circuit breaker for the dryer for one minute, to reset the circuit breaker, then turn circuit breaker on.
Confirm that the power cord is installed properly.
Select a Timed Dry heated cycle and restart the dryer.
Loc or Lc Error Code

The Loc error code indicates that the Control Lock has been enabled. When the control is locked, the dryer will not start or operate.

Press and hold the Control Lock Key for 3 Seconds to unlock the machine. You will notice the machine count down from 3-2-1. The control lock may be a stand-alone key or it could be a dual function key paired with another button. Press and hold that button (not the text below it) for 3 seconds to unlock.

PF Error Code

The PF error code indicates that the drying cycle has been interrupted by a power failure in your home.

Touch the POWER button to clear the display. Restart the dryer.

LF Error Code

An LF (Lint Filter) error code indicates that the filter has been removed. Place filter into the dryer and make sure the handle is properly seated.

How to Clean the Lint Screen in Whirlpool Dryer

A screen blocked by lint can increase drying time. The lint screen is located in the door opening of the dryer. There is a “Check Lint” or “Check Lint Screen” indicator light on the control panel to remind you to clean the lint screen before each load. The light will turn off once the door is opened or a cycle is started.

Clean the lint screen with a nylon brush every 6 months, or more frequently, if it becomes clogged due to a residue buildup.

To wash, follow these steps:

Roll lint off the screen with your fingers.
Wet both sides of the lint screen with hot water.
Wet a nylon brush with hot water and liquid detergent. Scrub lint screen with the brush to remove residue buildup.
Rinse screen with hot water.
Thoroughly dry the lint screen with a clean towel. Reinstall the screen in the dryer.
Clean the space where lint screen is located as needed. Using a vacuum, gently remove any lint that has accumulated outside of the lint screen.

How to Winterize Whirlpool Steam Dryer

To winterize the dryer:

Unplug the dryer or disconnect power.
Shut off water faucet.
Disconnect water inlet hose from faucet and drain.

To use the dryer again:

Flush water pipes. Reconnect water inlet hose to faucet. Turn on water faucet.
Plug in the dryer or reconnect power.

Whirlpool Dryer Not Heating Up

If your Whirlpool dryer is not heating, it could be because of a number of reasons:

Tripped home circuit breakers
Power supply cord is not installed correctly
Dirty/blocked lint screen
Outside vent or exhaust is clogged
Collapsed or crushed vent

To resolve this problem, try the following troubleshooting instructions:

Electric dryers need a separate 30 amp circuit, fused on both sides of the line. This means there will be two circuit breakers to operate the dryer. Check that both circuit breakers are not tripped.
Electric dryers need a 240-volt power supply. Make sure you have 240-volt.
Check the lint screen located either at the top of the dryer or in the dryer’s door opening, and clean it if dirty. The screen must be clear of any lint/debris.
Check for clogging in the outside vent or exhaust that may be restricting air flow. Clean the vent if dirty to ensure good airflow to the outside.
For best drying drying performance, you need to use the right type of vent. Use only rigid metal or flexible metal vent material. Use only 4” diameter heavy metal exhaust vent as larger or smaller diameter material will reduce good air movement and cause longer drying times.

Why is my Whirlpool Dryer Wrinkling Clothing

If your clothes are getting wrinkled, it could be because the load was removed from the dryer at the end of the cycle. You need to select the Steam Refresh cycle to tumble the load with water and heat. This cycle is best for smoothing out wrinkles and reducing odors from dry loads consisting of wrinkle-free cotton, cotton-polyester blends, common knits, and synthetics.

Another reason for wrinkled clothing on your dryer is when the load is too large or tightly packed. You need to dry smaller loads that can tumble freely. Results may also vary depending on the type of fabric.

Whirlpool Gas Dryer Not Drying Completely

If clothes are not drying completely, drying times are too long, or the load is too hot, follow these instructions to troubleshoot:

Check whether lint screen is clogged with lint. You should clean the lint screen before each load.
Make sure you select the right temperature for the type of garments being dried.
The load may be too large or heavy to dry quickly. Separate the load to tumble freely.
Run the dryer for 5-10 minutes, hold your hand under the outside exhaust hood to check the air movement. If you do not feel air movement, clean exhaust system of lint or replace vent with heavy metal or flexible metal vent.
Fabric softer sheets could be blocking the grille. Make sure you use only one fabric softener sheet, and use it only once.
Check that the exhaust vent is not too long or has too many turns. Long venting will increase drying times.
Make sure the dryer is located in a room with temperatures above 45⁰F (7⁰C) for proper operation of dryer cycles.
Make sure you level the dryer. The load may not be contacting the sensor strips and automatic cycle ending early.
Expect longer dry times if you used cold rinse water or with items that hold more moisture (cottons).

Whirlpool Duet Dryer Beeps 3 Times

3 beeps means that the dryer has detected that the door is open. Make sure that the door is closed firmly. Try the following instructions if the problem persists:

Try opening the door and push in the door light switch around the door way frame at the top.
Then slide your finger off so that the button flings back out quickly.
Try this a few times and see if the issue resolves.
If the problem does not resolve, you may need to order and replace the door/light switch.

Whirlpool Duet Dryer Making Unusual Sounds

The dryer could be making unusual sounds for several reasons:

If the dryer hasn’t been used for a while, there may be a thumping sound during the first few minutes of operation.
Check the front and rear edges of the drum for small objects like a coin, button or paper clip. Make sure you clean out pockets before laundering.
The dryer may vibrate if it is not properly installed. Make sure four legs are installed, and the dryer is level front to back and side to side.
When balled up, the load will bounce, causing the dryer to vibrate. Separate the load items and restart the dryer.

Whirlpool Dryer Odors

If there are some odors in your dryer, it could be caused by the following:

Household chemicals, paint, or varnish being drawn into the dryer.
First use of the dryer element.

To clear the odors:

Make sure you do not use the dryer while these chemical fumes are in the air.
If it’s the first use of the dryer element, the odor will be gone after the first cycle.

How to Change the Drum Light in Whirlpool Dryer

The dryer light automatically turns on inside the dryer drum when you open the door. Your drum light may be one of two types.

To change drum light type 1:

Unplug the dryer or disconnect power leading to the dryer at the main power supply.
Open the dryer door. Remove the light bulb cover from the back wall of the dry by turning the cover clockwise.
Remove the light bulb by turning it counterclockwise.
Replace the bulb with a 40-watt appliance bulb only.
Replace the light bulb cover and lock in place by turning counterclockwise.
Plug in the dryer or reconnect power supply.

To change drum light type 2:

Unplug the dryer or disconnect power leading to the dryer at the main power supply.
Open the dryer door. Remove the light bulb cover from the dryer’s back wall by removing the screw located in the lower right corner of the cover.
Remove the light bulb by turning it counterclockwise.
Replace the light bulb with a 10-watt appliance bulb only.
Replace the light bulb cover.
Plug the dryer in or reconnect power supply.