I have a Whirlpool electric dryer. The motor, thermal fuse, and control panel have been replaced. The door switch functions properly. When turned on, the controls operate and timer counts down like nothing is wrong, but the drum will not spin and heating elements will not start up. what might the cause be?

There are about seven different possiblities and the prospective solution in each case appears to be replacement of a different part! I suppose if you have the proper testing equipment for assessing each of those parts, you might be favored with a relatively inexpensive fix. I would be embarassed to suggest you replace all in sequence until the dryer works.

Thermal Fuse: The thermal fuse is a safety mechanism that prevents the dryer from overheating. If it blows, the dryer won't heat. Check if the thermal fuse is intact and replace it if necessary.

Cycling Thermostat: The cycling thermostat regulates the temperature inside the dryer drum. If it's faulty, the dryer may not heat properly. Consider checking and replacing the cycling thermostat.

Igniter: The igniter is responsible for lighting the gas burner. If it's defective, the dryer won't ignite. Inspect the igniter for any signs of damage or malfunction.

Gas Valve Coils: Although you've already replaced them, double-check the gas valve coils. Sometimes, even new parts can fail. Ensure they are securely connected and functioning correctly.

Ventilation: Poor ventilation can lead to longer drying times and affect ignition. Make sure the dryer vent is clean and not obstructed. A clogged vent can cause overheating and affect ignition.

Door Switch: The door switch ensures the dryer doesn't operate when the door is open. If it's faulty, the dryer won't start or heat. Verify that the door switch is functioning properly.

Timer and Controls: Check if the timer advances correctly during the drying cycle. Malfunctioning controls can impact ignition. Inspect the timer and control board for any issues.

Whirlpool Dryer WGD4800XQ1 - OEM Parts & Repair Help - PartSelect.com

You can check to see if there is a quick fix by doing the following:

• Verify the power source: Check to see if the dryer is plugged in and if the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. Reset the circuit breaker to see if the dryer comes on if it has been tripped.
• Examine the doorknob: The dryer might not start if the door switch is broken. Open and close the dryer door to check that the door switch is functioning properly. The door switch may need to be replaced if the dryer starts when the door is closed.
• Examine the thermal fuse: If the dryer gets too hot, the thermal fuse, a safety feature, can stop the machine from working. The thermal fuse will need to be replaced if it blows.
• Examine the control panel: The control board may be defective and need to be replaced if none of the aforementioned steps resolve the issue.

If you have replaced the thermal fuse, main control board, control board behind the start button, and the high limit, and the dryer still will not turn on, then there may be an issue with the motor or the door switch.
First, check the door switch to make sure it is functioning properly. If the door switch is faulty, the dryer will not turn on.
If the door switch is working properly, then you may need to check the motor. The motor could be faulty or there could be an issue with the motor relay on the main control board.
You may want to consider consulting with a professional technician who can perform diagnostic tests and determine the root cause of the issue.

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Investigate these areas if your dryer is not starting:

Proper Voltage from the House

Your dryer may not be receiving adequate voltage to start. Make sure your dryer is plugged in. Also, check the circuit breaker panel to make sure all the circuit breakers are in the correct positions. Or check to make sure no fuses in the fuse panel are blown. Try plugging something else into the same outlet. If it won't work either, then there is likely something wrong with the power outlet. Any of these could be the reason power is not getting to your dryer. Also, refrain from using an extension cord to plug your dryer in.

Door Switch

If your dryer's door switch is defective, it will not allow your dryer to start. Test your dryer's door switch. If it is defective, replace it.

• How to test a door switch.
• How to replace a dryer door switch.



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Start Switch

A dryer cannot start if its start switch is defective. Test your dryer's start switch. If it is defective, you will have to replace it for your dryer to start again.

• How to test a dryer start switch.
• How to replace a dryer start switch.



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Thermal Fuse

A thermal fuse is a heat-sensitive fuse attached to your dryer's exhaust duct (in most models) that is designed to blow if the dryer overheats. A blown fuse would cause your dryer to not heat, or to not work at all. Open up your dryer's cabinet and locate its thermal fuse. Test the component. If it has blown, replace it.

• How to open a dryer cabinet.
• How to test a dryer thermal fuse.
• How to replace a dryer thermal fuse.



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Thermostat

A defective dryer thermostat could be what is preventing your dryer from starting. Open up your dryer's cabinet. Test each of your dryer's thermostats. Replace any that have become defective.

• How to open a dryer cabinet.
• How to test a dryer thermostat.
• How to replace a dryer thermostat.



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Timer Motor

Your dryer's timer will not function properly if its motor is malfunctioning. Open up your dryer's cabinet and locate its motor. Test the component. If it is not functioning as it should, replace either the motor itself, or the entire timer assembly.

• How to open a dryer cabinet.
• How to test a dryer timer motor.
• How to replace a dryer timer motor.



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Motor

A burned out motor could be what is keeping your dryer from starting. Test your dryer's motor and if it is defective, replace it. You will have to open your dryer in order to gain access to its motor.

• How to open a dryer cabinet.
• How to test a dryer motor.
• How to replace a dryer motor.

Check that the dryer is plugged in properly and has power. Check the socket with an appliance that is working, such as a fan. If there is no electricity coming from the socket, check your house's fuse box and flip it to on if it has been tripped to off.
Check the dryer door switch to make sure it it working properly. A malfunctioning door switch is a common cause of a dryer drum not rotating. To check the door switch, you will most likely have to remove two screws from under the lint trap and pull it up to remove a portion of the dryer. Remove the wires from the door switch with the dryer unplugged. Using an ohmmeter, check to make sure you have continuity between the two wires. If there isn't, you will need to replace the door switch.

Thermal Fuse

Check the thermal fuse if the drum of your dryer is not turning. The thermal fuse will automatically shut off the dryer if the heat inside is too high, but when it malfunctions, it causes the dryer to stop working completely. Before checking the thermal fuse, check to ensure that the vent of the dryer is not clogged, which could cause the dryer to overheat and keep the drum from moving.To gain access to the thermal fuse on most dryer models, you will need to remove the back panel of your dryer. Look at your dryer's manual to find the location of the thermal fuse and replace it with a new one.

Motor and Belt Check the belt of your dryer if the motor is running but the drum does not move. The belt controls the movement of the drum from the power of the motor. The belt will either be located under the drum of the dryer, or in the back depending on the model. Find the location of the belt and, if it is broken, replace it with a new belt.

If the dryer drum is rotating then stops after about 30 seconds the motor is probably faulty and needs to be replaced. Before replacing the motor, check the fan blade of the dryer to make sure it is not blocked. This can cause the motor to cut out.

Sometimes the wiring connection from your home can burn and sever the connection with the dryer's power cord. If so, you will need to replace the power cord and the terminal block that attaches it to the dryer to give it power. This is one of the more expensive fixes, so check everything else before narrowing the problem down to the wiring.

No dryer function works when the motor cannot run and the common issue is a blown thermal fuse located on the blower housing and wired in series with the motor. There will be no power to the motor when the thermal fuse blows and the motor cannot therefore run. Bypass the thermal fuse and if the motor runs, the thermal use is indeed blown and needs to be replaced. Do not use the dryer with the thermal fuse blown due to fire hazards.

Disconnect power then open the dryer door and remove the lint filter. Remove the screws from the toe panel and remove the panel. Remove the screws securing the lint duct and remove the duct.


The thermal fuse can now be bypassed or replaced if necessary.


Bypass the thermal fuse by disconnecting the wires and taping them together or jumping a wire between them. Once done, plug the dryer in then start it. The thermal fuse is indeed blown and needs to be replaced if the dryer runs. The thermal fuse is part number 3390719. Reassemble the dryer in reverse order of the disassembly steps.

The temperature of the air being exhausted is monitored by the cycling thermostat and the thermal fuse mounted on the blower housing. The thermal fuse, which is wired in series with the motor circuit, fails when the cycling thermostat fails to regulate the exhaust air temperature. Failure of the thermal fuse results in the motor not running and the dryer not working at all.

Remove the dryer real panel to access the blower housing and check the continuity of the thermal fuse. Grab a volt-ohmmeter and set it to the R X 1 scale then disconnect one wire from the thermal fuse terminals then check the continuity of the thermal fuse. Replace the thermal fuse should it read open.

Indicate the exact model number of the dryer for specific troubleshooting and repair advice if you need further assistance and for the exact part numbers.

It is one or two things. Motor start switch or the motor itself.

How about the controller that turns everything on? Check for power to it? Relays(if any) working?

What to check when your dryer won't start-


The wall outlet 240 volts:
The first thing to check when your Whirlpool dryer is not starting is the wall outlet to make sure that the dryer is getting the proper voltages. On an electric dryer there should be 240 and 120 volts present at the terminal block.

A blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker are one of the major causes why the dryer won't start. To check the voltage on an electric dryer you will need to use a multimeter.

The wall outlet 120 volts:
A gas dryer connects to a 120 volts wall outlet, and it is very easy to check the outlet. Disconnect the dryer and connect a hair blower or any other small appliance on the outlet.

If they work, then the problem must be on the dryer. If the don't work, check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. If the problem is bigger than that, have a license electrician check the house wiring. A bad wall outlet could be the reason why your Whirlpool dryer is not starting.

The thermal fuse:
The thermal fuse is use on an electric dryer as a safety devise to open the motor circuit if the operating thermostat fails to open at the preset temperature or if the motor draws too much amperage.

A blown thermal fuse could be the reason why your Whirlpool dryer is not starting. It is located behind the back panel on the dryer.

The door switch:
The door switch is another safety device use on the dryer. It is connected on the neutral line of the motor circuit. A door that is not closing properly or a bad door switch could be the reason why your Whirlpool dryer is not starting.

The push to start switch:
The push to start switch is use to start the motor. There are two types of switches. The older type switch is a solenoid operated door switch and the other one is a simple push to start switch.

A bad solenoid operated or regular push to start switch could be the cause why your Whirlpool dryer is not starting.

The timer:
The timer is the distribution center or the brain of the dryer. Inside of the timer is that the electricity gets routed to the different electrical parts in the dryer.

The timer has contact points, and the contact points wear or burn out depending on the amount of use. Contacts burnt inside of the timer, could prevent the dryer motor from starting..

The motor:
Also, the motor could be burnt bad. A motor that smells like rubber burning, makes growling noises, runs for a wile, the won't start until is cool down or a motor that runs fine, but the centrifugal switch is not making the right connections is a bad motor and must be replace.

So...as you could see, there are many parts that could be the reason why your Whirlpool dryer is not starting.