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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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Repair Dryer Resources
Learn 5 DIY tips to fix your dryer when it is not heating.
Learn how an electric dryer works to get your clothes dry.
Learn how steam dryers work and how to keep them working smoothly.
Learn how a gas dryer works so you can use it safely and efficiently.
Glossary Terms
Natural gas is a fossil fuel used primarily for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. It's a hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting mainly of methane, but it also contains smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons and sometimes sulfur compounds.
A gas dryer is a laundry appliance that uses natural gas or propane to generate heat to dry clothes.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
A furnace is a major appliance that heats air distributed throughout a home or building via a ductwork system.
Additional possible Whirlpool dryer symptoms you may experience
- Whirlpool dryer won't start cycle
- Whirlpool dryer won't heat up
- Whirlpool dryer will not come on
- Whirlpool dryer takes 3 cycles to dry
- Whirlpool dryer stopped working
- Whirlpool dryer start button not working
- Whirlpool dryer not working
- Whirlpool dryer not turning on
- Whirlpool dryer not tumbling
- Whirlpool dryer not starting
- Whirlpool dryer not spinning
- Whirlpool dryer not heating
- Whirlpool dryer not drying clothes properly
- Whirlpool dryer not drying
- Whirlpool dryer noisy
- Whirlpool dryer no power
- Whirlpool dryer no heat
- Whirlpool dryer light not working
- Whirlpool dryer leaking water
- Whirlpool dryer isn't heating
- Whirlpool dryer duet model not running
- Whirlpool dryer drum roller replacement
- Whirlpool dryer door not closing
- Whirlpool dryer display not working
- Whirlpool dryer burning smell