Whirlpool dryer won't turn off

Common reasons your Whirlpool dryer won't turn off

The most common reasons your Whirlpool dryer won't turn off are an open heating element, defective electronic control board or a failed thermistor.

63% of the time it's the
Heating Element

17% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board

10% of the time it's the
Thermistor

10% of the time it's the
Something else

Schedule your dryer repair now!

We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 150,000 Whirlpool dryers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

Call (646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.

Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool dryer

Heating Element Replacement

When your dryer runs constantly and won’t turn off, an open heating element could be causing the problem. An open (or broken) heating element won’t heat so the dryer will continue to run indefinitely. If the dryer isn’t heating and the cycle runs for a long time, have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert check the dryer. The technician will check the heating element and replace it if it is open.

How to replace a dryer heating element

Electronic Control Board Replacement

When your dryer won’t turn off, a defective control board could be causing the problem. The electronic control board monitors a moisture sensor to detect when clothes are dry. If the dryer continues to run even though clothes are dry, electronic components on the circuit board may have failed. To fix the problem, schedule a Sears Home Services Technician to visit your home and examine the electronic control board. The technician will replace the control board if it’s defective.

How to replace the electronic control board in an electric dryer

Thermistor Replacement

A failed thermistor can keep the dryer from turning off. The thermistor is a temperature sensor that sends signals to the electronic control board to help control heat inside the dryer. A failed thermistor won’t detect the temperature properly so the dryer won’t heat like it should and the dryer cycle won’t end after the normal amount of drying time. When loads take an extremely long time to dry, have a Sears Home Services Technician examine the dryer and replace the thermistor if it’s defective.

How to replace a dryer thermistor

What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool dryer won't turn off issue

How is the won't turn off problem fixed?

Correcting most won't turn off problems usually involves replacing the heating element, electronic control board or thermistor. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dryer that won't turn off

When the dryer won't turn off it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dryer failures.

What to look out for with a dryer won't turn off diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dryer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

What our customers say about us

With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

Excellent service from Daniel

Daniel provided excellent service and was very quick to perform the repair. I have nothing good to say about the warranty program and the LACK of customer service and the inability to contact a human being to talk.

Tammy M, Hilton, NY

Satisfied customer

Excellent technician Very thorough and detail oriented Would be happy to have him work on appliances again He managed to find our ranch headquarters in the middle of the desert

Rose W, Las Cruces, NM

Dryer service

He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.

Terry F, Oklahoma City, OK