Whirlpool dryer won’t spin

Common Causes and Solutions:

1. Broken Drive Belt:
   • Cause: The drive belt wraps around the dryer drum and the motor pulley. If the belt breaks or wears out, the drum won’t spin.
   • Solution:
     • Step 1: Unplug the dryer and remove the front or rear panel to access the drive belt.
     • Step 2: Inspect the belt for any signs of wear, fraying, or breakage.
     • Step 3: If the belt is damaged, replace it with a new one according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Faulty Drum Rollers:
   • Cause: Drum rollers support the drum as it rotates. Over time, these rollers can wear out or become damaged, causing the drum to stop spinning.
   • Solution:
     • Step 1: Unplug the dryer and remove the front or rear panel to access the drum rollers.
     • Step 2: Inspect the rollers for signs of wear or damage.
     • Step 3: Replace any worn or damaged rollers, ideally in pairs to ensure even wear.
3. Worn Out Idler Pulley:
   • Cause: The idler pulley maintains tension on the drive belt. If the pulley is worn or broken, the belt may lose tension and the drum won’t spin.
   • Solution:
     • Step 1: Unplug the dryer and remove the front or rear panel to access the idler pulley.
     • Step 2: Inspect the pulley for wear or damage.
     • Step 3: Replace the idler pulley if necessary.
4. Defective Motor:
   • Cause: The motor drives the belt that turns the drum. If the motor is defective, the drum won’t spin.
   • Solution:
     • Step 1: Listen for any humming sounds when you try to start the dryer. A humming sound without spinning indicates a possible motor issue.
     • Step 2: If the motor is suspected to be the issue, contact a professional technician for diagnosis and replacement.
5. Malfunctioning Drum Glides or Bearings:
   • Cause: Drum glides or bearings help the drum to rotate smoothly. If these components are worn or damaged, the drum may not spin.
   • Solution:
     • Step 1: Unplug the dryer and remove the front or rear panel to access the drum glides or bearings.
     • Step 2: Inspect these components for wear or damage.
     • Step 3: Replace any worn or damaged glides or bearings.
6. Obstructed Drum:
   • Cause: Items can sometimes get caught between the drum and the dryer’s interior, preventing it from spinning.
   • Solution:
     • Step 1: Unplug the dryer and carefully inspect the drum area for any foreign objects.
     • Step 2: Remove any objects that may be obstructing the drum.
7. Faulty Door Switch:
   • Cause: The door switch ensures the dryer won’t operate with the door open. If it’s faulty, the dryer might not spin.
   • Solution:
     • Step 1: Ensure the door is fully closed and listen for a clicking sound indicating the switch is engaged.
     • Step 2: If there’s no click or if the switch appears damaged, it may need to be replaced.

Conclusion:

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often identify and resolve the issue preventing your Whirlpool dryer from spinning. However, if you’re uncomfortable performing these tasks or if the problem persists, it’s best to seek assistance from a qualified technician to ensure the dryer is repaired safely and effectively. Regular maintenance and timely repairs will help keep your Whirlpool dryer in optimal working condition.