For a Whirlpool WED9620 that will not start, Whirlpool's article lists seven checks in a sensible order: is there power, are the controls locked, was Start pressed and held until the status lights come on, is the door latched (both latches on models with two), is anything blocking the latch, was a cycle selected that can start, and is the panel dry. The dryer will not start if the cycle control is set on the Wrinkle Shield option alone. Work down that list before suspecting a control board.
Differential
Likely causes of “Whirlpool dryer will not start”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Control Lock is on
What separates it The Control Lock light is lit and touches do nothing
How to confirm Hold the Control Lock button for three seconds to turn it off
- 2
Start was not pressed and held
What separates it The controls respond but the drum never begins to turn
How to confirm Press and hold Start, Push to Start or Hold to Start until the status lights come on
- 3
The door is not latched, or the latch is blocked
What separates it The dryer will not run although the door looks closed
How to confirm Push the door until it latches and clear clothing or packing from the latch
- 4
The cycle selected does not start on its own
What separates it The knob is on the Wrinkle Shield option and nothing runs
How to confirm Select an Automatic Dry, AccuDry or Time Dry cycle and start again
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the Control Lock light is on
- Which cycle was selected and how long Start was held
- Whether the door has one latch or two and whether packing material remains
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedCheck for power
ReversibleIf the drum light or controls do not light, use the No Power page. Everything below assumes the panel lights.
Turn Control Lock off
ReversibleWhen Control Lock is active its light is on and the controls do not respond to touch. Hold the Control Lock button for three seconds to switch it off.
Press and hold Start
ReversibleThe Start, Push to Start or Hold to Start buttons should be pressed and held until the status lights come on. Use a fingertip, and dry the panel and your hands first.
Latch the door
ReversiblePush on the door to engage the latch or latches. On models with an upper and a lower latch both must be secure. Check that no shipping material or clothing blocks the latch.
Select a starting cycle
ReversibleThe Cycle Control knob must be on an Automatic Dry, AccuDry or Time Dry cycle on some models; the dryer will not start on Wrinkle Shield alone.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Start button wording
- Whirlpool's help uses three names for the same control on different dryers: Start, Push to Start and Hold to Start, and says to press and hold until the status lights come on. The quick start describes holding Start/Pause for 1 second until all status lights are lit, then releasing. If the display counts down when you hold it, you are holding correctly.
- Parts for this problem on the WED9620 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- door switch, snap-in, w/sleeve, part number W11427601, at $45.29; motor pulley, 60 hertz, part number WP8066184, at $40.94.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models WED8620, WED6605, WED5605, WED5050, WGD9620, WGD5050, WHD560CHW.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If everything above is checked and the dryer still does not start, contact Whirlpool service with the model and serial number
- !If a breaker trips on start, stop and call an electrician
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Whirlpool's own help articles for its dryers, each; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
Whirlpool's own product-assistance articles for dryers, including the Dryer Vent Testing Kit (part W11224254).
Whirlpool's own page for this model, listing its manuals and guides and the accessories sold for it.
Whirlpool's quick start guide for its dryers: Start/Pause held for 1 second, sensor and timed cycles, Wrinkle Shield, Static Reduce and Mute Cycle Signal.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does the Control Lock light mean?+
The controls are locked and ignore touches. Hold Control Lock for three seconds to unlock.
Can the Wrinkle Shield setting stop it starting?+
On the models Whirlpool describes, yes: the dryer will not start if the knob is set to the Wrinkle Shield option instead of a drying cycle.
Do I need to open and close the door?+
If the door looks closed but is not latched, push to engage the latch. Both latches matter on two-latch models.
Why does the panel ignore me?+
Wet hands or a damp panel can stop touches registering; dry both and use a fingertip.
Is shipping material a problem?+
Whirlpool says to ensure all packing or shipping material has been removed and nothing blocks the latch.
How long is Start held on the quick start?+
The quick start says to press and hold Start/Pause for 1 second until all status lights are lit, then release.