How to Troubleshoot a Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer

Use these simple troubleshooting methods to determine the issue

whirlpool cabrio
Courtesy of Whirlpool/Maytag
Project Overview
  • Total Time: 10 - 20 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $5 to $10

For many homeowners, their hardworking Whirlpool Cabrio dryer is still going strong. The Whirlpool Cabrio washer and dryer line was discontinued in 2010 and replaced with newer lines of top- or front-loading gas and electric dryers. So, if your Cabrio dryer encounters problems, here's how to troubleshoot the issue easily and with only simple tools before calling a technician.

Safety Considerations

Before troubleshooting the Whirlpool Cabrio dryer, unplug it from the wall outlet. Also, consult the manufacturer's manual and look over their troubleshooting recommendations.

Warning

Routine maintenance of dryer vents and adequately cleaning the lint trap are the best ways to prevent fires.

Quick Troubleshooting Guide
Problem   Potential Issue and Fix
Won't turn on or run  Check circuit breaker, power plug, door latches
Displays error code Power failure, control board issue, short detected, overheating; fix issue and unplug for 10 minutes to reset
Clothes remain damp Dirty sensor strips, dirty lint screen, fabric softener sheet blocking heating vent; exhaust tube is too long to vent sufficiently; the laundry room is too cold; check settings not "air-only"
Device makes unusual sounds Allow it to run for 10 minutes to see if the noise goes away; check clothing is not balled up; check for debris; re-level dryer if it's off-kilter
Won't heat Power failure, wrong setting, overly-large load, unfastened door, or failure of heating element, solenoid, flame sensor, or igniter
Won't spin Deactivate the control lock, latch unfastened door, check for obstruction in the drum, or failure of the belt, motor, idler pulley, or control board

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Manual screwdriver
  • Flashlight
  • Tape measure
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Long, narrow brush

Instructions

Cabrio Dryer Won't Turn On

When you try to turn on your Whirlpool Cabrio dryer, it will not turn on or it turns on but doesn't run.

  1. Check Circuit Breaker

    Turn off the circuit breaker on the electric service panel. Since the Whirlpool Cabrio dryer is 30A 120/240 V service, a double or tandem circuit breaker controls the dryer's outlet. Flip the breaker back on.

  2. Check Power Supply

    Verify the power supply. The power cord on a Whirlpool Cabrio dryer must be a type SRD or SRDT, and it must be at least 4 feet long.

  3. Fully Close Dryer Door

    Open the door and shut it again firmly. Looks can be deceiving; the Cabrio dryer door may appear to be closed, though it isn't fully closed.

Cabrio Dryer Displays Error Codes

When you want to run your Whirlpool Cabrio dryer, the control panel displays error codes like PF or F-series codes like F1, F2, or others.

  1. See a PF Code Display

    Fix the power failure. On a Whirlpool Cabrio dryer, the error code PF means "Power Failure." With this type of error code, it's typical for the dryer cycle to be interrupted during operations. To fix it, press and hold the Start button.

  2. See a F, F1, F2, or Other F Series Code Display

    Unplug the power cord and wait at least 5 minutes to reset the dryer. Plug the appliance back in and turn on the dryer. If the problem persists, you may need a new interface board—a more complicated fix. F-series error codes on a Whirlpool Cabrio dryer run from F and F1 to F72. F stands for "Function" and usually refers to control board errors. For example:

    • F: Voltage or power drop
    • F1: Control board fault
    • F42: Shorted or open heater/thermistor
    • F53: Motor module high temperature

Cabrio Dryer Doesn't Dry Clothes

When you run your Whirlpool Cabrio dryer, but the clothes don't sufficiently dry, clothes are damp or mostly dry but a little damp.

  1. Check Sensor Strips

    Take a look inside the drum. On the inside of the Whirlpool Cabrio dryer are two metal sensor strips that detect the presence of moisture. Stray clothing or a fabric softener sheet might be blocking the strips.

  2. Clean Lint Screen

    Pull the lint screen located on the top of the dryer toward you to remove it. Clean the screen. Clean the outer few inches of the lint screen's slot with a clean bottle brush.

  3. Check Grille Inside Drum

    Look inside the dryer drum. The metal grille or grate may have a fabric softener sheet stuck on it, blocking air. Remove the sheet.

  4. Measure Exhaust Vent

    Check the size of the exhaust vent. The exhaust vent must be 4 inches in diameter. On a Whirlpool Cabrio dryer, a metal exhaust vent with no elbows can be no longer than 28 feet with an angled hood or no more than 36 feet with a box- or louvered-style hood. Move the dryer closer to the exterior exhaust point and shorten the exhaust vent tube if possible.

  5. Check Laundry Room Temperature

    Verify room temperature. The laundry room must be 45 degrees Fahrenheit or greater for the dryer to heat up properly.

  6. Change Air-Only Modifier

    Turn off the Air-Only modifier on the controls—these must be turned off for the clothes to dry.

Cabrio Dryer Makes Unusual Sounds

Running your Whirlpool Cabrio dryer makes unusual sounds like thumping, clicking, or scraping.

  1. Let Dryer Run

    Let the dryer run for about 10 minutes. Thumping sounds are typical in a Whirlpool Cabrio dryer if it has not been used for a while.

  2. Fix Clothing in Dryer

    Pull all of the clothes out, separate them, and shake them out, then put them back in the dryer and try again. Clothing in the dryer drum that is knotted or balled up will make thumping sounds.

  3. Check for Debris

    Look inside the dryer drum with a flashlight. Credit cards, buttons, paperclips, or coins may have become lodged in the narrow spaces at either the dryer's front or rear.

  4. Re-Level Dryer

    Use an adjustable wrench to raise or lower the legs. All four legs on a Whirlpool Cabrio dryer must be installed. The dryer must be steady and level from front to back and from side to side. While it's best if the laundry room floor is level, it can have up to a 1-inch slope along the length or width of the dryer.

Cabrio Dryer Won't Heat

Certain fail-safes may prevent a dryer from starting, like the power supply, door latch, presence of too much water, or wrong settings. Failing parts, such as the heating element, solenoid, flame sensor, or igniter, might wear down over time, causing heating issues.

  1. Check Power Source and Door

    • Check the power plug did not come out of the wall or a circuit breaker hasn't tripped.
    • Verify that the door is latched. An unlatched door will prevent the cycle from starting.
  2. Set Dryer Correctly

    • Check settings to make sure the control lock is not on.
    • Verify heat settings. The clothing won't dry properly if the dryer is set to air-only, with no heat fluff or wrinkle release.
  3. Refrain From Overfilling or Drying Overly Wet Clothes

    • Avoid an overly large load that may not dry properly; do not fill more than 3/4 full.
    • Wring overly wet clothes or allow them to drip dry before completing their drying in the dryer. Clothes that are sopping wet might create pooling water conditions. Pooling water is a warning sign for a device sensor, keeping the cycle from starting.
  4. Check for a Faulty Part

    Check if the heating element, solenoid, flame sensor, or igniter is defective. Test the heating element, flame sensor, and igniter with a multimeter for continuity. If it doesn't hold a current, it's likely at fault and needs replacement.

Cabrio Dryer Won't Spin

  1. Check Settings

    Deactivate the control panel lock. If the control lock is on, the control panel is inoperable, and the machine won't spin or function.

  2. Look for Possible Drum Obstruction

    Check for loose items in the drum. Sometimes, small debris such as pins, jewelry, coins, buttons, and pen caps get caught in the drum, preventing it from moving. Remove the items to get the drum spinning again.

  3. Inspect for Faulty Parts

    Replace the defective components. Parts that will prevent a drum from spinning include the belt, motor, idler pulley, control board, drum rollers, drum slides, drum bearings, or roller shafts.

When to Call a Professional

A service technician should fix all F-series error codes. Do not open up the dryer to work on its components. Call a service technician for internal repairs or if the dryer needs a type SRD or SRDT power cord. Call a licensed electrician if the dryer does not have 30A 120/240 V service.

FAQ
  • Why are clothes still damp after a full cycle?

    The main reason clothing usually doesn't dry thoroughly is the dryer trap or screen is lined with lint. The dryer lint should be removed every time a dryer runs.

  • Why is the dryer not heating up?

    It may seem the dryer is not heating up adequately if the load is too large or the clothes are too wet. A problem with the heating element or thermal fuse can also cause heating problems.

  • How long do Whirlpool Cabrio dryers last?

    An average dryer can last about 10 years. Whirlpool Cabrio dryers tend to have a higher lifespan, lasting 14 to 17 years on average.