Before exploring why the control panel of your Whirlpool Duet Dryer is not getting power, you need to understand what a control panel is first. It is a device that helps you control the various functions of your dryer.
Your Whirlpool Duet Dryer control panel may not be getting power because of a blown thermal fuse, failed main control board, a power issue, or faulty control panel. Since it’s the brain of the dryer, if the control panel isn’t getting power, the dryer won’t work.
Keep reading to learn more about why the control panel of your Whirlpool Duet dryer is not getting power and how to fix the issue.
Whirlpool Duet Dryer Control Panel Has No Lights
Whirlpool Duet dryers don’t show lights on their control panels once the power is out. A whirlpool duet dryer no display issue can happen right when you plug it in or after the dryer has been running for a while, it’s important to address the issue.
Almost all electrical problems in most dryers start at the control board. Faulty control boards cut power to every part of the dryer, but it can happen slowly. This issue ends up causing blinking lights, not enough drying power, and so on.
So, why isn’t your Whirlpool Duet dryer getting power to the control panel?
Consider these explanations:
1. Loose Wire Connections at the Control Panel
Loose wires are very common with older dryers. The constant vibrations and rattling parts loosen the wires going to and from the control board. Once these wires loosen out of their terminals, there won’t be any power at the dryer’s control board.
Another reason this happens is due to improper control board installation. Using a few extra inches of wiring can put a lot of pressure on the electrical terminals, causing them to shift. After a few months or years, the non-stop pressure eventually pulls the wires out of their terminals for good.
How to Fix
Here’s what you should do if your dryer has loose control panel wires:
Turn off the power at the circuit breaker or unplug the dryer to prevent it from shocking you.
Remove the dryer’s front panel to reveal the control board (it sits behind all of the knobs and buttons on top of the appliance).
Take a picture of the control board or grab a wiring diagram for reference.
Remove each of the wires, tighten the terminal screws, then tighten the wires into their terminals.
Mount the control panel, then place the front panel back on the dryer.
When you’re done, turn on the power and plug in your dryer to see if it fixed the control panel. If not, head to the second suggestion.
2. The Thermal Fuse May Be Blown
If you have a dryer, you may wonder how a blown thermal fuse can affect the control panel. The control panel is the brain of the dryer and is responsible for relaying information to the various components of the dryer.
When the thermal fuse blows, it interrupts the flow of electricity to the control panel.
How To Fix
A blown fuse can be a frustrating problem, but it can be easily fixed. The first thing you’ll need to do is find the fuse box on your dryer and locate the blown fuse. You can do this by looking for a burned-out fuse or using a multimeter to test for continuity.
Once you have found the blown fuse, you’ll need to replace it with a new one, which you can conveniently purchase at almost any hardware store. After replacing the fuse, your dryer’s control panel should get power.
3. Your Whirlpool Duet Dryer Has a Failed Main Control Board
As the main control board supplies power to the control panel and other dryer components, if it’s faulty, the control panel may not receive power, making it impossible to control the dryer.
How To Fix
You’ll need to replace the main control board to fix this problem. You can find a replacement online or at a local appliance store. Once you have the new main control board, follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to install it.
The video below demonstrates how to replace the main control board:
4. Your Home’s Circuit Breaker Is Tripped or Failed
A circuit breaker is designed to protect your home from electrical fires and other damage by interrupting the flow of electricity when there is a problem.
If your circuit breaker trips or fails, it can prevent your dryer’s control panel from getting the power it needs.
How To Fix
To fix this problem, reset the circuit breaker by flipping the switch off and then on. If that fails, your only recourse is to buy a new circuit breaker.
Here’s how you can diagnose and replace a faulty breaker to supply enough electricity to the dryer:
Turn off the circuit breaker and the power at the bus bar (or the home’s main electrical supply).
Disconnect the wires going to and from the breaker.
Grab the edges of the circuit breaker and firmly pull it out of its socket.
Get a like-for-like circuit breaker with the same voltage and amperage, then push it into the circuit breaker socket.
Connect the old wires to the new circuit breaker, turn on the bus bar or main power supply, then turn on the breaker.
Tripped or faulty breakers are some of the most common reasons for a lack of power going to your dryer’s control board. For a breakdown of how to remedy your dryer’s issues, read my article “Whirlpool Washer Turns On Then Off Immediately (Fixed).”
Final Thoughts
While Whirlpool dryers are some of the best around, they’re not without fault. These dryers occasionally experience control board issues that prevent them from illuminating the display, providing enough heat, or ventilating the dryer drum. Diagnosing and repairing the whirlpool duet dryer no display issue can restore your Whirlpool Duet dryer to its top-notch condition.
