Whirlpool Dryer 3397244j won't start at all... just stopped working

Try one of these diagnostic repair videos on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/results?q=Whirlpool+dryer+won%27t+start+stays+on+sensing

Sound like the thermal cutoff switch which is located behind the back panel on the blower housing.

Hello there and welcome to Fixya :
This is a fairly common problem with these whirpool dryers.
I will provide you with the 7 most common things to look for
which contribute to the symptom Dryer won't stop are listed below. Check or test each item and watch any available videos. If you are still unable to solve the problem you may need to do additional research and troubleshooting.

• How It Works
• Disassembly

• How It Works: Electric Dryer
  This video provides information on how a dryer works and common problems associated with dryers not heating, taking too long to ...
  

Show all parts for model GEW9878LW0 For the symptom you selected, these are the most common parts or causes, ordered by the likelihood of fixing the symptom.
Air Flow Problem The most common problem when a dryer is slow is when the vent is clogged. If the dryer is slow, check the vent from the back of the dryer to the outside of the house. If that is clogged, clear it completely and test the dryer. If the dryer is slow after the vent is cleaned, clean the internal ductwork of the dryer. This will require some disassembly.
Blower Wheel

Item # 686172
The blower wheel draws air through the dryer and pushes the air out the vent. If the dryer won't stop, the blower wheel may not be spinning properly, which reduces the air flow. Check to see if the blower wheel is securely fastened to the drive motor shaft.
Skill Level Skill Level
Part Replacement Video $23.40 Quantity:

In Stock
Heating Element Assembly

Item # 528055
The heating element assembly warms the air before the air enters the dryer drum. If the dryer won't stop, it may be because the heating element assembly isn't working - which greatly increases the drying time. Check the heating element for continuity.
Skill Level Skill Level
Part Testing Video $91.05 Quantity:

In Stock
Lint Filter

Item # 2659
Dryer sheets and fabric softener can leave a residue on the lint filter, reducing the air flow. If the dryer won't stop, check to be sure air can flow freely, clean the filter as needed.
Skill Level Skill Level
$38.95 Quantity:

In Stock
Moisture Sensor

Item # 469522
Although not as common, if the dryer won't stop it may be because the moisture sensor is either defective or coated with fabric softener. Clean the moisture sensor contacts inside the dryer and th

Hi,

There can be many reasons why your dryer will not start or turn...

The most common causes are the belt breaking or jumping off, or the motor goingbad...

Here are a couple of tips that I wrote will help you to figure out why yourdryer will not run...

Dryer Repair - The Dryer is not Turning

Dryer Repair - The dryer will not start


heatman101

-==-

Hi,

Here is a tip that I wrote about why an electricdryer will not stop heating sometimes.

ElectricDryer won't stop heating

heatman101

Hi,

There can be many reasons why your dryer will not start or turn...

The most common causes are the belt breaking or jumping off, or the motor goingbad...

Here are a couple of tips that I wrote will help you to figure out why yourdryer will not run...

Dryer Repair - The Dryer is not Turning

Dryer Repair - The dryer will not start


heatman101

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Hi,

Here is a tip that I wrote about why an electricdryer will not stop heating sometimes.

ElectricDryer won't stop heating

heatman101

it could be that or it could be the start button, you can check the button by adding a jumper in the wires that go to it,, this should be done as a check and not left that way,, for safety

The first thing you need to check is if you actually have 240 Volts going into the dryer. Sometimes one half of the (dual) circuit breaker opens and only sends 120 Volts down the line. If you hear a buzzing sound when you press "start" but nothing happens, it could be a stuck motor. Or the motor could be running but the belt is broke. There are more possible scenarios, but try this first.

Sounds like a timer problem .