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Have you started your Whirlpool dryer only for the red light to start flashing?
If yes, then, this article is for you.
This problem is very frustrating, to say the least. But, don’t panic as you can easily resolve this issue with a few troubleshooting steps.
In this article, we’ll discuss what causes the red light(s) to flash and how to troubleshoot and fix the underlying problem.
Whirlpool dryer red light flashing
Depending on the model, several factors might lead to the red light flashing insistently.
As we are about to see, some of these factors are straightforward to fix while others will require some effort.
So, here is what to do when your Whirlpool dryer red light(s) is flashing.
Close the lid/door
For the most part, your Whirlpool dryer will blink if you try to run a cycle without having closed the lid/door.
That being so, start by confirming that the lid/door is firmly closed.
Also, remove anything that might be obstructing the door from closing – such as a hanging cloth.
Another place you will check is the door latch area – clean out any filter or other debris that might be trapped there.
Now, if the flashing light continues, it could be that the lid lock switch is acting up. This brings us to the next troubleshooting step…
Test the lid lock switch
The easiest way to test this switch is by using the diagnostics test.
Start by putting the dryer into standby mode (plugged in with all indicators off or with only the Done indicator on).
Select any button (other than the power button) and do the following using the same button:
Press/hold the button for 2-5 seconds → release for 2-5 seconds → press/hold for 2-5 seconds → release for 2-5 seconds → press/hold for 2-5 seconds.
All the console indicators will light for 5 seconds and 88 will be displayed indicating that you have successfully entered into diagnostic mode.
Quick tip: if your dryer does not enter diagnostic mode, put it on standby mode and repeat the above procedure but this time, use a different button.
Now that you are in diagnostic mode, open and close the door.
If the door switch is healthy, opening the door will result in a beep with an alphanumeric code being displayed.
Again, closing the door will result in a beep and 88 being displayed.
Now, if your dryer fails to beep and produce a code in any of these steps, it means that the door switch or its harness might be faulty.
That being so, open the dryer and confirm that the wire harness connecting the door switch to the electronic control board is properly plugged in.
If it isn’t, be sure to connect it properly.
On the other hand, if the connector is not faulty, then, swap out the door switch and see if this fixes your dryer.
Here, we recommend this universal Whirlpool dryer door switch (order on Amazon).
Obviously, if the door switch isn’t faulty, something else is.
That’s where the lint filter comes in…
Clean the lint filter and the venting system
More modern dryers will blink insistently when either the lint filter or the venting system is full of lint
This is a safety mechanism that tells you when to clean the trapped lint.
This will reduce the chances of the thermal fuse blowing up or worse still, the dryer catching fire.
That being so, clean the lint screen and the venting (from the dryer to the wall and the house venting also).
Once done, try and run your dryer to see if this fixes it.
If it’s still blinking, proceed to the next step below…
Does the dryer display an error code?
It is likely that your dryer has run into some error or one of the parts is acting up.
When this occurs, all the lights in your Whirlpool dryer will be flashing – including the red lights – and the display will blink an error code.
The codes might vary from model to model.
Moving on…
To troubleshoot these codes, refer to the tech sheet that came with your dryer – you can locate it beneath the control panel.
Also Read: How to resolve whirlpool cabrio dryer error codes
While on the error codes, a common code linked with red lights flashing on Whirlpool condenser dryers and Whirlpool heat pump dryers is the F04 error code.
In condenser dryers, take out the condenser (behind the hatch at the bottom of the dryer) and rinse it.
As for heat pump models, use a vacuum brush to clean the condenser.
If you own one of these models, you will note an interesting thing – the error code persists with two or three red lights blinking plus three blinking green lights.
Quick tip: The steps below will also apply to some models of Whirlpool 6th sense dryers.
To clear the code (also fixes the flashing red lights), touch and hold the power button for three seconds.
If this does not work, try the steps below…
Turn the dial to the six o’clock position (position with no cycle marked), press the start button three times, turn it to the seven o’clock position and press the start button three times.
This will now clear the code – and the blinking lights also.
Now turn the dial to the off (12 o’clock) position before proceeding to select a dry cycle.
Having said that, if your dryer is flashing red lights (or any other lights) while it displays an error code, fix the error codes as this will also fix the flashing lights problem.
Whirlpool dryer red light flashing – conclusion
Flashing red lights on your whirlpool dryer are calling your attestation to the fact that something is wrong with the unit.
Subsequently, follow the above steps as they will guide you on how to pinpoint the specific problem and fix it.
ALSO READ
Whirlpool dryer troubleshooting manual
