our trusty Whirlpool dryer developed a new habit over the weekend where it will turn when pressing the start button, but stop immediately when releasing the start button.
I checked the thermal fuse for continuity (it works), door switch (it works), and verified the drum is actually turning. Also ensured no lint in air passages/ducts, lint filter is clean as well.
Timer test as described in the tech sheet (which was taped into the control panel, I found it once I removed the rear cover) also checks out.
On most units there are two centrifugal switches on the motor that close when the motor gets close to operating speed.
One of them switches power onto the heating coil. This ensures that there is air flow before the heater comes on.
The other does two things.
It switches out the motor’s start coil as if it is left on it will overheat the motor.
It also provides a parallel circuit path around the start switch which allows you to release the start switch and the unit keeps running.
Could be the motor is clogged with lint so the centrifugal mechanism on the motor is not working. If this is the case you will not have heat if you hold the start switch on.