Whirlpool Dryer

Sounds identical to what happened to my dryer!

My Whirlpool has two gas valves. One for high flame, one for low flame.

These valves are located (on my unit anyway) under the bottom front (left side as you face the dryer) along the gas train.

Remove the bottom front access plate and they should be visible.

Disconnect the plug connectors at each of the solenoids (mark which one goes where).

Use an ohm meter and see which coil is open and replace that coil.

My high flame coil ran around $25 plus $11 shipping, purchased on-line.

Local repair guy wanted $150 just to come out to have a "look see".

EDIT - You should be able to remove the solenoid valve coils WITHOUT removing the complete valve assemblies. If my memory serves me, the gas train comes out quite easily as an assembly with common household tools.

Hope this info works out for you.

I would suggest purchasing a rock tumbler, and quit using the dryer as one.

This rock tumbling thing is all new to me! No body told me there was a special way to tumble them! Now cow tipping...Well that's an art!

Thanks for your input, I'll test it out in the morning and let you know how it turns out.

You say you ruled out the vent, i'm assuming there is no lint anywhere in vent line. I ask because I had the same problem and had small build up of lint coating the vent. If you don't have ample flow your dryer will not get hot due to lack of air flow.

The other items that you should check are the thermo-disks. These are temperature sensitive bi-metals that are used in most dryers for temperature control and high temp safety limits. They can become weak and lose their set point.

I had a similar problem with my GE HARMONY. It was the blower motor. The sensors shut off the heat due to low air flow. You can test all sensors with values you may get from Google search or manufacturer. If your dryer has electronics display it should have a malfunction info mode. You will find info how to access this by.online searching. My Harmony gave a message of blower not coming up to speed.

Ok, so I replaced the bad solenoid and guess what?? No change. That black cloud just loves to hang over me! I'm open to suggestions. I'm thinking about the selector switch...

or the thermo-disks as Icarus suggested.

These should be located on the fire drum just past the gas train (towards the back).

Sorry to hear the solenoid coil did not work out!

Ok, my frustration won out and I got down to nuts (that's me) and bolts and started ripping things apart!

I got down to the gas valve and guess what?!

Apparently a spider had decided to make a home there.

I cleaned out the inner workings of the valve and the dryer now dries clothes again!

YAY ME!