Look at some of the below issues to help troubleshoot your dryer. Whirlpool dryers are sold under several names, including Kenmore, Roper, Kitchenaid, and Estate. Many of the same tips apply to other brands such as Maytag, Amana, Frigidaire, Electrolux, GE (General Electric), Hotpoint, and many more. If a tip is brand specific, we will try to note this.

Dryer will not heat

Check the heating element on Electric Dryer models. On most brands this is behind the drum inside the dryer. On most Whirlpool / Kenmore / Roper dryers, the heating element is behind the back panel, reached from the rear of the dryer.

On Gas models, check to see whether the igniter is glowing. If the ignitor does not glow, it may be a bad igniter, or a problem with power reaching the igniter. If the igniter glows and shuts back off, but no gas comes in, then the gas valve coils are usually the culprit. If the igniter glows and never shuts off, the flame sensor is usually the culprit.

Check the thermal fuse / thermostats. On most brand this is located either directly on the heater element canister, or on the blower housing. On Whirlpool / Kenmore / Roper this is reached from the rear of the dryer.

Dryer heats, but takes a long time to dry

Check the vent going to the outside. Usually the vent become either crushed or obstructed with lint buildup, and this prevents it from drying properly.

Check for major lint blockages inside the dryer.

Check for a grounded heat element. This occurs when a heat element breaks, and part of the coil touches the metal canister. This causes the heater to heat inefficiently, and sometimes to not shut off properly.